When we look at the sin of Adam and see the consequences it entailed, what shall we say of the consequences that the sins of each one of us are likely to bring upon our heads? Adam's was a single sin, as opposed to our countless offences. He did not appreciate the results of sin as we do, he had not witnessed the misery that comes from it as we do, he had not seen the flames of Hell kindled by sin as we do. How much more grievous, then, are the offences of each one of us!

We must remember, too, that Adam's sin was forgiven the very day it was committed, and God in His mercy sealed His forgiveness by the promise of the Redeemer, Yet see the consequences of forgiven sin! The long penance, the spread of moral corruption, the disease and death, the misery and sorrow, the banishment from the face of God, all these still remained although the guilt of sin was gone. What reason then for me to tremble at the thought of all my past sins!

I will glance over my past life and try to recall a few of my many offences. What a career mine has been! What ingratitude to God! What selfishness, what uncharitableness to others, what meanness, what unfaithfulness to grace, what impurity, what low motives of action, what forgetfulness of God, what idle words, what waste of time, what continual following of my own inclinations! How can I hope to escape the just judgments of God?

Pray for shame and contrition at the sight of your sins.