Marian Visitation & Magnificat

Examination of Conscience - Based on the Marian Visitation and Magnificat

1. "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb."

Have I greeted others with curses instead of blessings?

Have I borne bitter fruit in my thoughts. words, or deeds?

2. "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"

Have I denied my own worth or the worth of others, disbelieving that God is present in myself or in others?

Have I missed the presence of God in others because I am too busy, hurried, or anxious?

3. "For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy!"

Have I closed my ears to the sound of God's voice coming from unexpected people, places, and encounters?

Have I grown so serious that I cannot leap for joy?

4. "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Have I lost hope and faith in others, in myself, in the Church, in the world, or in my community?

Have I prevented the Word from being fulfilled by my apathy, passive-aggressive behaviour, despair, or complacency?

5. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour."

Does my very being, my very presence preach the goodness of God?

Do I sing, dance, play, and rejoice with others as often as I can?

6. "For he has looked upon the lowliness of his servant; and from now on, all will call me blessed."

Who have I looked down upon because of their particular spirituality, lifestyle, political views, educational background, or economic wealth or poverty?

7. "The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name."

When have I taken credit for what I have not done?

When have I denied my own participation in the evil that my community, church, family, country have done?

8. "His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him."

Have I lost my sense of mercy and compassion so that nothing ever angers or sickens me?

Have I lost my sense of fear, awe, and reverence that nothing ever moves me at my core?

Have I forgiven those who have hurt me in the past?

9. "He has shown might with his arm, dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart."

Have I been secretly arrogant?

Have I used my own power, status, education, or religion to put others down, even in the silence of my heart?

10. "He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly."

Have I done all I can to participate in and influence the political life of my community, province, and nation?

Have I been afraid to speak out for truth and justice and the Gospel message?

11. "The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty."

Have I become gluttonous for praise, acknowledgement, and places of honour?

Who have I sent away empty, without my acknowledgement, thanks, care, or gratitude?

12. "He has helped Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, according to His promise to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Have I refused to give help to those in need?

Have I been a good steward of my time, talent and treasure?

Do I show others mercy?

Have I broken my promises?