Malfuzat – Volume X — Page 459
12 May 1908 459 interests, rather it is harmful from beginning to end, then it is not becoming of a [mere] mortal—yes, indeed, a mortal of right-minded nature—to defy this [judgment]. We see that when a doctor prescribes some abstinence for a patient, how the ailing individual carries it out without dispute or debate. Why does he do so? It is because he believes the doctor holds far greater knowledge than himself. In short, in the very same way there are some things that are harmful for the body or the soul of man whether man understands it or not. Some things are such that even if God Almighty did not give a command for them, they would still be harmful. In the field of medicine there are also certain ‘sins’ that have been established. Not having the knowledge of the fundamental principles of medicine cannot be an excuse for an individual who violates the canons of medicine. Should anyone not believe this, then inquire [directly] from physicians and doctors. The point worth remembering is precisely this that the root of sin lies in those very activities the perpetration through which take man further away from true chastity, piety, and purity. The genuine love of God Almighty and the very union with Him is true pleasure and real comfort. Therefore, being distanced and disconnected from God is also sin, and is cause for pain, suffer- ing, and grief. Those matters that are disapproved by God on account of His Holiness are sins. If there is disagreement among people in some areas, then on the other side the greater majority of sins are unanimously agreed upon throughout the world. Lying, stealing, adultery, and injustice and others are such matters that the people of all religions and nations unanimously believe them to be sins with- out doubt. However, keep in mind that the root of sin is com- posed of those very matters that distance one from God. They run contrary to the Holiness of God Almighty. Sin is verily that