What is an Examination of Conscience?

What the examination is for

Before going to confession, it is important to reflect on your actions since your last confession. This examination of conscience will walk you through the ten commandments and the common sins associated with them.

If it feels discouraging

It may be very discouraging to go through the examination and recognize all the ways that you have sinned. This is a very natural and healthy feeling, as it is your conscience rebelling against the weight of sin. This is also the beauty of Confession; through God's grace we can forget about our sinful past and start with a clean slate, focused on leading a life of holiness.

Why the rules are a mercy

It may also feel restrictive to read what is a sin. It is important to remember that these rules are for our benefit, to help us grow closer to God. They can be likened to putting a leash on your dog. From your dog's perspective, the leash feels incredibly restrictive, and your dog would much rather roam around without a care in the world. But as humans, we know that there are many dangers to our dogs, such as passing cars or getting lost, and we leash our dogs for their own safety, because we love them. So too, God gives us this guidance so that we don't stray far from Him, since He knows the dangers of sin.