Examination of conscience

Every once in a while (and sometimes more often than that) it is good for us to take a serious look at ourselves.

In the third chapter of his letter to the Colossians (from which today’s first reading is taken), St. Paul gives us many useful points for us to consider in making such a prayerful self-examination.

* * * * *

First, where is the focus of our lives?

If you were raised with Christ,

seek what is above,
where Christ is seated

at the right hand of God.

Think of what is above,

not of what is on earth.
For you have died,

and your life is hidden

with Christ in God.
When Christ your life appears,
then you too will appear with him

in glory.

* * * * *

Are there things within us – in our attitudes, our habits, the things we do and say – that need to get rid of?

Put to death, then,
the parts of you that are earthly:
immorality,
impurity,
passion,
evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry.

Because of these
the wrath of God
is coming upon the disobedient.
By these you too once conducted yourselves,
when you lived in that way.

But now you must put them all away:
anger,
fury,
malice,
slander,
and obscene language out of your mouths.

Stop lying to one another,
since you have taken off
the old self with its practices
and have put on the new self,

which is being renewed, for knowledge,
in the image of its creator.

* * * * *

What are the things that we really need to embrace: the attitudes and the habits that should make up the way we live our lives?

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness,
and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;

as the Lord has forgiven you,
so must you also do.

And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which
you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom
you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do,
in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father
through him.