SIN IS A THOUGHT, WORD OR
DEED CONTRARY TO THE WILL OF GOD. IT IS
THE BREAKING OF THE LAW OR COMMANDMENT.
This is the classical Pre-Vatican II concept of sin.
Rev. Fr. Edgar Agcaoili, the Rector
of Ermita de San Jacinto, Tuguegarao City, however, told us during an Assembly
of Church Ministers at the Tuguegarao Parish Pastoral Center, that “SIN IS THE BREAKING OF RELATIONSHIPS. IT IS REFUSING TO ENTER INTO A LIFE OF
INTIMACY/FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD.” As an example he said that when one does not
attend Mass on Sundays, it is a sin not so much because he broke the
commandment, but because he has lessened his relationship or friendship with
God and the community. When we go to
Mass, he says, we build a closer relationship with God and the community.
Reflecting further on this so-called
‘Paradigm Shifts’ in Theology after the Vatican II Council, my viewpoints on
sin have zeroed in on the concept of LOVE
based on the following rationale.
1. Love
is the only motive that can build or foster a personal relationship with God or
with a fellowman.
2. The
essence of love is unselfishness – focused on the welfare or good of the
beloved.
3. The
essence of sin is selfishness – focused on one’s own welfare or well being.
4. Love,
therefore, is the true foundation for any intimate personal relationships,
either with God or with other human beings; while sin is an act that breaks or lessens a personal relationship.
God has created each and every human being out of
love, and He
expects everyone to respond to His love with
love. I do believe, therefore, that I exist
“TO LOVE” and if I do not love, I
have no reason to exist.
By: Buddy Cagurangan
March
25, 2012
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