"The moral system is like so: there are four types of purity. Purity of the mind, purity of the heart, purity of the soul, and purity of the body. Purity of the body is not entirely of moral concern. Spiritual purity is the most important. Impurity of the mind causes impurity of the heart, as can impurity of the soul. Impurity of the heart leads to impure desire, which, if gratified, results in decrease or even total loss of the purity of the soul, and often results in further impurity of the mind," explained Professor Brian Callahan. Few in the class paid much attention. The exception to this, of course, was Lisa, who eyes flicked from his, to the board, to her notes, and back to his dark eyes.
Lisa's hand shot up.
"Yes, Miss Simpson?"
"Professor, can these impurities be remedied?"
"Yes, and no. Impurity of the soul is both the easiest to remedy and the hardest to avoid. The soul can be made pure by Baptism, by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or by martyrdom. However, severe sins, Mortal Sins, leave stains upon the soul. Prayer, fast, Grace, and good deeds can remove these stains over time, as can indulgences."
"Impurity of the heart can be removed, but it takes time and effort. The soul must be cleansed to start with. Then, the person is must pray fervently and with great frequency, and fast and abstain from pleasures of the flesh, immoral or benign. With time, and Grace, he can learn to master his natural, helpful desires, such as for food, rest, and leisure, and, in doing so, master his impure desires."
"The mind is tricky. It can undue one's noble quest, distracting and taunting with memories of past sins. Time alone can heal a damaged mind, though friends, fun, and hard work can keep one focused as the time slowly passes."
"Purity of the body is tough. If a girl is molested, for example, one can not undue it and return her to virginity. However, she is still a true virgin, for no one but oneself can alter one's heart or soul."
"Now," he continued, seeing that Lisa was satisfied with the answer she got, "There are two types of sin: Venial Sin, and Mortal Sin. Venial Sins are the most common; they occur daily. They are petty, minor sins, and not damning in and of themselves. However, small sins add up. They weaken Grace, and damage the purity of soul, mind, and heart. They fan the flames of wicked desire, and lead to ever greater wickedness unless they are regularly purged by Confession and countered by Sacramental Grace. However, there are some sins that even the Saints could not avoid, and we must always remember that our salvation is not dependant upon how many times we say a prayer or go to church, but, ultimately, on God's Own Mercy. So we pray: 'et ne nos inducas in tentationen, sed libera nos a malo'1."
He sighed, and leaned in against his desk. Lisa felt her heart twinge at the sight of the exhaustion, the pain upon his handsome face. He closed his eyes, seeming to be drawing upon a well of strength within himself, a well that was growing ever shallower.
"Now…what is the nature of sin?" he asked, breathless.
Lisa's hand shot up. Jamie, then a few others, raised their own hands. The rest stared blankly.
"Lisa?"
"The nature of sin is inherent evil," she answered confidently. It was not a fact she knew herself, but one she had read the a few nights before during her studies.
"Yes, know…uh…Jacob, what is the definition of sin?"
"Something that is against the Will of God."
"Yes! Now, it may seem petty that something against some guy's will is always evil just because he doesn't like it. But God is without whim or caprice, and His Will is the ultimate of justice, for, in obeying it, we are truly doing the best, indeed, the only thing right for us. God wants us to be happy, and to be perfectly happy, forever. Now, that is not at all selfish."
"Sin arises from three sources: the flesh, the world, and the Devil. Sins of the flesh come from illicit desires, often corruptions of natural desires. Since the Fall, man's higher and lower faculties were set at odds with each other. Once fully in control of his desires and actions, impure impulses can cloud and overwhelm reason. Desire, which, in Eden were only for what was good, can be for what is evil. The seeds of evil lie in the hearts of all men, and, with the right conditions, can take root, and bear wicked fruits."
"Sins of the world come from other men and women. A woman may seduce a man, or, innocently, induce, by her beauty and winsomeness, arouse lust within him. One can be pressured by friends to do something harmful to oneself or others in order to maintain their respect and fickle friendship. Seeing others living in sin, and seeming to be happy with themselves, may prompt a moral man to abandon his principles."
"Sins of the Devil…technically, every sin can be traced to him. He invented sin. He was the first to rebel against God's Will, and prompted Adam and Eve to do the same. At every occasion of sin, he, or one of his minions is there, nudging us towards evil. Every evil action or movement was his making, he merely found people wiling to work with him."
The bell shrieked its rattling cry throughout the halls. The pupils hastily stuffed their papers into their folders or books, then, slinging their bags over one or two shoulders, skipped or walked or ran to the door.
Lisa gently clamped the paper into the binder. She placed the binder in her sack, then zipped it closed. She closed her book and looked up. She saw the young teacher disappear into his office. She picked up her bag and followed him.
She rapped gently the glass window.
"Yes, come in," came a solemn reply.
"Professor…?"
She saw him sitting by the window, watching the students walking through the chill breeze and frail sunlight. His eyes were clouded, distant as the moon.
"Oh, hello Lisa," he said after a pause. He stood and looked at her, a tired smile tweaking his lips.
"I graded all the essays. Yours was the best."
"Thank you! Well, it was a fairly simple assignment: 'Describe the Your Journey of Faith'."
"It was nice how you sprinkled about those Buddhist saying all throughout. They worked both as concrete details as well as transitions."
Lisa smiled earnestly. Brian walked across the small room to a cabinet. He took out a bottle of cognac and two crystal glasses.
"I really shouldn't…during school, I mean, professor."
"Yes, yes. How foolish of me," he said as he hastily placed one glass back. He filled his to the brim, and took a deep, long draught, nearly emptying it of liqueur.
"I…must be going, Professor."
He smacked his lips and sighed.
"Yes."
"Well…I'll see you Friday then. Bye, Professor."
"Goodbye, Miss Simpson."
Lisa turned and left. Brian went and closed the door. He poured himself another drink.
1 "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"