Preservative redemption
Preservative redemption or preservative grace is, in Catholic theology, the doctrine that people can be preserved from future sin and temptation. This doctrine was first developed by Duns Scotus in the 13th century, who believed that the Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin (the Immaculate Conception).[1] Whether or not Mary was ever tempted is speculated by theologians.[2] The Catholic Church has developed the doctrine of preservative redemption to include the Eucharist, teaching ever since the Council of Trent that a fruit of Holy Communion is preservation from future temptation and future mortal sin. This is because the soul is enkindled with divine love, so that the more of Jesus one receives the harder it becomes for one to be tempted and commit sin.[3][4] A commonly held pious opinion is that the prophet Jerome, John the Baptist, Joachim and his wife Anne (the mother of the Virgin Mary) were preserved from sin and temptation in the womb, but not since conception.[5] Saint Faustina claimed to have received the grace of freedom from temptation against purity.[6]
Official teaching
[edit]Immaculate Conception
[edit]The Immaculate Conception of Mary is the dogma that the Mother of God enjoyed the grace and privilege of freedom from original sin and personal sin since the moment of her conception.[1][7] Whether or not Mary was ever tempted is speculated by theologians.[8]
Holy Communion
[edit]When a Catholic receives the Eucharist worthily (free from mortal sin, i.e., in sanctifying grace), among the fruits received is preservation from future temptation and from future mortal sin. This is because the Eucharist enkindles divine love in the soul, so that the more a person receives Jesus the harder it becomes to be tempted and commit sin.[9][10]
Unofficial teaching
[edit]Pious Opinion
[edit]A commonly held pious opinion, but not the common teaching of the church, is that the prophet Jerome, John the Baptist, Joachim and his wife Anne (the mother of the Virgin Mary) were preserved from sin and temptation in the womb, but not since conception.[11]
Private Revelation
[edit]Saint Faustina claimed that Jesus told her she "will never be subject to temptations against purity."[12]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Coyle 1996, p. 38.
- ^ Catholic Answers: Did Mary Have Temptations?
- ^ Roman Catehcism, "The Eucharist Strengthens Against Temptation"
- ^ Catechism of the Catholic Church 1395
- ^ New Advent: Immaculate Conception
- ^ Saint Faustina's Divine Mercy In My Soul, 40
- ^ Catechism of the Catholic Church 491
- ^ Catholic Answers: Did Mary Have Temptations?
- ^ Roman Catehcism, "The Eucharist Strengthens Against Temptation"
- ^ Catechism of the Catholic Church 1395
- ^ New Advent: Immaculate Conception
- ^ Saint Faustina's Divine Mercy In My Soul, 40