Let us call to mind

These words appear towards the beginning of the liturgy of the mass: “Let us call to mind our sins.” If we are paying attention, we will then take a 30 second break from calling to mind the sins of others. I have often noticed that is what we spend a great deal of our time doing and we really enjoy it. I must say that I am quite good at it. Why is it that we so often center on other people short comings? Do we find some perverse pleasure in it? Do we feel some sense of superiority? For me, it probably comes from my personal insular view of Catholicism which, of course, is vastly superior to the Catholicism of most of the other pew rats that I share a church with. I do know that this focusing on other people’s perceived faults will rear its head often and for long periods of time unless I really work at concentrating on my own wrongdoings.
I guess that when we are spending our time thinking critically of others, we don’t have to focus on our own short comings and foibles. I know for me it is an effort to turn my thought inward. This does make think of the scriptural phrase: “Let he who is perfect cast the first stone.” Gosh knows that I am good enough at throwing these stones. In fact I could make the major leagues. I sure hate the fact that I need to stop this practice.
“Call to mind our sins.” This takes an effort they just don’t pop in there. And what is the value of “calling to mind” you sins? If you don’t call them to mind, you can’t name them, if you can’t name them you can’t work to eliminate them.