Charity Litany
by Father Sebastian Vazhakala M.C.
Charity is the queen of all virtues. “If you see Charity, you see the Trinity” says St. Augustine. Without it even if one speaks the language of angels it is like “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (Cf. 1 Cor 13: 1-13). It is a very delicate virtue which is like salt in the food. No wonder saints like St. Thérèse of Lisieux resolved to do ordinary things with extraordinary love and not the other way round. The following is a litany to ask forgiveness for the many daily failures in charity, as we know that even the just person falls seven times a day.
For all my uncharitable thoughts, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable looks, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable behaviors, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable attitudes, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable dealings, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable words, Lord have mercy on me
For all my uncharitable telephone conversations, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable judgements, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable criticisms, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable conversations, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable actions, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable reactions, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable works, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable charity, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable prayers, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable undertakings, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable works of mercy, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable service to the poor, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable feelings, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable omissions, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable cares, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable preoccupations, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable anxieties, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable sharing, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitable encounters, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my uncharitableness, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my negligence, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my anger and bitterness, Lord have mercy on me.
For all my lack of forgiveness, Lord have mercy on me.
Let us pray:
“Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work too may be holy.
Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy.
Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy”.
God bless you.
a lovely post on charity!! and I too love the Holy Spirit prayer at the end. “Breathe in me . . . ” — isn’t that a beautiful image?