Sanctifying Grace

Sanctifying Grace

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         In my last article entitled, “Writers Block”, I explained what Actual Grace is and the purpose of its use.  I would like to explain the term, “Sanctifying Grace” in this article.  You might now ask the question, “What is Sanctifying Grace?”  The Catholic Catechism has defined Sanctifying Grace as the favor, both free and undeserved assistance from God given to all human beings that we may become the children of God and partake in the divine nature and in eternal life define sanctifying Grace.  Sanctifying grace is the life of the soul.  We are first introduced to Sanctifying Grace in the sacrament of Baptism.  Along with Sanctifying Grace comes the gift of the Holy Spirit in our souls.  When we receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the seeds of the Holy Spirit received at our Baptism expand and blossom to full maturity.

         Between Baptism and Confirmation we receive our religious education along with the sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, which is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  These two sacraments feed the seeds of the Holy Spirit.  Both sacraments help us to mature and add Sanctifying Grace to our souls.  Can Sanctifying Grace be lost?  The answer is sadly yes.  Each time we sin, we lose sanctifying grace depending on the size and gravity of the sin.  If you ever have the misfortune to commit a mortal or grievous sin, you lose all sanctifying grace in your soul and the Holy Spirit departs from your soul.  If you do commit a mortal sin, the sinner must say an immediate perfect act of contrition that states to God that you are sorry for committing that sin totally because you love God.  This prayer will put the soul temporarily in the state of grace.  However, you cannot receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist until you receive the sacrament of Penance and confess your sins especially all your mortal or grievous ones.  You will then receive a penance for your sins and absolution from the priest.  As for venial sin, a standard act of contrition is sufficient for the forgiveness of these sins.  The bible states that even the righteous person sins at least seven times a day.

         Realizing and admitting our human frailties to   Almighty God by a nightly examination of conscience is a perfect practice to observe.  We should always ask God’s forgiveness for the sins that we see and any other unseen sins.  I always pray the perfect act of contrition every night.  When it comes to my eternal destiny, I would rather be safe than sorry.  Always remember that you must be in the state of grace to share in the divine life of the Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise. Amen.