Pre-Christmas Inventory

Just before Christmas is a great time for taking inventory of our hearts and lives as we prepare to celebrate Christ's birthday.

This means taking time to discern how we've failed in loving God and our neighbor.  For some of my readers, this will include receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation ("going to confession").

I'm pleased to share with you this litany from Bob Hostetler, with whose permission, I've adapted some of his text.  This might be a starting point for all of us as we begin to take an pre-Christmas inventory of our hearts and lives...


Oh, God…

I confess to being a jerk while driving
- and at lots of other times, too!
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to eating too much and drinking too much.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to giving too little
when I have so much more than I need.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to putting so many things in my life
ahead of you.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to not being faithful to prayer and worship,
especially on the Lord’s Day.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to losing my temper with children,
with adults - and with myself.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to the pride of wanting to be noticed and admired.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being smug and self-righteous.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being ungracious toward others.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess not forgiving others
as I'd want to them to forgive me.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to enjoying comfort and plenty
- as if I am entitled to them.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to lustful glances and unclean thoughts.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to being unfaithful to promises I've made.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my envy and jealousy.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess to language and humor that are rude and vulgar.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my impatience and insensitivity.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my dishonesty, my unfairness,
my failure to act justly.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my prejudice and quick judgments.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my envy.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my hypocrisy.
Lord, have mercy.

And I confess what I didn't find on this list
but I know is in my heart.
Lord, have mercy.

I confess my sins, both large and small,
for each transgresses your great love for me.
Lord, have mercy.

Thank you for the mercy you promise, O God,
and for the pardon and peace that are mine
through Christ Jesus the Lord.

Amen.


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