Sacrament of Penance/Confession Part III

 This is one possible model for an examination of conscience: it is based on scripture

Jesus said: ‘You will love the Lord your God with all your heart…’

• Is my heart set on God, so that I really love him above all things?
• Am I open to his presence?
• Do I listen to his Word in the readings? To the teaching of the Church?
• What place has prayer in my life?
• Is the Eucharist (Mass) the centre of my Christian life?
• Do I attend Mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation?
• Do I allow the Lord to be the Lord, or do I try to be the Lord myself?
• Do I cling to my will, my wants, my ways?
• Have I love and reverence for the name of God?
• Am I ashamed to witness to my faith in God in my daily life?
• Do I rebel against taking up the Cross in my life?
• Do I turn to God only when I am in need?

Jesus said: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself…’

• Have I a genuine love for my neighbour?
• Am I well-disposed, able to forgive offences?
• Do I judge without mercy, thought and word?
• Do I speak ill of others? Do I slander?
• Am I intolerant, envious, hot-tempered?
• Do I take care of the poor, the sick, the defenceless?
• Am I sincere and honest in my dealings with others?
• Have I been the cause of another’s committing sin?
• In my family life, have I contributed to the well-being and happiness of the rest of the family by patience and genuine love?
• Do I exercise responsible parenthood according to the teachings of the Church?
• Do I care for and respect the environment in which I live?
• Do I seek the well-being of others?
• Do I think enough about those who are less fortunate?
• Am I a spectator before people’s problems, or do I help?
• Do I despise those of another creed, colour or opinion?
• Am I respectful of other people’s property?
• Have I abused someone’s property or stolen another’s goods?
• Have I ever abused a minor?
• Do I forgive those who sin against me?
• Do I do my duty as a citizen?
• Have I failed to report abuse to the statutory authorities?

Jesus said: ‘Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect’

• Do I truly live as a Christian and give good example to others?
• Have I gone against my conscience out of fear or hypocrisy?
• Have I participated in things which offend both Christian and human decency?
• Am I too concerned about myself, my health, my success?
• Do I go to excess in matters of food and drink?
• Have I kept my senses and my whole body pure and chaste as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
• Do I bear grudges; do I contemplate revenge?
• Do I share my possessions with the less fortunate?
• Do I take offence too easily?
• Do I use the gift of time well?
• Am I able to forgive myself?
• Do I try to be humble and bring peace?