Fr. John Hardon, S.J. - 10th anniversary of his death.

Servant of God
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This morning at prayer Fr. Hardon came to mind.  Only later, while checking Te Deum Laudamus blog did I discover today is actually the tenth anniversary of Fr. Hardon's death.  Diane has details here.  I'm always delighted when I experience Divine Providence and the intercession of the saints in this way - I never attribute such graces to coincidence.
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Mortal sin
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I was thinking of something Fr. Hardon once said regarding his caution of people in mortal sin - a quote I have never found by the way - but I once read something to the effect that he said about how much harm such unfortunate souls can cause.  Fr. Hardon was a great champion of the Sacrament of Penance, and keenly grasped the gravity of sin - especially the prevalence of grave sin in our culture.  The Fr. Hardon Archives contain many conferences and excellent instruction on the subject - as well as a conference on the benefit of frequent confession.
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I noted elsewhere on the blogosphere today that Bishop Slatterly of Tulsa is scheduling a conference for priests on exorcism, a topic very much in the news of late.  After searching the Fr. Hardon site on sin and the Sacrament of Penance, I wonder if the pressing need for exorcists these days would be as critical if proper catechesis on the sacrament and the necessity of frequent confession had been consistently taught in the last forty years?  Instead, as Fr. Hardon noted:
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Judging by the drastic drop in confessions in countries like the United States, the false opinion is gaining ground that Confession is not to be received, or made, frequently.
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No doubt, one reason for this sad state of affairs is the prevalence of some wild theories about mortal sin. For example, the Fundamental Option theory claims that no mortal sin is committed unless a person totally rejects God. Who but the devil hates God? One adultery or one abortion is not a mortal sin. On these grounds, there are parishes in which almost no one goes to Confession. - The Spiritual and Psychological Value of Frequent Confession
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"There is no hatred more cruel, no treachery more demonic than that of an unrepentant sinner."
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My thoughts went in this direction this morning as I reflected upon my sins and their consequences - examining their source, I couldn't avoid recalling how I was raised.  I was sent to Catholic schools but I lived in a home which was less than ideal - family members lived in mortal sin whilst attempting to justify their predicament.  Thus I wondered if parents living in mortal sin leads to other more grave offences within the family?  The alcoholism, the abuse, the lying, the stealing, the fraud, and on and on - such was the atmosphere wherein I grew up.  In turn I considered what it must be like today when many people no longer have any faith, and children are raised in single parent households exposed to adultery, drugs and alchohol and all sorts of abuse.  These are all mortal sins and outright rejection, if not hatred, for God.
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There is no hatred more cruel, no treachery more demonic than that of an unrepentant sinner. Thirty-seven years in the priesthood have taught me many things none more clearly than that.  - Fr. Hardon

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To be sure, I know I am responsible for the amendment of my own life and I do not look to "blame" my sins on how I was raised or external forces - but one cannot avoid reflecting upon the necessisty of a good, holy, stable family life in order to raise children, while protecting them from the errors of our time.
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+Prayer+

Lord Jesus, you are the loving God Who came into the world to save sinners. But we believe You are also the almighty God. Who, if sinners do not repent, punish even for all eternity those who love themselves more than You. What we most want, Dear Jesus, is the grace to love You more than ourselves even if the price You demand is the sacrifice of what we most love on earth. Jesus, mighty God, have mercy on us sinners.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen - ibid