Reality check

Today's first reading from the book of the Jeremiah (17:5-10) includes a reality check for all of us (most especially those who exalt a false conception of 'conscience').

The heart is deceitful above all things,
and desperately corrupt;
who can understand it?

"I the LORD search the mind
and try the heart,
to give to every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his doings."

We can fool ourselves, but we can't fool God.

Miserere mei, Domine