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Hi, Ulysses —
I'm not quite sure I understand the scenario you're describing, but I'll do my best.
Mortal sin depends on three factors:
- It must be, objectively, a grave evil.
- You must know that it is a grave evil.
- You must freely consent to committing it.
Usually when these questions come up, it's the third factor that is key. Factors such as:
- being coerced
- not having enough time to make a deliberate decision
- being in a weakened state of mind (insane, half-asleep, etc.)
- even habit or addiction
can reduce your consent enough to make the sin not mortal. Of course, all sin is grievous and injures our souls, and we must strive to avoid it.
As I say this, please keep in mind that I am not a priest and am not trained pastorally; for specific situations, I encourage you to go to Confession and discuss the question with the priest.
I don't think not thinking of the consequences per se is enough to make it not mortal, unless this meant that you didn't realize you were committing a grave sin. i.e., you didn't think you could go to Hell. But it suggests to me you might have done it impulsively.
Unless you realize that it is wrong, that it is in fact seriously wrong, and you have a free opportunity to avoid it but deliberately choose to do it anyway despite knowing all this, it might not be a mortal sin.
Think of the distinction between first and second degree murder. Murder is pre-mediated; the person coolly thinks about it, plans it and willfully carries it out. In second degree murder, someone might become enraged and do something they regret while their passions are out of control.
All sins, mortal and otherwise, involve temptation, so being tempted is not any excuse or mitigating factor.
- How else are you going to sin unless you are tempted?
A conscious desire to betray God is not necessary, either. Merely committing the act is enough to make it a mortal sin. It is an implicit way of betraying God. For example, a man might say he didn't mean to be unfaithful when he committed adultery, but by that very fact, he was being unfaithful.
It's usually good to go to Confession when you think you've committed a mortal sin, because the grace of God comes in Confession, even when it doesn't reach the level of a mortal sin. Of course, implicit in this is:
- that you must take responsibility for it
- turn away from the sin (repent), and
- resolve not to do it again.
Eric
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