Examination of Conscience Madlibs

by David Lins  |  02/24/2019  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

When I was a kid, Mad Libs were very popular. They were books of single page stories with words missing. You had to write in the words based on something as simple as “name a large animal.” What you didn’t realize until you filled it in, was that the result might be: “I was so hungry, I ate a water buffalo.” The absurdity never failed to get giggles from me and my elementary school pals.

Alright friends! Luke 6 provides us with a great opportunity for what I’m going to call “Examination of Conscience Madlibs!” In Luke 6, Jesus speaks the following words:

“To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic... Do to others as youwould have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?... Love your enemies and do good to them… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

I challenge you to put some names on it.

  1. Who is someone in your life who you really struggle with?
  2. Who is someone who seems to dislike you?
  3. Who is someone who treats you very poorly?
  4. Who is someone who you have been very generous with but has never returned the favor?

Now fill the names into the appropriate spots. If you don’t feel challenged, you are doing it wrong. Good luck!

“To you who hear I say, love (1)____________, do good to (2)____________________, bless those who curse you, pray for (3)_______________________. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from (4)________________, do not withhold even clothing they might need... Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?... Love your enemies and do good to them… Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

I have some work to do. What about you?

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org

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