Vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose, or also be linked to the capital sins which Christian experience has distinguished, following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great. They are called “capital” because they engender other sins, other vices.They are pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth. (1866 CCC)
+
What leads us to sin besides, the world, the flesh and the devil?
Pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth (1866 CCC). They are the Seven Capital Sins. Capital because they are deadly. Deadly because they lead us to commit mortal sin. Mortal sin which leads us to separation from God, spiritual death and eternal damnation if we willingly choose to remain unrepentant.
+++ +++ +++
What is pride?
An excessive belief in one’s own abilities or qualities, which can lead to arrogance and self-centeredness.
What are the effects on the soul?
It leads to ambition, vainglory, presumption, rash judgement and hypocrisy
+++
What is avarice (greed)?
It is an insatiable desire for material wealth or possessions, leading to selfishness and exploitation of others.
What are the effects on the soul?
It leads to unkindness, dishonesty, deceit and want of charity.
+++
What is envy?
It is a deep seated sorrow of resentment or discontentment towards others for their possessions, success, or virtues.
What are the effects on the soul?
It leads the separation from God, a want of charity for our neighbor and produces a spirit of detraction, back-biting and slander.
+++
4.What is wrath (anger)?
Uncontrollable feelings of anger and hatred towards others or an excessive desire for revenge, leading to destructive behavior.
What are the effects on the soul?
It leads to impatience, hatred, irreverence, and the habit of cursing God and neighbor.
+++
5.What is lust?
An intense or uncontrolled desire for sinful physical pleasures, often leading to immoral behavior against the Sixth Commandment.
What are the effects on the soul?
It leads to a distaste for holy things, a perverted conscience, a hatred for God, and it very frequently leads to a complete loss of faith.
+++
6.What is gluttony?
An excessive indulgence in food or drink, showing a lack of self-control and moderation.
What are the effects on the soul?
A slave to most or all sins that are mentioned above (a weak will) especially lust and sloth, lack of self-control, guilt and shame.
Is drunkenness a mortal sin?
Deliberate drunkenness is always a mortal sin if the person be completely deprived of the use of reason by it, but drunkenness that is not intended or desired may be excused from mortal sin.
+++
7.What is sloth (acedia)?
A laziness of body and mind or apathy towards spiritual or moral responsibilities, resulting in neglect of one’s duties
What are the effects on the soul?
A spirit of indifference in our spiritual duties, a disgust for prayer and vulnerable to temptations,
The root of all sins lies in man’s heart (1873 CCC)
In order to grow in closer communion with God (holiness) we need to:
1.Quit sinning, mortally.
2. Go to confession regularly. Once a year is not simply not enough for anyone that is serious about prayer.
“Go to confession regularly. Confession is the soul’s bath. You must go at least once a month. I want you to be clean. Do not neglect confession, even though you have no grievous sins to confess. Nations are governed by the confessional. – Saint John Vianney
3. Root out your predominant defect (vice).
If you are not sure what your favorite sin is ask you Guardian Angel and Our Lady of Sorrow (it must be under this title of her) to show you, to courage to surrender it to Christ & to obtain the grace needed to over come it. It is pertinent to increase devotion one’s Guardian Angel and Our Lady in this relentless battle. Do not be shocked at what is being revealed. Rather, fall at Jesus’s feet and repent. He will flood your soul with sanctifying grace through the sacrament of Confession to get up, dust yourself off and continue fighting.
Remember, you are not alone. God is with you. Do not be afraid to take an honest, hard look at yourself.
+ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. +
CCC = Catechism of the Catholic Church
No responses yet