In Today’s first reading, we see King David repentance, “I have sinned against the Lord”, and God’s forgiveness (2 Sam 12:13). David committed two sins, adultery and murder, which separated him from God, but his repentance restored the relationship. Not every sin separates a person from God, but every sin, by its nature, prevents one from attaining the “abundance of life” (Jn 10:10) for which we were created. These questions indicate some day-to-day sins for which we may need to repent:

Do I try to please God in all my actions, or am I sometimes indifferent to his will for me?

Do I speak badly of others under the guise of “helping” the situation?

Does my desire to be ‘in the know’ lead me to gossip?

Am I irritated when someone else receives attention and praise?

Do I want people to have a good opinion of me at any price?

Do I use my sense of humor in a way that is pleasing to God?

Can I overlook the faults of others, or am I compelled always to point them out?

Do I try inordinately to “control” people and situations?

Do I make decisions exclusively for the benefit of my family and myself, or do I exercise charity all with whom I come in contact?

Is my reading and my TV watching helping me to become a holier person?

(Adapted from Full of Grace-Women and the Abundant Life Study Guide; Johnnette Benkovic, Simon Peter Press, 2005)