How can I examine my conscience?
To be consistent in our Christian life, we must rectify our steps a little every day, striving for continual conversion. To maintain this permanent readiness to improve, we need a spirit of examination, and eagerness to know ourselves and correct our mistakes.
St Paul said to the Corinthians: “Let a man examine himself." "Even virtuous pagans practiced self-examination. The lowliest street food seller tallies up her daily takings. Let's speak clearly: examination has always been practiced by all who take an interest in the things of God or those of the world."
To help us grow in our spirit of self-examination and avoid lukewarmness, our plan of life should include the examination of conscience. But this requires determination, effort, and a desire to improve.
In our spiritual coaching, we should find the specific way to do our examination of conscience, according to our present situation. But it must always be demanding. St. Josemaría left an example in his spiritual notes: “It occurs to me that a good way of examining our conscience is the following:
Prayer: How did I behave during the prayer? Did I carry out, this day, my resolutions? Have I had presence of God? Did I go about with a proper spirit of recollection...?"
“Penance: How did I receive, today, the setbacks coming from God's hand? Those that my companions afforded me, by their character? Those caused by my own wretchedness? Did I manage to offer our Lord, as penance, the very sorrow I feel for having offended him - so often? Did I offer him the shame of my interior blushes and humiliations, considering how little I advance towards virtue?
Action: Did I always act, during the day, as our Lord would have done? In this thing, that thing, and that other one?...
This examination is compatible with any other system one might follow: for example, with that used by those who consider how the day went, hour by hour; or also with that of others who examine their obligations towards God, their neighbor, and themselves: these three points can also be considered under the headings of prayer, penance, and action. And likewise with any other manner of examining our conscience."
A true spirit of examination is altogether opposed to scruples. Getting down to specifics prevents pessimism by singling out points of infection and helping us evaluate them objectively. “What may seem terrible in life is not that black, not that dark. If you are specific, you will not arrive at pessimistic conclusions."
Let us approach our Lord trustingly, to gain objectivity and serenity when faced with our failures. If we pray with humble sincerity, God will hear us. No matter how big they may seem to us, our sins can be set right by an act of contrition and a specific resolution to improve.
Our Blessed Mother will win for us a true spirit of examination, to discover ways to struggle better and begin again each day.
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