In the words which Nathan speaks to David in the first reading, God recalls for David some of the great things which he had done for him, and points to the depths of David's ingratitude and sins of murder and covetousness. The commandment state clearly: "You shall not covet your neighbour's wife: but David's covetousness led him to arrange for the death of Urriah.

When we practise the prayer of examination of consciousness, we reflect first of all on God's gifts to us both great and small, and this reflection should lead us to a deep sense of gratitude so that we will love and serve God in all things. 'Always be grateful' is one of the guidelines which Saint Paul gave to one of his communities: "Always be happy, pray constantly, and for all things be grateful to God" (1Thess 5:18). If David had learned the virtue of gratitude for all that God had given him he would have had the strength and courage to resist the temptations to covetousness, lust and murder and the sin of injustice implicit in them.