The Sacrament of Reconciliation : Examination of Conscience
An examination of conscience can help you in your preparation to make a good Confession. The examination of conscience involves reviewing your life while going through the Ten Commandments, the Seven Deadly Sins, the precepts of the Church, as well as the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. You should ask the Holy Spirit and Jesus to help you to remember your sins. Grave/mortal sins as well as habitual venial sins must be confessed.
The Ten Commandments are
- I am the Lord your God; you shall not have other gods before me.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.
- Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
- Honor your father and mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
The Seven Deadly Sins are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride.
The Precepts of the Church
attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, and resting from unnecessary work on these days,
observing the days of abstinence and fasting
confessing your sins to a priest (at least once a year),
receiving the Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter Season, and
contributing to the support of the Church.
Corporal Works of Mercy
To feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, to care for the sick, to visit the imprisoned, and to bury the dead.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
To convert sinners, to instruct the ignorant, to advice the doubtful, to comfort the sorrowful, to bear wrongs patiently, to forgive injuries, to pray for the living and the dead.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God.