Today my Father is waiting for me, I must return to Him….
Then the prodigal son came to his senses and said: I will leave this place and go to my Father and say: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” While he was still a long way off, his Father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. The Father said: “Quick, bring out the best robe…this son of mine was dead and has come back to life… (Luke 15).
Our Heavenly Father awaits us in the same way.
Following the example of the prodigal son, examine your conscience in the light of the Gospel and find out when you have behaved contrary to the teaching of Our Lord Jesus Christ in thoughts, words and deeds.
Jesus said: “You will love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
- Is my heart set on God, so that I really love him above all things?
- Am I open to his presence?
- Do I listen to the words of the Gospel? To the teachings of Christ’s Church?
- What place has prayer in my life?
- Is the Eucharist the center of my Christian life?
- Do I take part regularly in Mass on Sundays and Feasts?
- Do I allow the Lord to be the Lord, or do I try to be the Lord myself?
- Do I cling to my will, my wants, my ways?
- Have I love and reverence for the name of God?
- Am I ashamed to witness to my faith in God in my daily life?
- Do I rebel against taking up the Cross which God sends?
- Do I turn to God only when I am in need?
Jesus said: “Love your neighbor as yourself…”
- Have I a genuine love for my neighbors?
- Am I well-disposed, able to forgive offences?
- Do I judge without mercy in thoughts and words?
- Do I speak ill, slander, steal?
- Am I intolerant, envious, hot-tempered?
- Do I take care of the poor, the sick, and the defenseless people?
- Am I sincere and honest in my dealings with others?
- Have I been the cause of another’s committing sin?
- In my family life, have I contributed to the well-being and happiness of the rest of the family by patience and genuine love?
- Do I exercise responsible parenthood according to the teachings of the Church?
- Do I care for and respect the environment in which I live?
- Do I seek the well-being of others?
- Do I think enough about those who are less fortunate?
- Am I a spectator before people’s problems, or do I help?
- Do I despise those of another creed, color and opinion?
- Am I respectful of other people’s property?
- Have I abused someone’s property or stolen or coveted another’s goods?
- Do I forgive those who sin against me?
- Do I do my duty as a citizen?
- Do I respect legitimate authority?
