An examination of conscience during summer
We need to live simply. But how do we do this with the summer heat, perspiration falling down our cheeks, necks and dripping down our bodies?
It’s harder for the girls, while the men just remove their shirts and move around the house topless.
What about the very poor whose shelters are makeshift huts and the heat is so close to their heads? It must be very hot for them.
People who have access to air conditioning units complain of their bills. At least they have money to pay their bills. The middle income groups who are trying to make both ends meet try using the electric fan. However, they are also afraid of an overheated electric fan. So what is next best thing to do?
I asked my helpers who go home during their day off to the hills. They say they have no problem with the summer heat. The winds in the hills are free flowing and it is even so cold at nights. So do we go up and rent a place up the hills during summer? Those of us who live in condo units go out as early as 12:30 p.m. in the lobby to enjoy the breeze that comes in. I only went inside our unit when a sudden rain came. That rain was totally unexpected. It was a blessing from above.
Tonight, we are really hoping that we can sleep inspite of the heat. My companion says she even took a bath to cool off. For us senior citizens, a bath is out of the question.
My sister and I were talking of really praying that God’s wrath spare us of the many sins we have been guilty of as we examine our consciences. My friends still give what they abstain from and then are able to share much needed food to feed the hungry.
There was a time at Capitol Parish ages ago when the electric fans stopped due to a power outage. Our celebrant at mass commented during his homily: “It is good that we have a taste of hell before reaching it. Maybe it’s time to make a good examination of conscience and confess our sins.” The priest was quite serious about it.
My children were still growing up and as I looked at them, they were not only busy wiping their faces from the dripping perspiration but were listening intently to the homily.
I guess most priests and nuns who take the same trend of thought might speak of the summer heat this way. However, summer heat or not, there is a need to examine our consciences daily to ask forgiveness for our weaknesses and to ask for help to avoid occasions of sin.