Gian, “Gehenna” is another term for Hell. Jesus refers to it fairly often; as one good example, see Mark 9:43. (“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.”)

Mary, you’re right that our sins are forgivable if we seek forgiveness from God. My point was that while individual sins are forgiven, that doesn’t eliminate the need for us to continue to be diligent against sin and seek forgiveness in the future; there isn’t anything we can do to fully eliminate the specter of sin from our lives, where we can go, “Wow! That was a really good confession! I’m done with that for life!” It doesn’t work that way, (Even the Pope habitually goes to Confession, and he’s no doubt lived a holier life than I have!)

Your point is well made in your reflection on today’s readings.

One finds out quickly why not to get near a skunk, touch a hot stove or poke a stick into a bee hive. On the other hand, sin can be the complete opposite, you don’t find out the effect until you die. It would be like your mother saying if you don’t clean up your room now, you can’t go out and play…when you’re 72. Fat chance your room would get cleaned.

The funny thing is, if you look back at when you committed a sin and had the opportunity not to do it, you would probably sin again, because you would still justify the action or lack there of. You could probably get the same type answer from the person who has a set of dentures.

Your advice about using the sacraments to keep your soul clean is very appropriate. There is a reason why we have them. Just as there is a reason why we have toothpaste and a toothbrush.

Oh, and don’t forget to floss.

Mark