I feel judged, guilty, and hopeless.

More joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who have no need of repentance.Luke 15:7

Completing an examination of conscience is hard, especially one as thorough as this one, and it is completely natural to feel guilty. Sinning is something that we as humans all do, and you are not alone, even if you were guilty of 99% of the sins of the examination of conscience. However, it is important to understand that just because everyone does it, doesn't make it right.

This guilt that we feel is an important reminder of God's mercy. If we were guilty of a single one of those sins even a single time, we wouldn't be worthy of going to heaven. We truly do not deserve an eternity with God in heaven, and yet, out of the mercy of God, we are not sent to hell whenever we sin.

This is the importance of the Sacrament of Confession in our lives, as we are able to move forward in our relationship with God without dwelling on the past ways we have failed. Instead, we can receive forgiveness of sins and strive to live better, holier lives according to the ways that God wants us to live. Will it be difficult? Yes. But a life of holiness is worth it, and there is "more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who have no need of repentance." (Luke 15:7)