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82. The Essence of Original Sin

1. A habit is a steady or enduring quality which inclinesa power to act. In this sense, original sin is not a habit in uswho inherit it. But, in a second sense, a habit is a lastingdisposition in a complex nature which makes for the well-being orill-being of that nature; this type of habit is sometimes called"almost a second nature." Original sin is this lattertype of habit in all who inherit it. It is an ill disposition offallen human nature. St. Augustine (In Ps. 118, serm. 3)calls it "the languor of nature."

2. Original sin is specifically one sin. It is not acomplexity or plurality of sins in each human individual. It is onesin in each individual.

3. In its own essence, original sin is the"deprivation of the original justice." In consequence ofthis deprivation, man's normal drive and desire for God arechanged into a drive and desire for temporary and changeable good.Since drive and desire are called concupiscence, it is accurate tocall original sin (as it works out in human beings) by the name ofconcupiscence.

4. Original sin is not more in one person than in another;it is equally in all, and is equal in each one.

"We must not be behind time in doing good; for death will not be behind his time. "
St Phillip Neri

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"God gives us some things, as the beginning of faith, even when we do not pray. Other things, such as perseverance, he has only provided for those who pray."
St Augustine

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"Does our conduct correspond with our Faith?"
The Cure D'Ars

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