While we tend to give the emphasis to human freedom and choice; God’s justice and mercy also hinges upon divine election. This is not fate or a crude Calvinism where God hates sinners and predestines them to hell. St. Augustine would speak of the just being predestined to glory. How it works remains a mystery. But we trust that God is good and his justice is fair and right.
When it comes to the matter of justification before God, many might compare themselves to others but with a smug confidence in their superior standing. That is just not how divine judgment works. Mindful of the parable about the pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:10-14), we are not saved in isolation from those around us.
The believer must care about the spiritual status of those around him, particularly those who are his charges. Giving scandal to the faith or bringing harm to the “little ones” can be particularly damning. Indifference to the poor and the oppressed brings harsh judgment upon those who might ordinarily be viewed as pious or devout (Mark 9:42).
The realm of mortal sin includes both the violation of the laws of God and precepts of the Church, as well as the commission of acts that are always and everywhere objectively wrong. Following the testimony of Scripture, there are both mortal and venial sins, depending upon the severity of the objective matter. However, the gravity of sin is also a subjective issue. If one is ignorant of a wrong then one cannot be guilty of its commission. Those who have not reached the age of reason cannot sin. Those who are delusional or have suffered the loss of reasoning are likewise no longer culpable for what they do. Also, one cannot accidentally commit sin. By definition, sin requires both an objective wrong, awareness of its severity, and free volition in its commission.
The teachings of Pope Francis about spiritual accompaniment have stirred much soul searching. As a community of faith it makes sense that we must journey with one another. Those in ministry have a sacred duty to walk with others. But I have become increasingly troubled by the commentary about this accompaniment. It seems nonsensical that we might remain silent about wrongs or about the deadly threat of perdition. True love would save souls, not just make people feel better about living in sin. Those in irregular unions, i.e. adulterous second bonds, may attend Mass, care for their households and nurture their children. But can we dismiss the warning of Christ about divorce? Serious sin can be tender and caring, but it is still wrong. Why do we focus on the replacement family and so often forget about the abandoned spouse and children? We should rightly urge annulments when there are obvious grounds and prospects of healing for messy situations; but we must not be presumptuous about the invalidity of broken bonds or the positive status of subsequent unions. I well understand how our hearts can go out to those in same-sex unions, particulaly when they are faithful in church attendance and toward one another; but can we really indirectly affirm or even remain quiet about a sin that Scripture deplores as most deadly? St. Paul lists it among the sexual sins that forfeit one’s place in the kingdom (Romans 1:26-32). We can affirm love but not sin. We can expand the meaning of family but never in a way that undermines the plan of God in marriage between one man and one woman that is open to the generation of new human life. Again, accompaniment is important, but what if we are walking in the wrong direction? Do we go to hell for friendship sake? That is not true solidarity. It could also happen that sinners wrong in conscience might be judged lightly, while those who knew better but withheld correction, might find themselves damned. The more one is given, the more for which one is accountable. Indeed, two might commit the same sin, but because of subjective liability, one earns purgation and heaven and another merits hell. As I said, judgment is real but it is not always clear and simple. Deathbed repentence and conversion is possible. A priest has the power to steal a soul from Satan even at the last moment of mortal life.
Ringleader, henchmen, or bystander, Christ can save whom he wills. How will God judge those who lead others into sin? Enablers and accomplices are also guilty of sin. We need to model the faith and life of a Christian disciple and walk the road trod before us by the saints. If we want heaven then we must witness to Christ and his Church. Silence or embarrassment about Christ is deadly.
- Do we routinely curse and take God’s name in vain?
- Do we neglect the Mass and the community of faith?
- Have we placed idols before God in our life?
- Are our families neglected or parents forgotten?
- Are children baptized and raised in the faith?
- Do we routinely tell lies and violate the truth?
- Have we received stolen goods?
- Are we culpable for supporting abortion?
- Have we compelled the use of contraception?
- Do we excuse fornication and cohabitation?
- Have we respected and been faithful to marriage bonds?
- Have we applauded same-sex unions?
- Has immodest dress or flirtation led others into sin?
- Do we patronize blasphemous and lewd media?
- Have we neglected the confession of sin and pardon?
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