Catholic Lists: Seven Deadly Sins

Superbia (pride) by Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1500)

Through the centuries, catechists (those who teach the Faith) have found much value in relaying important aspects of the Catholic faith in easily-learned groupings and lists. This is the latest in a series of posts which present some of the better-known teachings of our Catholic faith, in list form.

As we approach the season of Lent, a time of self-examination and repentance, let's consider the Seven Deadly Sins. These are seven broad areas of sin which can permeate our spiritual lives and snuff out our ability and willingness to seek and live out Christian perfection. These sins are seen as the origin of other, particular sins and they should be viewed more as a disease of the soul than as particular sins of commission themselves. Scripture alludes to these spiritual deficiencies most clearly in the Book of Proverbs and in St. Paul's letter to the Galatians (Prov. 6:16-19 and Gal. 5:19-21), but the traditional list of seven developed through the centuries based on spiritual experience rather than a direct Scriptural text. 

 Pope Gregory I (d. 604) composed a list of seven deadly sins in 590 based on older lists. The poet Dante (d. 1321) used a similar list in his epic poem The Divine Comedy, and it is this latter form that is traditionally used today. They are (in no particular order):

1. Lust

2. Gluttony

3. Greed

4. Sloth 

5. Wrath

6. Envy

7. Pride

Learn them. Avoid them. Emulate Christ.

-----------------Fr. Joe's Dos Pesos:

Last night this was the very topic for RCIA. Dr. Buddy Arrington of the Barksdale College at Ole Miss gave a very excellent presentation using various sources but relying heavily on the writings of Bp. Fulton Sheen. Here are his notes. He also introduced some graphic work by artist Paul Cadmus. Worth a look!

Paul Cadmus' "Anger"

Catholic Lists: Spiritual Works of Mercy

Through the centuries, catechists (those who teach the Faith) have found much value in relaying important aspects of the Catholic faith in easily-learned groupings and lists. This post is the newest in a series of posts which present some of the better-known teachings and beliefs of our Catholic faith, in list form.

These are seven practices of spiritual charity towards our neighbor. Along with practicing the "corporal works of mercy" (i.e. physical actions), these are practical actions which are aimed at relieving spiritual distress for, as Christians, we cannot neglect serving both spirit and body. It should be noted that not everyone is capable of performing the first three - one must have the knowledge (and usually training) to do so. But the last four can be performed by anyone.

St. Maximilian Kolbe comforted his fellow prisoners in
the starvation cell of a Nazi concentration camp.

1. Admonish the sinner.

2. Instruct the ignorant.

3. Counsel the doubtful.

4. Comfort the sorrowful.

5. Bear wrongs patiently.

6. Forgive injuries.

7. Pray for the living and the dead.

Learn them. Live them. Emmulate Christ.

Catholic Lists: The Corporal Works of Mercy

If you're the type of person who likes things broken-down and simplified, you'll appreciate what follows: the first installment of "Catholic Lists" - a series of posts which look at Catholic lists.

Through the centuries, catechists (those who teach the Faith) have found much value in relaying important aspects of the Catholic faith in easily-learned groupings and lists. This is the first of a series of posts which present some of the better-known teachings of our Catholic faith, in list form.

Today, we'll look at the Corporal Works of Mercy. They're seven practices of Catholic charity toward our neighbor, aimed at releiving bodily (i.e. corporal) distress. The first six are taken from Jesus' parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), the seventh is drawn from the Book of Tobit (Tobit 1:17-19). These are seven practical ways to live out your Catholic faith.

Mother Theresa devoted her life to Corporal Works of Mercy.

1. Feed the hungry.

2. Give drink to the thirsty.

3. Clothe the naked.

4. Shelter the homeless.

5. Visit the sick.

6. Visit the imprisoned.

7. Bury the dead.

Learn them. Live them. Emmulate Christ.