What is Sin? – Video of the Week

In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the concept of sin and how it relates to good and evil. He explains that evil is not a thing in and of itself, but rather the absence or distortion of a good thing. For example, blindness is not a thing on its own, but rather the absence of the good of sight. Or, language and communication can be distorted in such a way that it becomes lying or manipulating, which is the misuse of a good.

Fr. Mike also touches on the importance of revelation in understanding sin. When God reveals his will and heart to us, sin ceases to be just about breaking a rule or commandment. It becomes personal, as we are not just violating a law, but breaking the relationship with God. Fr. Mike discusses how sin can be accidental, but when we know God’s will and intentionally choose to do what we want instead, we are not only breaking a law or commandment, but breaking the relationship with God.

Overall, Fr. Mike explains that sin is about the absence or distortion of good, and that understanding God’s will and revelation allows us to see sin not just as breaking a rule, but as breaking the relationship with God.