Pope Francis has recommended a daily examination of conscience as an “indispensable” practice in spiritual life. Source: CNA.
An examination of conscience is a prayerful reflection on one’s thoughts, words, and deeds that helps to identify moments of sin and ask for God’s mercy.
This daily examination can be “an invitation to learn from our experiences” and “not to continue to repeat the same mistakes,” the Pope said.
Speaking at his general audience yesterday, Pope Francis said that the devil’s temptation “starts from what is most dear to us and then, little by little, reels us in”.
“This is why a daily examination of conscience is so important. Before finishing the day, stop for a while. What happened? Not in the newspapers, not in life – what happened in my heart?
“Noticing what happens is important, it is a sign that God’s grace is working in us, helping us to grow in freedom and awareness … Learn to read in the book of your heart what happened during the day.”
Pope Francis’ advice was part of his tenth catechesis in a weekly series on spiritual discernment, which he began in August.
The Pope noted that prayer during the day should not be viewed as a way to avoid a job or task that needs to be done, as in “every time I have to wash the dishes or clean the house, I have a strong urge to pray!”
“Prayer is not an escape from one’s responsibilities,” he said. “On the contrary, it is an aid in realising the good we are required to do, here and now.”
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Pope Francis’ spiritual life tip: A daily examination of conscience helps to avoid repeating mistakes (By Courtney Mares, CNA)
