We Sin by Consenting
he law is good
because it forbids what ought to be forbidden and commands what ought to
be commanded. But when people imagine that they can fulfill the law by
their own strength without the grace of their Savior, this presumption
proves useless, and in fact even harms them, for they are then seized by
a stronger desire to sin, and through their sins they also become transgressors.
For where there is no law, neither is there transgression.
Therefore, let the prostrate sinner, knowing that he cannot rise by
his own strength, implore the aid of the Savior. Then he will be given
grace which will forgive past sins, assist his own efforts, bestow a love
of righteousness, and take away fear. Even after this happens, various
desires of the flesh will continue to battle against our spirit as long
as we are in this present life, and will try to lead it into sin, but the
spirit, firmly established in the grace and love of God, will resist these
desires and cease to sin. For we sin not by having evil desires, but by
consenting to them.
From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Tradition Day by Day: Readings from
Church Writers. Augustinian Press. Villanova, PA, 1994.
HTML text prepared by David P. Steelman.
The "Daily Reflection" page on the Villanova University web site is sponsored by
the Office for Mission Effectiveness. For more information about the office, contact Dr.
Christopher M. Janosik,
christopher.janosik@villanova.edu
This page was updated on
Monday July 28, 2003.
