17 EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE: A PATH TO HOLINESS

❇️ WHAT IS IT?

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE is a profound spiritual practice in the Catholic tradition, involving a sincere and reflective assessment of one’s thoughts, words, and actions.

It serves as a crucial step toward holiness, aiding the faithful in recognizing and repenting of their sins.

🌀 HISTORY & IMPORTANCE

💡 Scriptural Basis: The concept of examining one’s conscience finds support in Scripture.

Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

💡 Sacramental Preparation: Examination of conscience is particularly relevant before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), allowing individuals to confess their sins with contrition and sincerity.

💡 Holiness and Conversion: Regular examination of conscience facilitates continuous conversion, helping individuals grow in holiness by identifying areas in need of improvement.

💡 Spiritual Awareness: It fosters spiritual self-awareness, prompting the faithful to evaluate their alignment with Christian virtues and the teachings of the Church.

💡 Special emphasis on examination before Holy Communion: Before receiving Holy Communion, engage in a focused examination of conscience
🔹 Prepare Your Heart: Ensure your heart is free from grave sin and approach the Eucharist with a contrite spirit.
🔹 Acknowledge Faults: Acknowledge venial sins and imperfections, expressing sorrow for offenses against God and neighbour.
🔹 Seek God’s Mercy: Plead for God’s mercy and grace, asking for the strength to overcome weaknesses and grow in holiness.

📜 LEARN FROM SAINTS & CHURCH TEACHINGS

🔶 St. Ignatius of Loyola: The founder of the Jesuits developed the “Examen,” a structured form of examination of conscience to discern God’s presence in daily life.

🔶 St. John Vianney: “The saints did not all begin well, but they all ended well. We must have patience with ourselves and strive to become saints.”

🔶 Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC): “The moral life is spiritual worship. We ‘present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,’ within the Body of Christ that we form and in communion with the offering of his Eucharist” (CCC 2099).

🙏🏻 SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

🔷 Self-Reflection: Examination of conscience involves honest self-reflection, allowing us to evaluate our actions and intentions.

🔷 Repentance and Contrition: It leads to genuine repentance and contrition, fostering a humble acknowledgment of our faults and a desire for God’s Mercy.

🔷 Sacramental Reconciliation: Essential for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, examination of conscience prepares us to confess our sins with sincerity and humility.

🔷 Spiritual Growth: Regular practice contributes to spiritual growth, helping us to overcome sinful tendencies and cultivate virtues.

🔷 Holistic Transformation: By identifying areas for improvement, examination of conscience becomes a catalyst for holistic transformation, to live aligning individuals more closely with Christ.

🌐 PRACTICAL TIPS

💠 Daily Reflection: Incorporate a brief daily examination of conscience, reflecting on actions, thoughts, and interactions with others.

This can be done, at the end of the day – going over all the events of the day…
… thanking God for all the good
… asking pardon for all the wrongs

💠 Gratitude and Repentance: Combine gratitude for God’s blessings with sincere repentance for shortcomings during the examination of conscience.

💠 Share with Spiritual Advisor: Discussing your examination of conscience with a spiritual advisor can provide guidance and insights for spiritual growth.

💠 Encourage Others: Encourage fellow Catholics to embrace the practice of regular examination of conscience, emphasizing its role in spiritual development.

May the Examination of Conscience be a transformative journey, guiding us toward holiness and a deeper communion with God.

❇️ Keep the faith!
✅ Live in love!
✳️ Deepen your hope!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

• Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
  Bengaluru, India
  reflectioncapsules@gmail.com