Adult Examination of Conscience

Adult Examination of Conscience | St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church | Jackson, Michigan

Prepare for Confession with our Adult Examination of Conscience. Reflect on the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Jackson, MI.

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Examination of Conscience: The Ten Commandments

1. I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BESIDES ME.

  • Do I fail to love God, to make Him first in my life, to thank Him, trust Him, and love Him as He deserves?

  • Do I make a god out of my work, my possessions, or my image in the eyes of others so that these rule my life instead of God?

  • Have I tried to grow in the knowledge of God through daily prayer and scripture reading?

  • Have I taken time to teach my family about the ways of God and to pray with them?

2. YOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IN VAIN.

  • Have I resorted to profane language by cursing and swearing?

  • Do I use God’s name in vain, lightly, carelessly, or by blasphemy?

  • In conversation, do I participate in slander or jokes aimed at demeaning religion, the Church, or God’s authority?

3. REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE SABBATH DAY.

  • Have I allowed myself to become so dominated by work or chores that I have not set aside Sunday for spiritual and family activities?

  • Have I attended Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation?

  • In my prayer and attendance at Mass, am I content with a passive observance rather than devoting myself to genuine worship of the Lord?

4. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER.

  • As a young person in the family home, do I listen to, respect, and obey my parents when they instruct me?

  • As an adult, do I visit and care for my parents in their old age?

  • Do I harbor short-term or long-standing resentments toward my parents? Do I blame them for my own shortcomings?

5. YOU SHALL NOT KILL.

  • Have I ever struck anyone in anger, intending to injure them?

  • Have I ever advocated abortion, either through my opinions in conversation or by actively assisting someone in procuring an abortion?

  • Have I ever endangered myself or the life of another person through the taking of drugs or the abuse of alcohol?

6. YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.

  • Have I engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage?

  • Have I given my mind over to lustful thoughts or fantasies?

  • Have I read pornography or watched indecent movies or television shows?

7. YOU SHALL NOT STEAL.

  • Have I taken anything that did not belong to me?

  • Have I cheated on tests or homework?

  • Have I wasted time and cheated my employer by not doing a full day’s work for my wages?

  • Have I taken the intellectual property of others by using their ideas without giving credit?

  • Have I been extravagant in my manner of life, to the neglect of the poor of the world?

8. YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR.

  • Have I defamed the good name of another person by taking part in gossip or slander?

  • Have I injured the reputation of another person by speaking about their failures and sins with little desire or intention to help them?

  • Have I condoned prejudice and hatred toward people of another nationality, race, or religion?

9. YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE.

  • Have I sought the affections of another’s spouse?

  • Have I contemplated infidelity to my spouse?

  • Have I upheld the dignity of my spouse in all circumstances?

10. YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S GOODS.

  • Do I habitually compare myself with others in terms of wealth, status, and financial security?

  • Am I jealous of the personal qualities of others, or envious of their possessions or success?

  • Do I support my church sufficiently and give generously to the poor?