Chapter XXXVIII. Of Examination of Conscience

EXAMINATION of conscience by diligent persons is usually made three times a day; before dinner, before vespers, and before going to bed. But if this cannot be done by some one, at least let him not neglect the examination in the evening. If God twice looked upon the works He had done for man, shall not man look more than once upon what he does for God, and for which he will moreover have to render to Him a strict account?

The examination should be made in the following way. First, seek light from God that you may know the state of your inner life and your works. Secondly, you will begin to consider how far your heart has been enclosed, and how you have kept the spirit of recollection. Thirdly, how you have during that day obeyed God, on all the occasions which He has given you of serving Him. On this I will add no more; for in this third consideration must be included the duties and obligations of each individual.

Having thanked God for enabling you on any occasion to correspond with His grace, or to perform any good action, forget it altogether, retaining the desire to begin your course anew, as if you had hitherto accomplished nothing.

Concerning failures, defects, and sins, turn to God, and, grieving over your offences, say to Him: "Lord, I have done this from what I am, nor should I have stopped where I did, had not Thy Right Hand come to my rescue; for this I give Thee thanks. Now do Thou, I pray Thee, O my Lord, in the Name of Thy Beloved Son, from what Thou art. Pardon me, and give me grace, so that I may not offend Thee any more."

And then, as a penance for your faults, and as a spur to amendment, mortify your will in some trifle which otherwise you would have allowed yourself, for this is well-pleasing to Him. I say the same of the body; and do not neglect this and similar acts of penance, lest the examination of conscience become a mere matter of routine, and fruitless in consequence of a slothful way of using it.