To understand the second effect of Penance, we must first consider one of the effects of sin. The loss caused by sin is not only that of present supernatural life and the possibility of meriting while in the state of sin, but also the loss of all the treasure of merits accumulated by past good works. All that is supernatural in the soul is ruined and lost, including all supernatural reward that had been earned. Sanctifying grace has gone, the possession of the Holy Ghost, the infused habits of Faith, Hope and Charity, the Cardinal Virtues. Sin, which is destructive of God in our souls, is destructive of all that is God-like in us of the supernatural order, and of all the consequences of our good deeds, except so far as the acquired facility of virtuous actions may aid us in turning to God by repentance. How terribly destructive is sin! What complete ruin it causes! What a squandering of precious treasures! How great will be the remorse of the soul in hell which realizes that it had done quite enough for heaven, and has neutralized it all, and sacrificed the beatitude already earned, for the sake of a few long-past moments of sinful enjoyment! "If the just man turn himself away from his justice and do iniquity, shall he live? All his justices which he hath done shall not be remembered. . . in the injustice that he hath wrought he shall die" (Ez. xviii. 24, 26). Let this increase your dread of sin.
