I think that, as a result of original sin, our will became so weak that in fact we are not fully responsible for what we do

Question

Dear Father Angelo

first of all, a heartfelt thank you for all the great work you do.

One more question: original sin wounded us; it made us weak. It is true that Baptism restores grace, but our nature is weak. So, I think it’s not actually my fault when I sin. Let me take the concept to extremes to better explain what I mean: as a result of baptism, where is my responsibility when I sin, if my nature is weak? Of course, I know that I am the one who sins, but I would like a more detailed answer about the serious responsibility deriving from sin, because sometimes I think that it is not so serious, and I know that this thought is wrong. I would like to become more sensitive.

Thank you, Cosimo

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Answer from the priest

Dear Cosimo,

1. It is true that original sin has left wounds inside us.
But our freedom is not dead.
Even after sin, there is enough left of it to bear the normal responsibility for what we do.

2. As a result of original sin, man experiences two failings.
The first one is on a cognitive level. Man is not always able to discern what is good and what is bad.
The second one is on an operational level: he finds himself as if it were impossible for him to do all the good deeds.
Left to his own strength, man is unable to know the whole truth and to do all the good deeds.

3. But he was freed from both failings by Christ the Redeemer, who brought him a double remedy: the light of the Gospel and the help of Grace.

4. The light of the Gospel: sometimes a few criteria set out by the Lord are sufficient to give us enough light to dispel any darkness.
For example: “Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect”; “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”; “Love one another as I love you”.
Or also: “Enter through the narrow gate”; “Do not be afraid”; “Watch and pray that you may not yield to the temptation”.

5. The help of Grace: St. Thomas says that the lowest degree of grace is enough for man to withstand any concupiscence (disordered desire).
Grace brings within us charity, which is God’s own loving strength.
In the love of the Lord, we find the strength to do any good deed and overcome any selfishness.
Sometimes we may be tempted to say: that person does not deserve my forgiveness or my help. However, we can still say: but Jesus deserves that I forgive him, Jesus deserves that I help him.
And then for the love of the Lord we find the strength to do any good work.
From Him, whom we serve and honor in our neighbor, we have received immeasurably more.

6. Therefore, after the redemption of Christ things are no longer as before.
The Lord always remains among us with the light of his word and the grace that is generously bestowed on us through his sacraments.
I wish you always to enjoy this double help from the Lord.
And for this I assure you of my remembrance in prayer and I bless you.

Father Angelo

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