BLOG POST | Hey Deacon!

Why is missing Mass a mortal sin?
It’s not like I stole anything or killed someone?

To answer this question properly we need to define sin.
Christian doctrine teaches that we are born with original sin; the sin we inherited from Adam and Eve that caused the fall of the entire world. This doctrine is the prerequisite for the Christian understanding of the meaning of Jesus’ crucifixion and atonement. One can choose not to believe this doctrine, but in reality, it is non-negotiable.

What kind of sin is mortal?

A mortal sin must meet three conditions:

1. Be of grave matter

2. Be committed with full knowledge, and

3. Be committed with deliberate consent of the sinner.

This means that mortal sins cannot be done "accidentally."
And at the heart of sin, there is a declaration. “God, I know what you want me to do. I don’t care. I am going to do what I want to anyway.”

The Church teaches that breaking any of the 10 Commandments, or variation of, is a mortal sin. The first commandment calls us to worship and love God. The third commandment says, keep holy the Lord’s Day. As Catholics, we love and keep holy the Lord’s Day through obedience and worship. Sunday Mass does both. If there was ever a testament on whether or not you belong to God, it is by attending Mass.

The argument that I can love God on my own terms, that I don’t need church or to attend Mass is a false declaration. To love requires sacrifice and there is no personal sacrifice when it is all about you. When you miss Mass you are not worshiping God, but yourself.

The point of Mass is worship. The heart of worship is sacrifice. Missing Mass reveals your heart.

Is God first in your heart?



Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn