In Benjamin Franklin’s “1755 Poor Richard's Almanac” there is an interesting quote accompanying the month of December. “Be at war with your vices, at Peace with your Neighbours, and let every New-Year find you a better Man.” This eye-catching quote deserves a thorough reflection, especially in these days which precede the beginning of 2013.

Vices destroy our relationships with God, other people and ourselves. Vices blur our vision and understanding of the saving truth. Ruin our God-given capacities to do what is just. And, above all, enslave us into ourselves by making us believe that without God we can lead a fruitful and joyous life. The dreadful egocentrism which pervades the very air we are breathing shows quite the contrary. Many people are shattered by their illusory way of thinking, speaking and acting. There is a dire need for transformation!

Thus, the remaining days before starting the New Year are an extraordinary occasion to set our paths right. The crucial step to be taken is by undergoing a sincere examination of conscience. In his recent article published by the Financial Times, Pope Benedict XVI wrote that “the birth of Christ challenges us to reassess our priorities, our values, our very way of life. While Christmas is undoubtedly a time of great joy, it is also an occasion for deep reflection, even an examination of conscience. At the end of a year that has meant economic hardship for many, what can we learn from the humility, the poverty, the simplicity of the crib scene?”

Heeding to the Holy Father’s wise appeal I would like to humbly propose the following examination of conscience in order to help us, Christian believers, and people of good will, in our sincere effort to follow the liberating truth.

Do I love God, my heavenly Father, with my whole heart, and try to obey his commandments? Do I abide by the Church’s teachings? Do I put my trust in money, worldly goods and worldly influence? Do I observe Sundays and the feasts of the Church?  Do I truly love other people, or do I use them for my selfish ends? Have I caused a scandal in the manner I talked or reacted?

In my family life have I obeyed and respected my parents? Have I assisted them materially and spiritually? Was I faithful to my marital spouse? Have I respected the integrity of others and myself by living chastely? At work have I been a source of peace and happiness? Have I shared what I possess with those who are in great need? Do I generously share with them my money, time and attention? Have I despised or offended in any way the poor, the sick, the aged, illegal immigrants, foreigners, people of other faiths and so forth?

Am I conscientious, just, honest, in the mode I work? Do I pay a just wage to those who work for me? Have I squandered my employer’s time or defrauded him/her? Do I tell the truth? Do I pay the taxes that I owe to the state? Have I violated other people’s rights for life, physical integrity, reputation, honour and property? Do I forgive or always in search for revenge? Do I believe in everlasting life and live accordingly?

Pope Benedict XVI said: “How many people in difficulties seek the support and consolation of Christ! How many penitents find the peace and joy in confession that they have been pursuing for a long time! How can we not acknowledge that also in our time, marked by so many religious and social challenges, this sacrament must be rediscovered and proposed again”.
Why not resort to the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the New Year begins?

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap