At first the writer of Wisdom makes excuses for those who seek the creatures rather than the Creator. On second thought, however, he questions: "If they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its Lord?" (Wis 13:9) There's no excuse for not finding God.

Some people try to excuse themselves by saying the person and plan of God are not clear. "In fact, whatever can be known about God is clear to them; He Himself made it so. Since the creation of the world, invisible realities, God's eternal power and divinity, have become visible, recognized through the things He has made. Therefore these men are inexcusable" (Rm 1:19-20).

It's always been popular to excuse ourselves because of heredity or background. For example, some try to justify sin by saying they were abused as children or their fathers were alcoholic. Although these people should be treated with compassion, they should not use their pain as an excuse for sin, but as all the more reason to receive God's healing love.

There's no excuse for sin. God's "grace has far surpassed" evil (Rm 5:20). The Lord will give us a way to overcome all temptations (1 Cor 10:13). His grace is always sufficient (2 Cor 12:9).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007

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