Root Sins

Sin is a transgression against the divine law...  A fault, offense or an omission.

Below is a list of “root sins,” each being a disordered attachment to something. The things in themselves – achievements, relationships, pleasures – are not evil. The problem comes when we seek meaning and fulfillment in those temporal, created realities. In fact, we are created and called to seek our meaning and fulfillment in God alone, in our ever-deepening relationship with him. Achievements, relationships, and pleasures are meant to be ordered around and towards that principle and foundation of our life.

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities, that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. Vain people seek fulfillment by being admired and praised by other people.

Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation.

Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires.  This may be food, drink, clothing, housing, collections, etc.

Lust is an inordinate craving for the comfort and pleasures of the body.  Obviously pornography, infidelity and casual sex would fit in this category.

 Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury, verbally abusing and sometimes physically harming another.  It is also known as Wrath.

Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness.  It is closely related to Gluttony.

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.  Procrastinating anyone?

John 5:14

Revised Standard Version (RSV)

14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you.”

Conclusion:  We will be “well’ after our Lenten prayers, fasting and almsgiving. If we can maintain that state and “sin no more,” nothing worse will befall us! 

Most of the above is quoted in whole or part from various internet sites.  I have the time to do the research and hope this will be useful to you.

Judy Borman Harding

March 13, 2014