DRE, Ibadan Archdiocese

Envy

This refers to feelings of sadness on account of another’s possessions, defined in the dictionary as a resentful desire of something possessed by another. It results in feelings of hatred or displeasure towards someone for their good fortune or possession. Biblically, envy is the sin of jealousy over the blessing or achievement of others. It is displayed in the Old Testament by Joseph’s brothers towards him (Genesis 37:12-36), and Saul towards David in the book of 1 Samuel 18. Ultimately, envy is the basis for the various human conflicts, murder, and covetousness.

 

Gluttony

Gluttony is translated from the Latin word ‘Gluttire’, meaning to gulp down or swallow. Gluttony is, simply, an excessive desire for food, over indulgence, or lack of self-restraint for food. The Mariam Webster dictionary defines it as “habitual greed or excess in eating”. It is counted as the sin of Sodom as seen in the book of Ezekiel 16:49: Look, this was the iniquity of your sister, Sodom; she and her daughter had pride, fullness of food and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and the needy. Over consumption of food makes it unavailable for the poor and the needy.

Anger

Anger is a strong emotional reaction of displeasure, often leading to plans for revenge or punishment. This is an emotion characterized by antagonism towards someone that you feel has deliberately done you wrong. The feeling of anger is normal for humans. But we must not cling to them for a long time, nor hold grudges, because that goes against God’s wishes. The Bible advises us to let go of our anger as soon as possible because intense anger leads to sin: Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose (James 1:20). Be angry but yet do not sin, so do not let the sun set upon your anger (Ephesians 4:26).

Sloth

The term ‘sloth’ is a translation of the Latin word “Acedia”, which means to be “Without care”. It pertains to a reluctance to work or make an effort, that is, laziness. St. Thomas Aquinas defined it as “Sorrow about spiritual good”, and as sluggishness of the mind, which neglects to being good. It is unlike the other capital sins in which the sinner commits immoral acts. Rather, sloth is a sin of omission of desire and/or performance.