Each sin has its own torment. The solution is Christ's work.

Book 1, Chapter 24....continued:  Each sin has its own torment. The solution is Christ's work.

As Thomas discusses the Judgment, he indicates what he foresees to be the apt result of unconfessed, unrepentant sin.

He accordingly encourages us to boldly confess our sins and overcome these through repentance, self discipline, and an active prayer life.

Thomas realizes that this is not easy, and requires us to think differently and put up with the inconveniences and discomforts that accompany a life of devotion.  He tells us that the reward cannot be measured by this world's standards, but attempts to juxtapose the right path with that of the worldly.

4. Each sin has its own torments:

The proud shall be filled with utter confusion. The covetous shall be pinched with miserable poverty. An hour's pain there shall be more sharp than a  hundred years here of the most rigorous penitence here.

While in this present life sometimes there is short relief from pain, and enjoyment of the solace of friends, in that place there shall be no quiet and no comfort for the lost.

Therefore, be anxious now and sorrowful for your sins, that in the day of judgment you may be bold with the saints:

• “For then shall the righteous stand in great boldness before the face of those who have afflicted you and made no account of your labors (Wisd. 5:1).”

• Then shall you stand up to judge those who now submit in humility to the judgments of others.

• Then shall the poor and humble have great confidence, while the proud are overcome with fear on every side.

5. Then shall it be seen that it was the wise in this world who learned for Christ’s sake to be foolish and despised.

• Then shall all tribulation which was borne patiently, delight us, while the mouths of the ungodly shall be stopped (Ps 107:42).

• Then shall the godly rejoice, and the profane mourn.

• Then the afflicted flesh shall more rejoice than if it had been always nourished in delights.

• Then the humble garment shall put on beauty, and the precious robe shall hide as if it were vile.

• Then shall the poor cottage be more commended than the gilded palace.

• Then enduring patience shall have more might than all the power of the world.

• Then simple obedience shall be more highly exalted than all worldly wisdom.
6. Then a pure and good conscience shall more rejoice than learned philosophy.

• Then will the disregard of wealth shall have more weight than all the treasure of the children of this world.

• Then shall you find more comfort in having prayed devoutly than in
having eaten sumptuously.

• Then you will rejoice more in having kept silent than in having made long speeches.

• Then holy deeds shall be far stronger than many fine words (Jas 1:21-22).

• Then a disciplined life and sincere penitence shall bring deeper pleasure than the delights of this world.

• Therefore, learn now to suffer a little, so that later you may be able to escape more grievous suffering. Try first here, what you are unable to endure hereafter (Col 1:24).

• If now you can bear so little, how then will you be able to endure eternal torments? If now a little suffering makes you so impatient, what shall hellfire do then?

• Surely you are not able to have both joys: taking your fill here in this world, and also reigning with Christ hereafter.

Thomas concludes that we cannot have it both ways:  We cannot forsake holiness here and expect that our judgment will be easy.  We cannot "fake it" by joining a club - we have to pray much, love much, live out the Gospel of Life!

In short, we have to imitate Christ!  Until next time, thank you for reading and praying along with me.

tim