It is part of our fallenness to notice the failings of other people but not our own. Some of us have even become experts in criticizing others whereas we seldom reflect on what needs to change in ourselves. We have 20/20 vision when it comes to seeing the mistakes of others, but how often do we honestly turn that critical gaze inward—to the parts of us that God wants to change, heal, or build up?
The Lord commands us to remove the wooden planks from our eyes, so we can be effective in removing the splinters from others. But, how do we come remove the planks blinding us? The saints recommend the frequent practice of the examination of conscience. On a daily basis, perhaps before getting into bed at night, to examine the events, choices, attitudes, interactions of the day, in light of the teachings of Jesus.
To think of every person you saw that day, and to ask yourself, did I treat that person with the patience I should have? Did I attend to their needs or focus on my own? Someone once said, “you want to know the measure of a man? watch how he treats a waitress or a cashier.” So, how did I treat the cashiers, the waitresses, the janitors? What was the reason I was so quick to gossip about the faults of my family members? Did I pray today as much as God is challenging me to pray? Where was I selfish with my time today? What blessings was I ungrateful for today?
Having made the daily examination, we also do well to make a big weekly or at least monthly examination. If there’s a sin that I’ve been struggling with on a regular basis, that sin needs to be brought to the sacrament of Confession. Because, in a sense, we can’t remove those planks on our own, we need the Lord’s help. Once the splinter is pulled, we need his healing, we need his help, so that another splinter just doesn’t take its place.
On this anniversary of the September 11 attacks, how can best honor those who died in this senseless tragedy? Certainly by remembering their names, but also, perhaps, to turn the gaze inward, to make use of the time we’ve been given to become the people we are meant to be, to cultivate that inner life, that for them was cut short. If we wish to be a positive force in the world, a force which opposes the evil which led to these attacks, we must confess our sins and grow in virtue that we may be filled with God's grace.
Having examined our consciences and confessed our sins, may we become instruments of the Lord’s healing grace, mercy, and forgiveness to those we meet, that we may run the race well and win that imperishable crown for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
Click Here for Examination of Conscience
- - - - - -
That through Our Lady, Queen of Peace, terrorism and war and the cheapening of human life may be brought to an end.
For all those who harden their hearts toward God, for those who have left the Church, for all those in serious sin, for their conversion, and that Catholics in need of the Sacrament of Penance may make use of the opportunities to confess their sins and receive God’s mercy.
That our civil representatives may use their authority to lead and build our nation in godly ways.
For the sick and afflicted, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, for victims of natural disaster and inclement weather, those who suffer from war, violence, and terrorism, for the mentally ill, those with addictions, the imprisoned, the unchaste, for the comfort of the dying and the consolation of their families.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, for the souls of those who died in the September 11 attacks, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.
No comments:
Post a Comment