Does sin exist? What does it mean to sin? The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states in article 1849 that sin is an offense against reason, truth and right conscience. It is a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. It wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity. It has been defined as “an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law.”
Love is willing the good of the other.
I am a sinner, this I know and I am grateful for the Sacrament of Reconciliation which Christ instituted, not man.
Pope Benedict XVI stated truth is a person, not a set of principles and I believe he also stated heaven is a person. This person he speaks of is Jesus The Nazorean, The Christ, who walk the earth as the God-man circa 0-33AD before being beaten, scourged, humiliated, immolated and finally crucified to death; who rose from the dead, ascended to heaven with the Father and Holy Spirit and who sent the Holy Spirit to us on Pentecost Sunday.
ALL SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ARE GOD MADE NOT MAN MADE – INSTITUED BY CHRIST!
In addition to Christ’s gift of Reconciliation (see 2 Cor. 5:18), Jesus gave us the Eucharist (see Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20, John 6:51, 1 Cor. 11:23-26) and Baptism (see Matthew 3:13-17, 28:18-20; Acts 1:5, 2:38) and Holy Orders (see Luke 22:7-30, John 20:21-23), and Matrimony (Matthew 19:4-9) and Anointing of the Sick (see Mark 6:13, James 5:14) and Confirmation (see John 14:15-26; Hebrews 6:2; Acts 8:14-17, 9:17, 19:6).
ALL CALLED TO HOLINESS AND CHASTITY
Please read documents from Vatican II, especially Lumen Gentium chapter 5, The Universal Call to Holiness. Holiness simply stated is being like God (see Matthew 5:48) and Humanae Vitae by Pope St Paul VI (see 1 Timothy 5:2). Please note this cannot be attained on your own. You and I need God’s grace (or life) in us and the help of others to attain this so be sure to surround yourself with others who are striving for Holiness.
When we sin we fall short or miss the mark but we must take sin seriously as it leads to eternal separation with God if we don’t repent or turn around, confess it and change. All and any of us can be attracted adversely to gambling, alcohol, drugs, sex, food and more.
SEX IS FOR MARRIAGE AND MARRIAGE IS BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN
Our Lord Jesus never said it will be easy here and as matter of fact he said it will be difficult – see Matthew 7:13-14. It takes work, discipline, a lot of prayer and I mean a serious amount of prayer. Don’t give up and don’t give in. You and I don’t deserve anything regardless of what life has dealt us. All is grace and all is gift from God.
Begin now by Walking By Faith To Live Joyfully!
Charles DeFeo: Catholic Blogger and Useless Servant of Christ 