10-23-2011, 08:14 PM
I have a few questions that have got me thinking. I think this is the appropriate subforum for this. This might have been better as separate threads, but they are interrelated, I think.
The first question has to deal with the efficacy of prayers.
It is my (very light and shallow) understanding that when one is in a state of mortal sins, one's prayers are not very efficacious? Is this right or wrong? Like, this is not the proper way to understand it, but say I am in a state of mortal sin and I pray the Rosary. Is that less efficacious than if I am in a state of grace? How so? And why is that the case? Does it still have worth to pray whilst in a state of mortal sin? (Aside from the obvious, get yourself to confession ASAFP).
The next is the Mass question (half-inspired by Miss_Fluffy's post).
Since the Mass is (objectively) the highest form of worship man can give to God (the second seeming to be the Divine Office - the other public prayer of the Church), it is required that we attend, unite our prayers with the priest, and offer the Mass to God. We owe God, by nature of our existence (and in a form of justice [not the right word]), praise, thanksgiving, adoration, and contrition. So I guess that, for me, rationalizes the holy day obligation. Or is there more to it that I'm missing or not understanding?
But, if one's prayers are not efficacious while in a state of mortal sin, aside from piling on more sins to be confessed and purged at the Purgatory (at the least, God willing), what use is it to go to Mass? (That question does, admittedly, have a tint of despair to it).
A question regarding the graces God gives us.
And then, it is obvious that God gives us grace to deal with all the excrement thrown at us by life. If one is in a state of mortal sin, can one still receive these graces? Are they muted? Or are they not received? Or, do they accumulate until one confesses their sins, and then are dumped like a bucket of water on the penitent? And, to use a (poor) utilitarian viewpoint of the Mass: if God gives us graces by attending Mass, then clearly we should go. But, is it "worth" going to fulfill the obligation even if the graces aren't acquired?
And lastly, how to avoid despair.
How do you avoid despair or hopelessness, when one does not/cannot get to confession in an orderly time and the sins just pile up, and then it just seems like "Oh, well, what's one more sin on top of this list of X"?
If possible, please provide some sourcing/backing/documents/books to read up on/think about.
Responses are appreciated. :)
The first question has to deal with the efficacy of prayers.
It is my (very light and shallow) understanding that when one is in a state of mortal sins, one's prayers are not very efficacious? Is this right or wrong? Like, this is not the proper way to understand it, but say I am in a state of mortal sin and I pray the Rosary. Is that less efficacious than if I am in a state of grace? How so? And why is that the case? Does it still have worth to pray whilst in a state of mortal sin? (Aside from the obvious, get yourself to confession ASAFP).
The next is the Mass question (half-inspired by Miss_Fluffy's post).
Since the Mass is (objectively) the highest form of worship man can give to God (the second seeming to be the Divine Office - the other public prayer of the Church), it is required that we attend, unite our prayers with the priest, and offer the Mass to God. We owe God, by nature of our existence (and in a form of justice [not the right word]), praise, thanksgiving, adoration, and contrition. So I guess that, for me, rationalizes the holy day obligation. Or is there more to it that I'm missing or not understanding?
But, if one's prayers are not efficacious while in a state of mortal sin, aside from piling on more sins to be confessed and purged at the Purgatory (at the least, God willing), what use is it to go to Mass? (That question does, admittedly, have a tint of despair to it).
A question regarding the graces God gives us.
And then, it is obvious that God gives us grace to deal with all the excrement thrown at us by life. If one is in a state of mortal sin, can one still receive these graces? Are they muted? Or are they not received? Or, do they accumulate until one confesses their sins, and then are dumped like a bucket of water on the penitent? And, to use a (poor) utilitarian viewpoint of the Mass: if God gives us graces by attending Mass, then clearly we should go. But, is it "worth" going to fulfill the obligation even if the graces aren't acquired?
And lastly, how to avoid despair.
How do you avoid despair or hopelessness, when one does not/cannot get to confession in an orderly time and the sins just pile up, and then it just seems like "Oh, well, what's one more sin on top of this list of X"?
If possible, please provide some sourcing/backing/documents/books to read up on/think about.
Responses are appreciated. :)