Our Catholic Teaching on Sin

We are taught that sin exists within us and around us.  There are many kinds of sin:  original sin, mortal sin, venial sin and systemic sin.

Original sin is the inherited human condition of being flawed.  We are created by God; we are wonderfully made.  Our flawed condition is from us turning from God in our origins.

Mortal sin is a grave, deadly turning from God.  Our teachings tell us the Sacrament of Reconciliation is needed as soon as possible when we have gravely sinned.  The church defines some grave sins:  destruction of human life, willfully not worshiping God on Sunday, dismissing the church’s laws of marriage, etc.

Venial sin is the turning from God in minor ways.  These sins are personal and when identified need an act of sorrow to God.

Systemic sin is likely least known by many but the most difficult sin with which we struggle.  Systemic sins are sins beyond just one person.  These are the sins that keep on giving:  addictions, fraud, political systems, ignorance, etc.  Systemic sins cause and perpetuate the poor, the marginalized; and those we have been taught to ignore or hate.  Flawed systems can be abusive homes which can damage the system of marriage for future generations; they can be political systems.  

Sometimes we excuse ourselves from responsible Christian living by identifying a flawed system, but we are called to literally change the face of the earth.  Fixing systems that we did not break is our call.  Failure to act on God’s grace which perpetuates the sins of our fathers is in itself a sin.  Changing systems presumes the conversion and repentance within our self.  Systemic sin can easily be the sin of omission.

Though we are surrounded and saturated in sin, the grace of God is all the more powerful.  Christ has conquered sin and death.  The Mass begins with us calling to mind our sins.  It continues to call upon the Word of God to be aware of conversion.  The institution narrative over the bread and wine asks for the forgiveness of sins.  The Lamb takes away our sins.  We as Catholics are not obsessed by sin but rather immersed in God’s extravagant love.  We know that we cannot save ourselves.

In this Year of Faith commemorating 50 years since the Second Vatican Council, reconciliation is a huge part of our renewal.  There is an invitation to come home.  You will see billboards stating that the light is on for you.  Each Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 in all parishes of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, confessors are available to welcome folks home.  Here at Risen Savior Parish our Saturday confessions will also be heard from 2:30 until 3:45 PM.

There is a bumper sticker that says:  God Is Not Through With Me Yet.  Our journey of redemption and forgiveness is what we sinners celebrate.