Our Sinfulness as a Fact of Life

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

WE should not overreact when faced with this reality of our life. While we will try our best to avoid sin, we know that, given our weaknesses and the many temptations around, it would just be a matter of time before we fall again into sin, if not a big one then at least a small one which can even be more dangerous since it can easily pass unnoticed.

Christ has assured us that he has taken care of everything. Mercy is always available. All we have to do is to go back to him asking for forgiveness as quickly as possible, and minimize the drama that our emotions, still unanimated by our Christian faith, would provoke.

This reassurance of the constant availability of divine mercy has been shown and articulated in many instances in the gospel. The parable of the prodigal son, the mercy given to the woman caught in adultery, and ultimately, Christ bearing all our sins and offering forgiveness to everyone including those who crucified him by offering his life on the cross, speak very eloquently of this reassurance.

We should not overreact when we fall into sin. Such behavior can only show our lack of faith in God, our preference to be guided only by our own criteria, etc. Rather, what we should do is, after asking for forgiveness, focus more on doing a lot of good as a way of atoning for our sins and of showing our growing love for God and for everyone.

We should not be afraid nor ashamed to admit our sinfulness. That would make our life simpler and lighter, freed from unnecessary burden. That would make us more able to carry out our human and Christian duties more faithfully and generously.

We should avoid staying too long keeping some guilt-feelings and sadness in our heart. These conditions are not good for us. They are harmful, and worse, they can be like wedges that make more openings for temptations to come to us. We should get rid of these feelings as soon as possible.

The ideal condition is always for us to be at peace with God and with everybody else. We have to ooze with our faith-based confidence. The moment we feel some disturbance in our hearts, we should act quickly to seek relief through God’s mercy. Remember St. Paul saying, “Where sin abounded, grace did more abound.” (Rom 5,20) God is slow to anger and quick to forgive.

God is always a father to us. He will always understand us and will do everything to help us. Before him, we are like little children who cannot avoid making a mess around. Let’s remember that we have to contend not only with our own weaknesses, but also with powerful evil spiritual enemies.

Let’s remember that God never tires of forgiving us. It is not his delight to see our spiritual death. Rather, he is happy when we go back to him like the prodigal son. This should give us an idea about what would make God happy with us.

Remember Christ’s words in the parables of the lost coin, lost sheep and the prodigal son: “There shall be joy before the angels of God upon one sinner doing penance.” (Lk 15,10)

It surely would be good if we develop the habit of making regular examinations of conscience at the end of each day, and end our day asking for forgiveness. Going to frequent confession is very much advisable, as well as availing of spiritual direction where we should lay all the cards on the table, unafraid and unashamed to show ourselves as we are and ready to carry out whatever piece of advice is given us.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com