Examination of conscience based on the Beatitudes
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit:
Do I recognise
that the world is God's-not mine?
Do I thank Him for it?
Do I express my thanks in my weekly worship?
Does the world centre around me?
2. Blessed are the meek:
Do I recognise
that every person is created by God and equally loved by Him?
Does my behaviour reflect this realisation?
Do I resent criticism?
Do I take out my impatience on those who are weak and least likely to fight
back?
3. Blessed are they that mourn:
Do I recognise
that every person is created as frail as myself and is as much in need of help
and encouragement?
Am I sensitive to the real needs of others?
Do I realise the power of my words and actions to heal or to harm?
Am I indifferent to the misfortune of others?
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice:
Do I recognise
that all creation is for the good of every person and equally to be enjoyed
by all?
Do I steal from others the goods or the good name which belong to them?
Am I lazy?
5. Blessed are the merciful:
Do I recognise
that I am in need of mercy?
Do I ever see goodness in others?
Do I make hasty judgements?
Am I grateful for the forgiveness I receive from others?
6. Blessed are the clean of heart:
Do I recognise
that the heart will only rest when it is centred on God?
Do I use others or try to posess them for my own satisfaction?
Do I abuse the gift of sex to satisfy my own ego?
7. Blessed are the peacemakers:
Do I recognise
the source of peace: the dignity God has given me in making me one of his adopted
children?
Do I enjoy making trouble for others?
Am I the kind of person who needs to be humoured?
8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake:
Do I recognise
that it is in suffering that we enter most deeply into the mind of Christ?
Do I ever do penance to make up for the damage caused by my sins?
Do I resent suffering so that it becomes a barrier between myself and God?