Examination of Conscience (Catholic)?

Summary

In this video, Chris Spray explains the importance of the Examination of Conscience, a reflective practice aimed at identifying sins and areas for spiritual growth. He compares it to bodybuilders using mirrors to improve their form, emphasizing the need for self-reflection to strengthen our faith. By examining our actions and attitudes, we can strive for holiness and growth in our spiritual lives. Chris encourages viewers to explore different methods of examination and share how it has impacted their faith journey, while also inviting support for his ministry.

Takeaways

• 😀 The examination of conscience is a reflective practice that helps individuals identify sins and areas for spiritual growth.
• 😀 It is important to examine both our actions and our weak points to foster greater holiness and transformation.
• 😀 The examination of conscience can be done in various ways—sometimes in general terms, like reflecting on the Ten Commandments, and other times in more detailed ways to pinpoint specific sins.
• 😀 Jesus teaches that sin is not just about actions but also intentions, such as when looking at others lustfully or harboring anger.
• 😀 There are two key times to perform an examination of conscience: at the end of each day and in preparation for the sacrament of reconciliation.
• 😀 The examination of conscience is rooted in scripture, with key verses like Matthew 7:5 encouraging self-reflection before judging others.
• 😀 Examining ourselves is humbling but essential to spiritual growth, ensuring that we are not presumptuous about God’s mercy and grace.
• 😀 The analogy of bodybuilders using mirrors in the gym illustrates how we need to reflect on our spiritual life to improve and grow stronger.
• 😀 Just as bodybuilders check their form in the mirror to enhance their physical strength, we must examine our conscience to strengthen our spiritual lives.
• 😀 The goal of the examination of conscience is to recognize areas that need improvement, acknowledge weaknesses, and seek God’s grace for spiritual growth.
• 😀 By engaging in this practice, we prepare ourselves for confession and ensure that we are aware of the sins we need to confess, fostering a true spirit of repentance.

Q & A

What is the examination of conscience?

The examination of conscience is the practice of reflecting prayerfully on one's thoughts, words, and deeds to identify areas of sin and areas in need of development and transformation towards greater holiness.

Why is the examination of conscience important?

It is important because it helps individuals identify their spiritual weaknesses, foster humility, and prepare for reconciliation with God by recognizing where they need improvement and growth in holiness.

What is the connection between the examination of conscience and bodybuilders looking in the mirror?

Just like bodybuilders use mirrors to check their form and identify weaknesses in their physical fitness, the examination of conscience acts as a spiritual mirror that helps individuals identify weaknesses in their faith and areas in need of improvement.

How often should the examination of conscience be done?

The examination of conscience should be done at the end of each day to go to sleep with a contrite heart, and also in preparation for the sacrament of reconciliation to properly confess sins.

What role does humility play in the examination of conscience?

Humility is key in the examination of conscience because it encourages individuals to reflect inwardly, acknowledging their faults and areas of sin, which is often harder than pointing out others' faults.

How does the examination of conscience align with the teachings of Jesus?

The practice is rooted in scripture, particularly in Matthew 7:5, where Jesus teaches about self-reflection: removing the plank from one's own eye before addressing the speck in another's. This encourages a humble and honest self-assessment before acting on the faults of others.

What is the connection between the examination of conscience and reconciliation?

Before seeking reconciliation through confession, it is essential to perform an examination of conscience to identify and reflect on one's sins. This ensures that individuals can confess with sincerity and awareness of their spiritual state.

What is the purpose of using a detailed versus a general examination of conscience?

A detailed examination helps individuals reflect on specific areas of sin in greater depth, such as breaking down the Ten Commandments into more specific examples, while a general examination may serve as a broader reflection on one's spiritual life.

How does Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:28 relate to the examination of conscience?

Jesus teaches that even internal sins, such as lustful thoughts, are as serious as external actions, like adultery. The examination of conscience encourages individuals to consider their internal thoughts and attitudes, not just outward behaviors, in their spiritual reflection.

How does the examination of conscience help in striving for holiness?

The examination of conscience allows individuals to recognize where they fall short and where they need to improve. This awareness, combined with God's grace and mercy, helps them strive for greater holiness and spiritual growth.