St. Matthias the Apostle

The Catechism teaches that original sin, stemming from the sin of our first parents, has introduced a profound struggle for humanity, placing us under a certain influence of the devil while still preserving our freedom. This condition, described as “the sin of the world,” affects not only individuals but also communal situations and social structures shaped by human sin. Yet God does not abandon us. Through the Protoevangelium, he announces the coming victory over evil and the restoration of humanity through the Messiah and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, the New Adam, whose obedience unto death makes amends for Adam’s disobedience. For families, this calls us to recognize life’s ongoing battle against evil while holding firmly to hope in God’s redemptive plan and the abundance of his grace. Mary, the mother of Christ and the new Eve, uniquely benefited from Christ’s victory over sin: preserved from original sin, she committed no sin throughout her earthly life.

In the Catechism, we learn that God did not make death; death entered the world through the devil’s envy. Satan and the other demons freely refused to serve God and seek to draw humanity into their revolt. At the beginning of history, Adam abused his freedom by turning against God and seeking his goal apart from him. Through this first sin, humanity lost original holiness and justice. This original sin is transmitted with human nature, leaving it weakened, subject to ignorance, suffering, and death, and inclined to sin. Yet the good news is that Christ’s victory over sin brings blessings greater than those sin had taken away: where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. As we reflect together, we can remember both the seriousness of turning from God and the greater abundance of grace given through Christ.