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 Because of the inheritance of original sin, true natural virtue is nearly impossible to attain, though some people who inherit a good disposition and felicitous circumstances might make some show of it . There is , however , another level of dignity , which belongs to the order of grace: the dignity of the children of God. Here there is the dignity of baptismal character, the dignity of sanctifying grace ( received in baptism) , and the dignity of a life of actual faith , hope , and charity, a life of holiness.

In the beginning God created man in his image and likeness. This sharing in the life and nature of God is called sanctifying grace, which was lost to the human race through the sin of Adam,won back for us by the death of Christ on the Cross, and given to us personally through faith and baptism.

Sanctifying grace can be lost again through sin and regained through confession , but the baptismal character , which marks us as belonging to Christ , can never be lost and , so long as we remain in this life, is a perpetual call to remember the height from which we have fallen and so return to God.

The dignity of creation in the image of God is a pure gift received that can never be lost; the dignity of sanctifying grace is an incomparably greater gift, but it can be lost. Vice diminishes the natural dignity of human nature , and mortal sin loses the supernatural dignity of grace . Mortal sin merit punishment , whether in this life or in the next , whether by the judgment of man or of God.

Prayer :

The dignity of being created in the image of God is a pure gift. Lord , help us to live always in the state of grace. And if we should fall , help us to repent and go quickly to Confession and regain our union with God .

" The future belongs to those who worship God in silence ".( Pope St John Paul 2)

Resolve : Pray for the grace to always remain faithful to Jesus and His Church, to spread the truth by word and example.