Lenten Reflection 4: Sin as an Absence of God and the Presence of the Devil

 Topic: Sin as an Absence of God and the Presence of the Devil

By Obiorah Ifenna 

Let not the penitent heart be quick in overlooking that reality which had cost him so much sorrow. For the reality of sin requires a thorough insight. The knowledge of the true essence of sin might lead him to true penitence. 

 Simply put: Sin is the absence of God - a departure from the house which He molded for Himself as a fitting dwelling place.  From the mouth of the Prophet the Master revealed: "Because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and with all your abominations, therefore I will withdraw” (Ezekiel 5:11).

In sin, embracing the serpent, Adam evicted the Holy one from his side. Only then did he beheld his nakedness and shame. And in Ichabod (1 Sam.4:21-22), a man whom God's glory had departed from, we see the true picture of the man of sin. When God departed from Saul (1 Sam. 16:14), he became an empty house worthy of demonic possessions. That was the same demon that tormented Judas Iscariot until he betrayed his master (Lk. 22:3).

Sin is not just the absence of God. It is as well the presence of the devil. And nothing torments man more than the demon of sin. 

O man! Know therefore that you are not just a piece of art. You are the temple of God - a dwelling place for the one who is Holy. "The Lord our God is Holy" (Ps. 99:9) and He lives only in holy men. You therefore must be holy for the Lord your God is Holy. Holiness is not just an absence of sin. It is the state of rising above  sin and not being a slave to the devil.

Holiness is this: Making sure that God is dwelling in you!  Do not let Him depart.

Prayer:

Lord our God,

 You are indeed Holy and Good. Nothing could equal your goodness. You created us and made your home in us that we might be like you. Give us the grace of a holy life that you remain for us a source of glory and strength. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus the Lord...Amen!!!

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• For reflections read: The Bread from Heaven and the Holy Eucharist 
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• Alone With None But Thee My God 
• The Favoured One  
• A Return to the Father.
• The ‘I’ in theEcho from the Pigsty.
• Sin – The HugeTall Tree
  
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