” whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” – James 4:17.

Sin of OMISSION

2020-January-31   . . .   By: ncdm

A sin of omission is a sin that is the result of not doing something God taught us to do. It is distinctly identified against “the sin of commission,” or a sin that is actively performed. Apostle Paul juxtaposed the two concepts in Romans 7:14-25. He decries man’s tendency towards both types of sin, i.e., man does what he should not do even with the knowledge that it is wrong – the sin of commission -, and he refuses to do what he should do even with the knowledge that it is the right thing to do – the sin of omission. Paul said that by our own very nature we are sinful, that we are inherently slave to sin being the children of Eve, the doer of the “original sin”.

As we pray the Holy Rosary, we concede to the Blessed Mother that “we are the poor banished children of Eve”, the reason why we have been deported to this earth, that we have become “exiles in this valley of tears“.

In the Bible, the classic example given by Jesus is the account of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30. After a man had been beaten and left in need of help, the first two men to pass by, a priest and a Levite, both of whom knew better, failed to act. The third man, a Samaritan, stopped to show compassion to the man in need. Jesus used this example to teach that we are to likewise help those in need. By doing so, he clearly communicated that it is sinful to avoid doing good, just as it is sinful to pursue what is evil.

Jesus further describes the sins of omission in Matthew 25:31-46. The goats, those who are sent away by Christ, are “those who saw others hungry and thirsty but did not provide food and water, those who saw others in need of clothing, who were sick or in jail but did nothing to clothe or comfort them.” These are examples of sins of omission. There was no sin committed against these needy people, they were not intentionally starved or deprived of their clothing. But the sin of omission was committed when those who could have provided for them chose not to.

John commanded those who follow Jesus to live in ways that show love to others.

” but if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:17.

Further:

” the slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes.” – Luke 12:47.

” Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently without forgetting what they have heard, but doing it, they will be blessed.” – James 1:22.

” Truly I tell you, whatever you do to the least of your brothers and sisters, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9.

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1 thought on “”

  1. Are we guilty of errors of omission on the potential role of electronic nicotine delivery systems as less harmful substitutes for combusted tobacco use?

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