sin-bitten
"So Sarai said to Abram: 'You are responsible for this outrage against me. I myself gave my maid to your embrace.' " —Genesis 16:5
Sarai regretted telling Abraham to have children through her maidservant, Hagar. We likewise regret some of the decisions we have made, and we should especially regret our sins.
When we regret our sins, we should not follow the example of Sarai and blame others (see Gn 16:5). Nor should we take out our regrets on others, as Sarai did to Hagar (Gn 16:6). Nevertheless, when we sin, we are inevitably tempted to commit more sins to express our frustration or to try to get ourselves out of the consequences of our first sin.
Sin is going to lead either to more sin or to repentance. In sin, we must repent as soon as possible before we commit the next sin(s). If you had rapidly growing cancer, would you get an operation as soon as possible? If you were bitten by a poisonous snake and deadly venom was pulsing through your bloodstream, would you seek help immediately? When you sin, repent and go to Confession immediately. Don't waste time blaming others or trying to weasel your way out of the effects of sin. Repent now.
Prayer: Father, wake me up to the toxicity of sin.
Promise: "Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock." —Mt 7:24
Praise: Michael reconciled with his sister.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2014
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