There’s an app for that. And a new thread about the app.
Actually, that’s not what I wanted to tell you, but couldn’t let the opportunity pass to use the phrase of the year.
Here’s an article and a link to the entire series, if you’re interested. It seems these questions might be along the lines you’re looking for.
A Cukierski Family Sacramentals, LLC Exclusive
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"SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE ARTICLES FOR THE LAYMAN!"
Published by The Cukierski Family
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Day 58 of your Free Spiritual Guidance Articles!
__________________________________________________
For Those With Nothing To Confess!
By the late Father Kilian McGowan, C.P. Used with permission, from the
Passionist Priests, to help spiritually guide the layman.
It’s not unusual for the priest-confessor to be told by a penitent that he could
think of nothing to tell in the confessional. The following examination of
conscience is given for the average person who has trouble in finding matter for
Confession. Let us emphasize, however, that most of the faults listed below are
only venial sins and do not have to be mentioned in the sacrament of Penance.
If I am striving for Christian perfection, is it because I want to love God
perfectly, or rather because I want to be perfect? Do I try to keep the talents
of others under wraps lest they outshine me? Do I fish for compliments and then
pretend I don’t want them? In my conversation, am I always speaking of myself?
Do I find it easy to forgive, but terribly hard to forget injuries done me? Do
I find fault in everything and everyone-excepting myself and the things I have
done? Through jealousy, envy, or simply desire to be “in the know” do I repeat
injurious gossip? Do I give a way “inside information” that is not mine to
divulge?
Am I a “home devil” and a “street angel” - that is, irritable and grouchy at
home and a real charmer outside? Do I humbly acknowledge and am I willing to
concede when I am proven wrong? Am I too touchy or super-sensitive about
anything said about me or done to me? Do I claim to have read books or
articles, or been place, or done things when really I haven’t at all? Do I
pretend to be something-or to have something that I have not? In speaking of
myself do I embellish my successes and cut down on my mistakes?
How often do I pay off my debts of adoration, thanksgiving, and reparation to
God? At Holy Mass, am I thinking of just about everything but the great drama
happening before my eyes? Do I arrive for Mass late and poorly disposed for the
greatest action of the week? Do I pray as did our Lord: “Lord, not my will, but
Thine be done.” Do I ask God for the grace to love Him the way He deserves?
Am I honest at the super-market and the shopping center or do I try to get
something for nothing? Am I unjust to my employer by “goofing-off” at work, by
causing poor morale at the office or plant, or simply failing to put in a decent
day’s work? Am I so addicted to TV as to neglect my family, my household
duties, or my job?
Do I attend off-color movies or read sexy novels just to get a little “kick” and
then refuse to acknowledge my inordinate curiosity-even to myself? Do I make a
sincere effort to avoid what I know from the past is an occasion of serious sin
to me? Are the certain things I feel I should confess, but I tell myself it is
none of the priest’s business?
Have I ever made a serious study of the doctrines of my God-given faith with the
intention of making them part and parcel of my everyday life? Do I try to make
my ideas and my outlook more Christlike? Have I ever made a wholehearted
resolution to love God with my whole heart, mind and soul? Am I convinced that
this is the chief reason for my existence?
This examination, brief as it is, should show the average person that he’s far
from being perfect. You’d be a rare individual if you didn’t have a t least a
few of the above failings. In going to work on yourself, however, don’t try to
do everything at once. Concentrate your effort and prayer on your chief
weakness. In conquering this one fault, you’ll weaken all the others.
Self-indulgence will be weakened and self-mastery will be increased all along
the line!
Perhaps you might want to consider making photocopies of this article.
You
may even want to ask if you can leave some in the back of your church (ask your
parish priest, first!).
If you are a parish priest, consider putting this article in your bulletin!
Our love to all of you who read this spiritual series! We cherish your prayers
so keep praying for us!
Be watching your email box for another great free article!
Betsy, if you think this article may help someone you know, feel free to forward
it!
See you tomorrow!
May God bless you abundantly!
The Cukierski Family
CUKIERSKI FAMILY SACRAMENTALS, LLC
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