Matthew,

• You can pair any two sins against each other but what is the point?

Sin is wrong, period. It doesn't matter who does it. All are accountable to God who will judge each person's culpability perfectly.

In our estimation, priests who sin in this regard will face dire culpability because of:

• their unique place in God's mission. and
• people's trust in their priesthood.

I wouldn't want to be in that position but would pray for mercy, even for the worst sinners.

Peace,

Bob Kirby

Hi Matthew,

I just wanted to add to Bob's fine answer.

We have received similar questions in the past and, though I am not accusing you of doing this, sense that there is a rationalizing of logic going on behind these types of questions:

• Sin X is sinful
  
• Sin Y is much, much more sinful
  
• False erroneous conclusion: Sin X really isn't that bad, so we can go ahead and do it.
  

Sorry, this line of thinking doesn't pass the smell test. Like Bob said, sin is sin.

The Lord also knows when your trying to rationalize sin as something that is not sinful.

Mike

Hi Matthew,

This is a common question; it's even in our searchable knowledge base:

https://www.AskACatholic.com/SiteSearch

There are a lot of quick answers there, so give it a try.

I searched the knowledge base for you and found these web postings that should answer your questions:

• What does a Catholic do who receives different priestly counsel in Confession on masturbation?
• What's your advice for a 60-year-old gal who struggles with concupiscence and sins of the flesh?

I think these postings will help. If not just come back.

Keep in mind, Jesus was a man like us in all things but sin, so He understands any struggles we are going through.

Mike