CLE REVIEWER

Understanding the Meaning of Sin in Catholic Perspective

• Definition of Sin: is defined as an offense against God, a violation of divine law, or a failure to live in accordance with God's will.
  

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): defines sin as "an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law" (CCC 1849).
  

• Effects of Sin:
  

  • Spiritual Death: Sin leads to a separation from God, who is the source of life.

  • Loss of Grace: Mortal sin, in particular, results in the loss of sanctifying grace and needs repentance to restore the individual to communion with God.

  • Social and Personal Consequences: Sin also harms others, leading to broken relationships and social disharmony.

Division, Principle, and Types of Sin

a) Original Sin: refers to the state of sin inherited by all human beings due to Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.

• Baptism: the sacrament that washes away original sin

b) Omission and Commission:

• Sin of Omission: This occurs when a person fails to do something required by God's law, such as failing to help someone in need or neglecting to pray.

• Sin of Commission: This involves actively doing something that is sinful, such as lying, stealing, or committing murder.

c) Venial and Mortal Sin:

• Venial Sin: A lesser sin that does not sever the relationship with God but weakens it. Venial sins can be forgiven through prayer, the Eucharist, and acts of charity.

• Mortal Sin: A serious sin that breaks one's relationship with God. Mortal sin is committed when the following conditions are met:

  1. Grave Matter: The act is intrinsically evil and immoral (e.g., murder, adultery).

  2. Full Knowledge: The person is fully aware that the act is sinful.

  3. Deliberate Consent: The person freely chooses to commit the sin.

• Consequences of Mortal Sin: results in the loss of sanctifying grace and requires the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) to be forgiven.

d) Internal and External Sin:

• Internal Sin: Refers to sinful thoughts or desires, even if not acted upon. For example, harboring hatred or lust is a form of internal sin.

• External Sin: Refers to actions that are visibly sinful, such as stealing or lying. External sin involves acting on sinful thoughts or desires.

7 Capital Sins (Deadly Sins)

The seven capital sins are considered the root causes of other sinful behavior. They are called "capital" because they lead to other sins and are dangerous to the soul.

1. Pride: Excessive belief in one's abilities or importance, often leading to the downfall of others.

2. Greed: An insatiable desire for material wealth or possessions, often at the expense of others.

3. Lust: An intense desire for sexual pleasure outside of the natural moral order.

4. Envy: Jealousy of others’ good fortune or success, often leading to ill-will or resentment.

5. Gluttony: Overindulgence in food or drink to the detriment of one's health or spiritual life.

6. Wrath: Extreme anger or hatred that can lead to violence or destruction.

7. Sloth: Laziness or indifference, particularly in relation to one's spiritual or moral duties.

Uphold the Dignity of Human Life

Human Life as Sacred: In Catholic teaching, human life is sacred from conception to natural 

Respect for Life: Catholics are called to respect and protect human life, including the unborn, the elderly, and those with disabilities, as well as to care for the environment and creation.

Opposition to Abortion and Euthanasia: The Catholic Church opposes abortion and euthanasia as direct violations of the sanctity of life.

Social Justice: Upholding the dignity of human life also means addressing issues like poverty, hunger, inequality, and injustice, which threaten human dignity and well-being.

Call for Mercy and Compassion: Catholics are urged to be merciful and compassionate, reaching out to those who suffer and working to alleviate injustice and suffering in society.

Jesus Helps Us to Overcome the Threats to Life

Jesus as the Savior: Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior who came to redeem humanity from sin, death, and the threat of eternal separation from God. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus offers the ultimate hope for eternal life.

Healing and Compassion: Jesus' ministry on Earth included healing the sick, comforting the broken-hearted, and offering forgiveness to sinners. His teachings encourage compassion for those in need and provide guidance on how to protect and value life.

The Call to Follow Christ: Jesus calls His followers to live out the values of love, mercy, and justice, showing that the protection of life goes beyond the physical and includes the moral, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person’s being.

Eternal Life: Catholics believe that through Jesus, they are offered the promise of eternal life, which helps overcome the fear of death and gives meaning to human existence beyond earthly life.

Advent Season

• Definition of Advent: Advent is the liturgical season in the Catholic Church that marks the beginning of the Church year. It is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival."
  
  

• Duration: Advent lasts for four weeks, starting on Sunday closest to November 30 (the feast of St. Andrew) and ending on Christmas Eve.
  
  

• Themes of Advent:
  
  

  1. Hope: Advent is a season of expectant waiting and hope for the coming of Christ. It reminds Catholics to prepare spiritually for His return at the end of time.

  2. Peace: The season emphasizes the peace that Christ brings into the world and into the hearts of those who follow Him.

  3. Joy: Advent encourages joy in anticipation of the coming of the Savior.

  4. Love: The love of God is central to the Advent message, as Catholics reflect on God's love in sending His Son to be born in Bethlehem.

• Advent Wreath: The Advent wreath is a symbol used in many Catholic homes and churches during Advent. It consists of a circular wreath with four candles (three purple and one pink), which are lit progressively throughout the season. The candles represent hope, peace, joy, and love, respectively.
  
  

• Advent Calendar: An Advent calendar is used by many families to count down the days until Christmas. It often includes a daily Scripture reading or prayer.
  
  

• Focus on Repentance and Reflection: While Advent is a time of joyous anticipation, it is also a time for personal reflection, prayer, and repentance in preparation for the coming of Christ. Catholics are encouraged to examine their lives, confess sins, and prepare spiritually for Christmas.
  
  

End of Advent: The season culminates in the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus (Christmas), which marks His birth and the fulfillment of God's promise of a Savior.