Examination of Conscience
During this Year of Evangelization I thought the following examination of conscience might be helpful in preparing for the sacrament of confession. Share it with others. Be the change you want to see in your parish and in your church.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Do I put God first in my life, praying in gratitude during good times and for help in bad times?
- Do I listen for God's guiding voice, especially in Scripture?
- Do others trust me to follow through with things I promise to do?
- Do I take good care of those who are dependent on me?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
- Have I offered support to those who are suffering or grieving?
- Do I visit sick, lonely or elderly members of my family and community?
- Do I share what I have with those in need?
- Have I contributed time and talent to support my parish?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
- Do I make an effort to put my own will aside to allow God to work through me?
- Do I attempt to discern the needs of my family members?
- Do I express gratitude when others go out of their way to help me?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
- Do I seek justice for others, especially for the poor and weak?
- Am I envious of what other people have or of their relationships?
- Are family and friends more important to me than material possessions?
- Have I been a good steward of the resources of the earth?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
- Do I ask for forgiveness of those I have offended?
- Have I made a sincere effort to forgive those who have hurt me?
- Am I willing to give others the benefit of the doubt?
- Or do l judge people quickly and harshly?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
- Do I take good care of my health?
- Do I respect the gift of my body and sexuality?
- Do I seek God in prayer in the sacraments and in regular attendance at Mass?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
- Do I contribute to conflict by harsh criticism, bitterness or gossip?
- Am I hostile toward certain racial, religious or ethnic groups?
- Do I avoid conflict altogether rather than doing what I can to heal divisions?
(pause for reflection)
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Do I "go along with the crowd" because I fear the consequences of standing up for the truth?
- Am I willing to face ridicule for speaking out against principles I know are wrong?
- When my faith comes into conflict with what others expect of me, am I willing to stand with God?
(pause for reflection)
Prayer for Evangelization
Heavenly Father, you called us each by name and gave your only Son to redeem us. In your faithfulness, you sent the Holy Spirit to complete the mission of Jesus among us.
Open our hearts to Jesus. Give us the courage to speak His name to those who are close to us and the generosity to share his love with those who are far away.
We pray that every person through the world be invited to know and love Jesus as Savior and Redeemer. May that love transform every element of our society.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Saint Paul the Apostle, pray for us.