“Is This a Sin?”

If you begin to sin but don’t follow all the way through… is it still a sin? It depends.

We’re offered two different scenarios. In one, the person is prevented from sinning due to external factors that make it impractical or impossible to commit the sin they had planned on. In the second scenario, we see someone preparing to sin, but then freely and rationally choosing not to. The first scenario is a sin, but the second is a virtuous act. Why?

Because the second person freely decided not to commit sin, they morally aligned themselves toward the good when they had previously been aimed towards sin. They redirected their will toward God when they could have continued to go against him. In a simpler sense, they were headed down a bad path, but then turned around before making it to their destination.

That being said, while the second person did realign themselves toward virtue, the extent to which they consented to this sin ahead of time may be worth a confession. Even though the person chose virtue in the end, their soul was still burdened with those thoughts, and in confession, those burdens are lifted through forgiveness.

The beautiful part about our faith is that we have a Savior who is always ready and willing to forgive us. Surrendering our hearts to him creates a living relationship with God, where we trust his knowledge of our hearts, and run to him whenever we are in need of saving.

❓ Have ideas for future videos ❓ Topics you want to hear about ❓ Questions you want answered ❓ Make sure to put #AskAscension in your comment 👍

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[thepunkrockchristian]

5 years ago I would’ve never said this with a gun to my head, but I can’t wait till I can go to confession! I’m (God willing) getting baptized this year and I’ve never been so ready for anything.

[ADORATION_OFFICIAL]

Hey Father Mike, Lutheran here, but I gotta say you have been a great influence in my spiritual life. Thank you!

[praytherosaryeveryday]

The blessed virgin Mary said at one of her apparitions that "monthly confession will be the remedy for the west". So we should all Do an examination of conscience every night and unburden our soul's at least once a month and pray the rosary daily and we will have peace and strength to carry our crosses in life

[MrLetmein]

At the age of 59 I am being drawn back to the Catholic Church, it feels good xx
I listen to Father Mike’s rosary video several times a day.
God Bless you Fr Mike 🙏🏻

[Katherine-ugdl]

Lately, when I feel myself getting frustrated and overwhelmed, moving toward anger, I've been getting the regular impulse to pray against it rather than go along with it. It's such a blessing that in my struggles and failures I am being drawn closer to God.

[melissaumuhire]

PLEASE MAKE THAT VIDEO ON CONFESSING THINGS THAT AREN'T SINS 😌 I struggle with this

[daveg]

Yes! Please do a video about “not sure if this is a sin but I’ll confess it anyways “

[michaelacioffi]

A few weeks ago I went to confession and apart from confessing my sins I also shared something that I was troubled with for a while, and I remember the love and mercy that I received was overwhelming that in my heart I saw Jesus through the priest whom I was confessing to.

[jordangeier]

Why we need to ALL pray the Holy Rosary everyday.

[einarabelc]

Your Podcast is helping like this: "It's not about that God wants us to believe in Him. He wants us to Belong to Him, willfully and lovingly". That not only explains a lot of things historically and in a matter of societal patterns but must importantly personally. I can think of John Paul's II courage streaming from that decision to Belong to God.

[jula]

Fr. Mike is amazing 🤩
Greetings from Poland 😊

[raros]

Thank you father, you just helped me more than you know😊

[edfulginiti]

I do NOT like going to confession…but every time I do, I always feel soooo good! Blessings.

[dutchknight]

I’ve had this question in the back of my mind forever. Thank you for answering this great moral question!

[st.michaelthearchangel]

This is why it’s such a gift to be Catholic: we can dig down into the nitty gritty of our sins, root them out, and go to confession, allowing for more of God’s Grace to enter our heart and permeate our soul.

This is why there are so many saints in the Church. What a pity to reject the sacraments that our separated brothers and sisters do. :/

[cuauhtemocmorisco]

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

[lizb]

The example that Father Mike gives is one that's quite straightforward. The intention to do wrong, to hurt someone or commit a bad action, is there, so, is in itself a sin, therefore worthy of confession.

[nachtigon]

God bless and promote such a priests like Schmidt, Goring, Altman...and many other...all faithful bishops and all Catholics with brain in their heads and God in their hearts!

[mmswp.channel]

You create daily podcast and are still able to record preaching video... Thank you so much for your words!

[evelynr]

Wonderful Father Mike, please make the other video that you mentioned here. We love hearing you always Father Mike. God Bless You