Examination of conscience

An insert in a church bulletin provided a printed checklist for the "examination of conscience - how is my daily struggle?" I strike out someplace on every one of my ten little Indian commandments. First, Have I have doubted my Faith? Of course. When can I believe America will ever find a presidential candidate that is rooted in common sense and moral judgment fed by solid character? Experience with 43 of them belies the possibility. Second, Do I use profane language? By God, yes. I shout an ‘Oh God’ whenever a liberal, a politically correct journalist or politician sucks up to women, Blacks, gays, the poor, the middle class or rants against big oil, corporations, big business, the Christian right, neo-conservatives, global warming - the list is endless, just as are my Oh God’s. Third, Was I easily distracted at Mass? Routinely. My attention glissades into a mental re-creation of a delicious dinner that will follow the service. Fourth, Have I talked back? Naturally. I, a woman have been born and bred to do nothing less when it comes to a man, even my man. Fifth, Did I fail to correct in charity? How can I tell my neighbor - kindhearted that he is - that he smokes like a fiend? Sixth, Did I consent to impure glances? Does a passing thought to emasculate my dog that barks for a career count as a tainted wish? Seventh, Did I waste time at home? Often. Why should I avoid laziness when its bliss is sitting in my sacrosanct favorite chair reading a book? Eighth, Am I negative in my talk? As a responsible citizen I need to be, when it comes to making a choice between the future of America based on personal-responsibility and capitalism or victimhood and socialism, the latter being the embodiment of negativity. Ninth, Do I neglect to control my imagination? My nightly nightmares persist due to an uncontrollable, benign neglect. Tenth, Is my heart set on earthly possessions or on the true treasures of Heaven? Daily. I do my part being super cheap with my money, but yet I cheat when it comes to jasmine tea. The Platonic ideal is humanity’s adherence to the 10 commandments. The history of civilization, however, proves the need for each person’s daily examination of conscience.