Destruction of Sin: The Beginning of Perfection
Let us strive to wage an incessant and bloody war against that accursed evil, sin. (OCL, I, 9, p. 25)
Because sin had such drastic consequences on the life of the sinner, as long as he remained in the state of sin, there could not be any spiritual progress in his life. Hence, St. Vincent Pallotti considered the destruction of sin as the beginning of perfection. The destruction of sin became the means to the attainment of perfection, because becoming perfect automatically implied sin permanently losing its power over a person’s action. Thus, in St. Vincent’s worldview, the destruction of sin was the key to giving a start to a person’s spiritual life. For this reason, St. Vincent added the destruction of sin, along with the glory of God and salvation of souls, as the third important goal of his spiritual life. In his own life, he conquered sin with the power of God’s grace and with the help of ascetical and religious practices. Even as a young priest, he strove constantly to wage war against sin and encouraged others to do the same, as he saw it as one of the major roadblocks to a life of perfection. As the minister of reconciliation he encountered the sinfulness of many. He was very compassionate to each of his penitents, always giving a sense of hope and letting them out of despairing situations.
Do I acknowledge that the destruction of sin will lead to the beginning of the life of perfection? Do I attempt to destroy sin from my life, thereby opening myself to a life of union with God? Though I dislike sin, am I compassionate towards those who sin due to their weaknesses?
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I Jn. 1: 8 – 9)