need some clarity

[heyyoimjohnny]

Am I in mortal sin? This past weekend I was around several attractive females. My eyes rove and find things quickly; particularly backsides and legs. It happens before I know what I'm doing, and when I realize, I look away and let potentially harmful thoughts pass. But it happens over and over again; a constant struggle of controlling my eyes and fighting the temptation to keep looking. Now I know I fight the temptation when my stupid eyes rove, but the process keeps repeating; look, give self a mental slap over the head, look away, let the thoughts pass, repeat. Am I in mortal sin? Should I go to confession about this before I recieve Communion? I'm really not sure if it is, and the more I think about it, the more I think it isn't mortal, but maybe even just a near occasion of sin... but I don't know. I've got a detestable heaviness of heart and I can't think of any other reasons why this is. Thank you for your time, Godbless.

[cappie]

[b]External Sins against Modesty[/b]

Such things such as looks, touches, embraces, kisses in themselves are morally indifferent. They become sinful through one's intention and especially because of their influence in exciting sexual pleasure. [b]What is then important is the intention to arouse sexual pleasure. [/b]This would make it gravely sinful, if not, then there is no sin.

[b]Internal Sins against Modesty[/b]

In general people refer to all internal sins against chastity as "impure thoughts". It is sinful to conceive such thoughts with an [i]impure intention[/i] . If there is no [i]impure intention[/i] then there is no sin. There is still an obligation to avoid such thoughts if ther is a real chance they will lead to unchaste desires.

In your specific case I would say it is certainly not mortally sinful and I would have grave doubt that it is a venial sin. Howerver if you are still worried then speak to a priest in Confession.