Lecture on The Seven Deadly Sins and Their Antidotes

Introduction

• Reflection on examining the seven deadly sins during Lent, a penitential season.
• Analogy between physical health and spiritual health: both require regular check-ups and adjustments.

The Seven Deadly Sins

1. Pride

   • Considered the most deadly sin.
   • Pride is arrogating the prerogatives of God.
   • Theological aspect: Grasping divinity (e.g., Lucifer, Adam and Eve).
   • Psychological aspect: Self-preoccupation and egotism.
   • Antidote: Humility
     • Being close to reality (from Latin 'humus' meaning earth).
     • Practical tips: Take the lower place, practice admiration of others, enjoy simple things.

2. Envy

   • Driven by jealousy and schadenfreude.
   • Biblical examples include Cain vs. Abel, Saul vs. David.
   • Antidote: Admiration
     • Recognizing everything as a gift from God.
     • Practical tips: Praise those you envy, stop comparisons, focus on the good in others.

3. Anger

   • Uncontrolled desire for revenge beyond reason.
   • Differentiation between justifiable anger and sinful anger.
   • Antidote: Forgiveness
     • Bearing another’s burden, going the extra mile.
     • Practical tips: Initiate healing broken relationships, forgive quickly, refrain from gossip.

4. Sloth

   • Known as the "noonday devil," sorrow for spiritual good.
   • A societal issue linked with secularism and relativism.
   • Antidote: Zeal for the Mission
     • Understanding one's life purpose and mission.
     • Practical tips: Discern your mission, engage in works of mercy.

5. Avarice

   • Immoderate desire for wealth and material things.
   • Misguided belief that happiness comes from accumulating things.
   • Antidote: Generosity
     • Giving of oneself, sharing resources.
     • Practical tips: Practice tithing, give something away daily.

6. Gluttony

   • Immoderate pleasure in food and drink.
   • Reflects a deeper spiritual emptiness.
   • Antidote: Asceticism
     • Denying oneself to focus on spiritual growth.
     • Practical tips: Practice fasting, embrace simplicity in diet.

7. Lust

   • Distortion of sexual desire, using others as means to pleasure.
   • Pervasiveness in society, especially due to pornography.
   • Antidote: Chastity
     • Respectful and morally upright expression of sexuality.
     • Practical tips: Eliminate pornography, respect the dignity of others in relationships.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to practice seven lively virtues as counteractions to the deadly sins.
• Importance of spiritual health and living a life in accordance with God’s will.
• Emphasis on practical steps for Lenten reflection and growth.