Meditation for Tuesday

MORTAL SIN

I

Consider, O my soul, that you were created to love God, yet you have rebelled against Him, committing the basest ingratitude. You have treated Him as an enemy, despising His grace and friendship. You knew how greatly sin offends Him, yet you chose to commit it. You turned your back on God, insulted Him, and in a manner, raised your hand against Him. You have grieved the Holy Spirit.

The sinner, if not in words, at least in action, says to God: “Depart from me. I will not serve You. I will not acknowledge You as my God. My god is this pleasure, this ambition, this revenge.” Every time you have preferred anything to God, you have spoken this way in your heart. St. Mary Magdalene of Pazzi could not fathom how a Christian could knowingly commit a mortal sin.

O you who are reading this, what are your thoughts? How many mortal sins have you committed? O my God, pardon me, have mercy on me! I detest all my sins. I love You and grieve sincerely for the offenses I have committed against You, who are worthy of infinite love.

II

Consider how God speaks to your heart at the moment of sin: “My child, I am your God. I created you and redeemed you with My Blood. I command you not to sin under pain of My eternal displeasure”. Yet, in giving in to temptation, you have replied: “Lord, I will not obey You. I choose to satisfy my passions. I do not value Your friendship.”

Ah, my God, I have done this not once, but perhaps thousands of times. How could You endure my offenses? Why did I not die rather than live to offend You? Yet, O infinite goodness, I will sin no more. From this moment, I will love You with all my heart. Grant me perseverance. Grant me Your holy love.

III

Consider, O my soul, that when sins multiply beyond measure, they provoke God to abandon the sinner. “The Lord patiently waits until the day of judgment comes, that He may punish them in the fullness of their sins.” (Wisdom 12:2,10)

If you are tempted again, do not say: “I will commit this one sin and then repent.” What if God should strike you dead at that moment? What if He should abandon you forever? How many souls have been lost this way! They presumed upon God's mercy, but death overtook them, and they perished in their sins. Tremble, lest the same fate befall you.

Those who take advantage of God's goodness to offend Him are unworthy of His mercy. After the countless sins He has already pardoned, how can you be sure He will forgive another? Thank Him a thousand times for His patience. Resolve rather to die than to sin again. Say often:

“My God, I have offended You enough. The rest of my life shall be spent loving You and mourning my past ingratitude. O Jesus, I long to love You—grant me the grace to do so. O Blessed Virgin, my Mother, assist me with your prayers. Amen.”