Question: I am experiencing a conflict with a friend. She believes that masturbation is a grave sin. I assert that it is not. Who is correct?

— Name, location withheld

Answer: When we refer to a sin as being mortal or venial, we do so in an objective manner that does not always consider several subjective (or personal) elements. Such personal elements can lessen an individual’s culpability (or blameworthiness). Therefore, missing Mass is objectively considered a mortal sin; however, a person might miss Mass due to inadvertently oversleeping, being unwell, or simply forgetting. These circumstances can diminish one’s culpability significantly, particularly in the instance of illness.

It is akin to masturbation. Objectively considered, it is a grave sin. The Catechism states that it is “an intrinsically and gravely disordered act. The intentional use of the sexual faculty, for any reason, outside of marriage is fundamentally opposed to its intended purpose. In this case, sexual pleasure is pursued outside of the marital relationship that is required by the moral order, where the complete significance of mutual self-giving and human reproduction within the framework of genuine love is fulfilled” (No. 2352).

Nonetheless, the Catechism continues by stating that “to create a fair assessment regarding the moral accountability of the individuals and to direct pastoral efforts, it is essential to consider the emotional immaturity, the power of ingrained habits, the presence of anxiety, or other psychological or social elements that diminish, if not fully mitigate, moral blameworthiness” (No. 2352).

Therefore, individual factors play a significant role in this issue. Other sexual transgressions typically necessitate that an individual intentionally pursues opportunities for sin by viewing pornography or associating with others while arranging to be alone with them. However, one cannot merely escape from oneself or one’s own mind. Achieving self-control concerning masturbation and the sexual ideas that lead up to it often represents a prolonged process.

This does not imply that masturbation is free from sin. While it may not always be classified as mortal, it remains sinful, and one carries the burden of this wrongdoing. Frequent confession continues to be vital. No individual can serve as a judge in their own situation, and it is advisable to seek guidance from a confessor, particularly if masturbation poses a recurring issue. A competent confessor can offer a pastoral strategy for individuals grappling with this and other sins.

Sacrifice of praise

Question: In Eucharistic Prayer I, there’s a statement suggesting that the laity can present their own offering: “or they offer it for themselves. …” What does that signify?

— Name withheld via online comments

Answer: The passage you mention states, “For them, we present this offering of praise or they present it on behalf of themselves and all who are precious to them: for the salvation of their souls, with the hope of health and wellness, and rendering their respect to you, the everlasting God, living and genuine.”

Although solely the ordained priest can serve in the role of Christ and perform the Eucharist, every baptized individual participates in the royal priesthood of Jesus, as they are part of his body. The fundamental responsibility of priests is to present sacrifices to the Lord. Therefore, each member of the congregation is invited to contribute to the sacred liturgy a sacrifice of praise, or their prayers and a sacrifice of their very being. No one ought to approach the Lord without a gift. We unite our praises and sacrifices with the flawless offering of Jesus.

In the New Covenant, the priest and the sacrificial victim are identical. Therefore, we ought to present our entire being to the Lord during every Mass.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.