I love that night prayer includes an examination of conscience. In this fast paced world filled with things constantly bidding for our attention, there is not a lot of time for us to sit and reflect. The most common error in our modern world is to believe that we are basically good people. This, coupled with the doctrine of therapeutic moral deism that all good people go to Heaven, is what has led to the rise of ‘non-religious’ people. This, more often than not, are people who are more concerned with what is happening out in the world and want the world to conform to them, rather than them conforming with reality.
There used to be a time where the person had time to think, whether it was in line at a store, before they went to bed, or walking around doing errands; but since the invention of the cell phone and headphones, every person has the ability to live in their own world when they go about these mundane things. The person has removed themselves from reality or has created a matrix through which they view the world around them.
“Let us be loving and humble of heart toward all, but particularly those closest to us; let us walk together in peace, supporting one another, without giving way in time of trials, and never losing heart.”
Saint Francis de Sales
We must examine our hearts and our intentions. Why do we do what we do? Are there any parts of us that we do not like? What are we willing to do to change those parts of us? The nightly examine allows us to go over our day and provides the opportunity to make changes for tomorrow, even if it is as small as trying to make eye contact with the people you pass in the hallway.
Do we recognize our need for the Lord? There are many people who have turned to therapy and self-help books instead of God [obviously, one can turn to both God and therapy, but we are speaking about people who are replacing God with earthly things]. Are we looking for consolidations and permission to continue living the way we are, or are we going to war on our ego? Let us surround ourselves with people striving for holiness. When we live in a community centered on God, we will grow closer to Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to know my sins but to also know the depths of Your infinite mercy