Review the following examination of conscience to prepare for Reconciliation.
As I ask to be shown the way to salvation, am I willing to take the path when it’s pointed out to me? Do I hear the words of the Gospel in faith and act on Jesus’ words?
Do I really believe that God’s care for me is strong yet tender? Or do I let fear keep me from God and others?
Am I convinced that Jesus is the way to salvation, the human face of God? Have I drawn near to him through prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist each week?
The God we worship is the same God who made himself known to Moses. From what do I need to be set free? Cynicism? Ingratitude? Carping and complaining? Arrogant pride? God can free me, from all these and more.
Do I believe that I am in a holy place because God is with us? Do I reverence the presence of God, not only in the Eucharist, but in other people?
Do I rejoice in the success of other people or envy their accomplishments? Have I gossiped, spreading unflattering rumors about others?
Although our faith tells us that God is more important than any nation, we sometimes live as though the government, our social group or the opinions of other people matter more to us than God. When God or the Church is attacked unfairly, do I respond with courage and love?
Do I show respect for the things of God: God’s name, the Eucharist? Do I respect the human body and the act of procreation?
Have I taken the name of the Lord in vain? Do I use degrading language to describe other people or sexual activity?
Dwelling in “darkness and the shadow of death,” we tend to look for happiness in the wrong places. We easily find ourselves addicted to alcohol, drugs, pornography, the internet, our cell phones and we wonder if we can find a way out. Am I confident that God can break down the “walls of death” in my life?
Do I turn to God in difficult times, trusting that God’s power is enough?
Do I turn to God for help, or have I become bitter about what has happened to me and so unwilling to trust God with my pain?
Joy is a natural result of our relationship with God, but we can get caught up in darkness. Do I take care of my health?
When we become aware of something that is evil, we need to avoid it. Have I avoided those people and places where I know I would be tempted to sin?
Have I responded to the needs of the poor, especially those trapped in unjust conditions?
Christ comes with joy, not just a “grin and bear it” kind of stoicism. Do I seek the fullness of joy in the Lord, or do I tend to settle for less?
Do I pray regularly, help others who are ill or who are grieving? Do I share my confidence that God will save us, despite appearances to the contrary?
Do I support other people or do I tend to criticize harshly? Do I support the Church with my time, talent and treasure?
Jesus is the Savior of the world, king and lawgiver, truly. Do I obey the laws of Christ? Do I love God? Do I love my neighbor as myself?
Recognizing that I need a Savior, do I turn to Jesus and ask forgiveness and for the strength, the virtue to live as he asks?
Do I pray to be set free from bad habits or addictions? Am I vigilant about the health of my body as well as my soul?