Which is a better choice?

[Jacki]

My best friend has a good heart but she isn't very religious. We went to confession together maybe three months ago and sometimes she will say to me now 'well at least I will go to heaven I went to confession' playfully to me and I know she is in mortal sin. I know by not saying anything it's my sin but I feel I would rather atone and confess for it on Earth rather then her maybe going to hell for knowing her sin. Is this wrong?

[Brigid]

To me, yes. It is certainly possible to let her know (tactfully) that you believe ......... is a serious sin and to be spoken of in confession. Then let the priest do with that as he sees fit. You don't need to do anymore, but I would keep my eye out for a friend who is a more devout Catholic and will assist you to get to heaven. Not a must as it is with a spouse but preferable. I would also pray for that friend.

[Shin]

Pray from the heart for God's sake for your friend!

It's hard to know how to speak a word in season and make good progress with it, it takes thought about the person you are speaking to and what that person might listen to and might not.

[pebbles]

I think it's a matter of whose heart is more open to Christ.  It seems yours is.

Any religious practice or sacrament taken without the proper perspective is not very effective.  I know many people think just because they go to mass on Sunday they'll go to heaven.  And Protestants believe that just as long as they've accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they merit heaven.

To have a good heart is good but it isn't enough.  As Catholics we are taught to have both faith and do the work.  It's not either/or.  It's AND.  That is what will save us and get us to heaven.   

You can tell your friend tactfully of the "truth" but it is her choice to believe.  Like I said, it is the openness of one's heart to receive truth that will help your friend. 

And pray for her that she'll open her heart to Jesus.

God bless.

[Patricia]

Hello Pebbles, welcome to the Saints forum!  It is nice to see you revive some of the interesting threads.  You can introduce yourself if you wish at the 'Introductions again' thread. You will find it under the 'Daily Life' section. Hope to hear back from you soon!

[Therese]

When the time is right try to gently point out to your friend her objective sin, if you don't want it to be an obstacle to her to enter Heaven.  Just don't ever fraternally correct anybody when you are angry or impatient.  God bless you.

[Poche]

My best friend has a good heart but she isn't very religious. We went to confession together maybe three months ago and sometimes she will say to me now 'well at least I will go to heaven I went to confession' playfully to me and I know she is in mortal sin. I know by not saying anything it's my sin but I feel I would rather atone and confess for it on Earth rather then her maybe going to hell for knowing her sin. Is this wrong?

How do you know that she is in the state of mortal sin? She just came out of confession. We don't know what she said in there. And the priest isn't going to tell you. And if you listened in then that would be a mortal sin on your part.