In his book, The Seven Capital Sins, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen takes us on a Lenten journey through the seven capital sins of Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Covetousness, Gluttony, and Lust. He exposes not only the nature of these sins but shows how these sins are to be overcome by the seven last words of Jesus on the Cross. This Lenten Study is for six weeks.
(Lent 2015)
Seven Capital Sins – An Introduction
For our Lenten study this year, we are going to look at the seven deadly or capital sins: Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Covetousness, Gluttony, and Lust.
Seven Capital Sins – Anger, pt.1
Because sinful anger results from ignorance, it is the virtue of forgiveness that overcomes the sin of anger.
Seven Capital Sins – Anger, pt.2
This week’s discussion is on anger and Christ’s words from the cross “Forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Seven Capital Sins – Envy, pt.1
In the theological sense, envy is not a type of jealousy or covetousness where we desire something that someone else has; rather envy is a sadness at another’s good (Aquinas), a love for the misfortune of a neighbor (Dante), or pain at the sight of good fortune (Aristotle).
Seven Capital Sins – Envy, pt.2
Sheen contrasts the sin of envy with the virtue of the pity that the righteous thief on the cross had for Christ.
Seven Capital Sins – Lust, pt.1
Lust is the inordinate love of the pleasures of the flesh, usually, but not necessarily, of a sexual manner.
Seven Capital Sins – Lust, pt.2
Lust is defeated in sacrifice and in finding a higher love than the flesh. It is defeated in the words “Woman, behold your son . . . son, behold your mother.”
Seven Capital Sins – Pride, pt.1
Pride is the excessive belief in one’s own abilities that interferes with the individual’s recognition of the grace of God. It is traditionally seen as the sin from which all other sins arise for in Pride we put ourselves in the place of God.
Seven Capital Sins – Gluttony & Sloth, pt.1
Gluttony is the inordinate indulgence in food or drink. Sloth is the neglect of our duties.
Seven Capital Sins – Gluttony & Sloth, pt.2
In many ways, sloth is the other side of gluttony, since in satisfying our desires we neglect our duties to others.
Seven Capital Sins – Covetousness
Unlike the inordinate desires of Lust or Gluttony, Avarice is never satisfied because there is always more to gain. Greed is the insatiable sin.