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Hi, Frank —
Thanks for the question.
The issue is whether you intend to
commit the sin again, not whether
you know you are going to.
Some sins are habitual, especially
some sins against chastity. We need
to resolve to try and resist them,
even though we know our own weakness.
In those cases, although the matter
is grave,
we may not have full consent of the
will and so the culpability for the
sin is lessened.
Nevertheless, we need to be willing
to take steps to avoid the sin.
For example: If a person is struggling
with an addiction to pornography,
they have to resolve to avoid it.
They can start by getting rid of
any porn they may have in the house.
They might have to block it from
their internet access.
Sometimes it requires a lifestyle
change. If someone is cohabitating
outside of marriage,
they need to change that situation
as soon as possible and, in the mean
time, take steps so they don't fall
into fornication.
It all boils down to whether or not
you are willing to take some steps
to avoid the sin in the future. God
is always willing to forgive, but
we don't want to take that for granted.
Rather,
he wants us to be empowered by His
Mercy, not only to be forgiven, but
to overcome the sin.
Confession gives
us grace to overcome the sin if we
avail ourselves of the grace given.
I hope that helps,
John DiMascio
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