To the penitent God provides a way back,
he encourages those who are losing hope
and has chosen for them the lot of truth.
Return to him and give up sin…
Stand firm in the way set before you,
in prayer to the Most High God. – Sirach 17.24 – 30
Sin is aimless living. Sin is missing the point of our life. Sin is deep forgetfulness of who we are and who we can become. Sin is an atmosphere that feeds our will with foggy misdirection. As a result, we often end up locating ourselves in situations, moods, choices, experiences that are less than our heart’s desire.
A way back is provided, close to each of us. Within each of us. It is our attention. Our attention is an expression of our will. It can be fed with the silence, in the solitude, in the sacrament of Eucharist and in holy scriptures – in both its forms: the book of words and the book of nature.
Lent nears. An ideal time of the year to daily re-connect with the way back. Perhaps the Way is the Eucharist. Jesus instructs: “Do this…in remembrance of me.” Another way of saying that is, Give your attention to me.
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I’m not certain that defining sin as you have is either true or useful. Indeed these definitions of sin may place a heavy burden on individuals dealing with many life situations that do not have answers such as disease. Certainly turning to God and trusting in God is correct, but life demands and requires our attention in very painful situations. And I find it hard to call this a sin. It is the journey where we are all tested. The actual sin may be in loosing our belief in God when we are tested, although I have huge compassion for people who are tested by life in ways that are incomprehensible.
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Thank you, Peter, for this beautiful framing of the word and concept of sin. I find it incredibly powerful, useful AND true. Blessings to you this Lent.
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