Concupiscence

Concupiscence is "a desire of the lower appetite contrary to reason"

Online Etymology Dictionary, "Concupiscence."

Mid-14c., from Latin concupiscentia "eager desire," from concupiscens, present participle of concupiscere, inceptive of concupere "to be very desirous of," from com-, intensive prefix, + cupere "to long for" (see cupidity). Used in Vulgate to translate Greek epithymia.

Because of the weakening of our human nature as a consequence of Original Sin, we find it difficult to resist our disordered desires. "Man has a wounded nature inclined to evil" (CCC #407).

"So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand. For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members" (Rom 7:21-23).

Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2515; emphasis added.

Etymologically, "concupiscence" can refer to any intense form of human desire. Christian theology has given it a particular meaning: the movement of the sensitive appetite contrary to the operation of the human reason. The apostle St. Paul identifies it with the rebellion of the "flesh" against the "spirit." Concupiscence stems from the disobedience of the first sin. It unsettles man's moral faculties and, without being in itself an offense, inclines man to commit sins.

CCC #377

The "mastery" over the world that God offered man from the beginning was realized above all within man himself: mastery of self. The first man was unimpaired and ordered in his whole being because he was free from the triple concupiscence that subjugates him to the pleasures of the senses, covetousness for earthly goods, and self-assertion, contrary to the dictates of reason.

- sensual pleasure = lust, anger, gluttony, sloth

- covetousness = greed

- self-assertion = pride

Because of concupiscence, we are not playing on a level field in the spiritual life. The road to happiness and holiness is an uphill struggle, while the road to Hell is an easy downhill slide:

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few" (Mt 7:13-14).

Concupiscence is a spiritual force that attracts us to love self and deny God.

The sacraments do not remove concupiscence, even though they give us a share of the divine life. We overcome concupiscence by leading a virtuous life, and the virtues are acquired by repetition--sometimes by arduous repetition.

Links

• Mark Shea, "Concupiscence is not a sin:" "We are still left to struggle with the darkened mind, weakened will, and disordered appetites--in a word, concupiscence--that result from original sin."
• Feeling guilty after Confession