Practical devotion of the day: the examination of conscience every evening

Evil examination. Even the pagans laid the foundation of wisdom, Know thyself. Seneca said: Examine yourselves, accuse yourselves, recover, condemn yourselves. For the Christian the whole day must be a continuous examination in order not to offend God. At least in the evening enter into yourself, look for sins and their causes, study the evil purpose of your actions. Do not apologize: before God ask for forgiveness, promise to amend yourself.

Examination of the property. When, by the grace of God, nothing serious reproaches your conscience, keep yourself humble, that tomorrow you can fall seriously. Examine the good you do, with what intention, with what fervor you do it; look for how many inspirations you have despised, how many mortifications you omitted, how much greater good God could promise himself from you, study how much you could, do more according to your state; recognize yourself imperfect, ask for help. This only takes a few minutes, as long as you want it.

Examination of our progress. A general examination of the act brings little advantage without thinking of the means to amend itself and to progress. Look back, see if today was better than yesterday, if on that occasion you were able to overcome yourself, if in that danger you remained victorious, if in your spiritual life there was progress or regress; set a voluntary penance for that daily fall, propose greater vigilance, more attentive prayer. Do you do so your exam?

PRACTICE. - Convince yourself of the need for the exam; always do it; says the Veni Creator.