Swallowed by the Serpent, Dying with Sin

Swallowed by the Serpent, Dying with Sin

Eileen Renders

Are we living with sin constantly, and relaxed about changing our ways? Could we be in danger of dying with sin, without remorse, and are we prepared for the Final Judgment? Let us prepare for a happy, peaceful death, and begin our preparation with an examination of conscience.

Do you disobey the First Commandment by placing other gods before our Creator?

Money, status, celebrity, success, vanity, for example, are placing more significance on other gods while not giving God His respect, obedience or loyalty. God said, “It is more difficult for a rich man to enter into heaven than it is for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle.

Are we using God’s sacred name to curse someone and wish them hatred or harm?  

The Second Commandment says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God in vain.” This means His holy name is to be uttered in prayer. We have been told it is a sin, are we finding a harmless word to utter when we are angry or upset, rather than disrespectfully taking God’s name?

Are we attending Mass on Sundays, receiving the Sacraments as God has told us to do?

Missing Mass on Sunday is a sin when we can attend Mass physically and receive the Eucharist. God desires for us to attend Mass, receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist so that we can receive His grace and blessings to remain sin-free. The Third Commandment has few exceptions.

Do we show disrespect to our parents by isolating them and disregarding their health or care in their senior years?  The Fourth Commandment

Regardless of how we agree with the cautions or warnings from our parents when they want to guide us, no matter our age, to argue with them, say hurtful words, or shut them out of our lives, is indeed a sin. Oftentimes, in today’s world, we allow ourselves to make excuses for sinning.  “Millennials don’t marry right away; they live together to see if it works for them.” He/She (speaking of our children) might say, “They missed Mass today because they had to work.” Yet, they might have been able to go to a Saturday Mass. They haven’t been to Confession, but “They don’t sin.”

Do we purposely work toward “Getting even” when something someone has said offends us?

The Fifth Commandment: Are we so righteous that we believe we are never wrong, or that just hearing anyone say something that resembles our sins should be met with retaliation, spitting, and vengeful tactics, even when they were not speaking about us? Do we set out to hurt them through lies, deception, or omission?

The Fifth Commandment, “Thou shalt not kill,” does not refer only to murder, but also pertains to harming someone through thought, word, or deed, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Are sinful thoughts and/or acts being committed regularly as temporary indulgences for “feeling good? The Sixth Commandment

There are two sexes, male and female. God created it this way so that when we marry, we become as one, and in that act, we procreate. The sacrament of Marriage was, it is said, instituted at the wedding at Cana. In our Catholic Bible, it tells us that man is not to lie down with man, it is sinful. While many may tend to the same sex, it is not recommended and is a sin. Some found that through their faith, they found the strength to refrain from becoming homosexual and living a life of sin. There are probably good men and women with such a tendency, yet have chosen a life dedicated to God through the priesthood, or entered a convent.

Is Jealousy causing us to dislike others, to compare our lives with theirs, to want what they have?

These are traits that bring us down. Jealousy of what others have earned, and have a right to. Greed in desiring more than we need, nor is it what we have earned, and an unwillingness to carry our Crosses. Some may not recognize the lack of respect and love for others in ourselves. The serpent fills us with pride that is not of a positive type. Pride in our cleanliness, how we speak, and respect for others is a positive type of pride. The Seventh Commandment may include thoughts or plans of stealing without action, as enjoying and lingering on these thoughts is a sin.

Do we fabricate stories or exaggerate the truth in speaking of our neighbors?

Spreading lies is a mortal sin; it can create harm in another’s life. It can cause marital problems, contribute to mental stress, and be the cause of someone losing their job and financial stability. This is an intentional sin and is meant to harm another. It must be confessed. God has said, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Do we harbor secret desires to be with our neighbor's spouse? The Nineth Commandment cautions and forbids us from wanting to hold or become intimate with another’s spouse. They are joined in the sacred vows of marriage and may have children. This is forbidden; it is combined with many other sins of the other Commandments, such as deceit, jealousy, stealing, and more. We must respect the Sacraments and what belongs to another.

Are we feeling resentment toward our neighbor because they have possessions we want to own?  The Tenth Commandment reminds us that we will have what we have rightfully earned, what God has given us, and to love our neighbor who has done well for himself and his family.

Note:  God’s Commandments are for our benefit as we cannot receive His many graces and blessings when we are living in sin or without the Sacraments. When we remain free of sin, we will be filled with peace, joy, trust, and without the fear of death. All jealousies and temptations are easily handled.