The Ten Commandments

A MEMORY AID FROM THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Do I worship God in spirit and truth and give God the praise due him?
Am I angry with God or resentful toward him because of illness or other misfortunes?
Do I make a god out of my work, my possessions, my money or my image in the eyes of others so that these rule my life instead of God?
Have I tried to grow in the knowledge of God through daily prayer and scripture reading?
Have I dabbled in the occult or given credibility to horoscopes, ouija boards,channelling, tarot cards, or fortune telling?

Have I been hypocritical by adhering to a ritualistic observance while my heart has been far from God?
Have I resorted to profane language by cursing and swearing?
In conversation, have I passively allowed slander and jokes aimed at demeaning religion, the Church or God's authority?

Have I allowed myself to become so dominated by my work or chores that I have not set aside Sunday for spiritual and family activities?
Have I attended Mass every Sunday?
In my prayer and attendance at the liturgy, am I content with a passive observance rather than devoting myself to genuine worship of the Lord?

As a young person in the family home, do I listen to, respect, and obey my parents when they instruct me?
As an adult, do I visit and care for my parents in their old age?
Do I harbor short-term or long-standing resentments toward my parents?
Do I blame my parents for my own shortcomings?

Have I ever struck anyone in anger, intending to injure the person?
Have I ever had an abortion, or advocated abortion, either through my opinions in conversation or by actively assisting someone in procuring one?
Have I ever endangered myself or the life of another person through the taking of drugs, abuse of alcohol or the reckless use of an automobile?

Have I taken anything that did not belong to me?
Have I been dishonest in the payment of my taxes or in the submission of expense accounts in my business?
Have I wasted time and cheated my employer by not doing a full day's work for my wages?
Have I been extravagant in my manner of life, to the neglect of the poor at home and abroad?
Have I been irresponsible and neglected the needs of my family by wasting money on gambling or betting?

Have I defamed the good name of another person by taking part in gossip or slander?
Have I injured the reputation of other by speaking about their failures and sins with
little desire or intention to help them?
Have I condoned prejudice and hatred toward people of other nationalities, races or religions?

Have I sought the affections of another's spouse (husband/wife)?
Have I contemplated infidelity to my spouse?
Have I upheld the dignity of my spouse in all circumstances?
Have I rejected my family in my heart, wishing to distance myself emotionally and personally from them?

Do I have and express concern for those who are suffering by giving generously to the poor or by serving those in need?
Do I habitually compare myself with others in terms of wealth, status, and financial security?
Am I jealous of the personal qualities of others or envious of their possessions or success?
Do I keep my finances in order and exercise proper stewardship over what is mine?
Do I support my Church sufficiently?

Source: "The Word Among Us," Box 6003, Gaithersburg, MD, 20897-8403",
"A Daily Approach to Prayer and Scripture"