Our relationship with God Sin and Conversion Our relationship with God

Evil in the world All physical evils are the results of Adam’s sin. Moral evil is freely chosen and can be avoided. Individuals are guilty of sin if they choose moral evil. Sin is not unique to Catholic morality.

Definition of sin Sin is any dead, work, or desire against eternal law. Sin is the voluntary transgression of the divine moral law. Sin is a turning away from God to creatures. St. Augustine

Meaning of sin in the Bible Old Testament Deviance or fall Rebelliousness New Testament “to lose the path” Iniquity or injustice

Sin as personal act Sin is an act of human freedom which comes from our knowledge. A person is always responsible for his own sins. Consequences of sin Our relationship with God Our selves – guilt Our community

Loss of the meaning of sin “the sin of the century is the loss of the meaning of sin.” – Pope Pius XII Factors contributing to the loss of the sense of sin: Cultural and ethical relativism Incorrect statements of modern psychology Confusion between morality and legality secularism

Divisions of sin Origin Original – sin committed by our first parents; everyone is born with its effects which incline us to sin (concupiscence) Actual – sin committed by an individual

Divisions of sin Gravity Mortal sin – grace offense against God; destroys our relationship with God Grave matter Full knowledge Complete consent Venial sin – less serious offense against the love of God

Divisions of sin Intent Formal – voluntary and freely chosen action contrary to the law of God Material sin – involuntary act committed without wither full knowledge or full deliberation. Not a culpable transgression.

Divisions of sin Manner Commission – act is actually committed Omission – act is something that is not done (e.g. failing to attend Mass on Sunday) Social or institutional sins

Divisions of sin Manifestation External – committed with words or actions Internal – thoughts or desires We are required to avoid the “near occasions of sin.”

Effects of sin Mortal sin Destroys love in the heart of man Turns man away from God. Venial sin allows love to subsist, but weakens it habitual, deliberate venial sin can lead to mortal sin through a gradual weakening of the love of God.

Conversion and forgiveness Call to conversion/forgiveness in the scriptures John the Baptist Jesus The Samaritan woman The Prodigal son The woman caught in adultery The good thief

Sacrament of Reconciliation Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness. It forgives original sin and any other sins. Sacrament of Reconciliation Easter Sunday evening Ordinary path to forgiveness (especially for mortal sins) Should be received regularly. Church precepts tell us to receive the sacrament at least once a year.

Contrition No sin can be forgiven – even in the sacrament of Reconciliation – without contrition, sorrow for sin. Perfect contrition -- sorrow for sins because they have offended God Imperfect contrition – sorrow for sin because it offends God, and because we fear His punishment.