Examination

Rev. Miller - Love of Neighbor: Positive Obligations (May)

A monthly examination of conscience for May, focused on Love of Neighbor (Positive Obligations).

46 questions in total

Source: Examen for Laymen, Rev. Donald F. Miller, C.Ss.R., Catechetical Guild, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 1942. A comprehensive examination of conscience based on twelve virtues for the twelve months of the year.

Mortal SinsGrave matters that may be mortal sin when joined to full knowledge and deliberate consent.20 questions

Have I, over a long period, refused to give any alms for the relief of the needy, even though I had many opportunities and sufficient means without depriving myself or my family of the necessities of life?

Have I, on un-Christian principles, refused to give any aid to missionaries working for the salvation of abandoned souls, though I could have given without great sacrifice?

As a doctor or a nurse, have I refused to give my needed services to someone in extreme danger of death because I knew there was no hope of being paid?

Have I demanded gravely exorbitant and unreasonable fees from those who needed my services?

Have I deliberately permitted a person to die without a priest and without religious ministrations?

Have I, out of human respect or fear of what others might think, failed to assist the dying spiritually when I knew they needed my help?

Have I squandered or given away money outside my home 10 the extent that it left my immediate family in want of necessary things?

Have I refused to remind someone of the danger of his state when I knew that that person had committed a mortal sin and that my warning alone would probably awaken repentance?

Have I refused to warn someone subject to my influence when I knew that person was about to commit a mortal sin and that I could easily and probably prevent it?

As a husband or wife have I made no effort to prevent mortal sins of my partner?

As a superior or one in authority have I neglected my duty of preventing those in my charge from committing mortal sin, or correcting them after they had fallen?

Have I failed to report to someone in authority the certain sins of a neighbor, which I knew were doing harm to innocent persons or to the community as a whole?

Have I done nothing to prevent the circulation of obscene books and magazines when I had the opportunity?

As a public official, have I permitted evil persons, such as abortionists, dope-peddlers, obscene book-dealers to continue their illegal and immoral practices?

Have I permitted another to suffer grave injustice or mistreatment when my authority or influence could have prevented it?

Have I refused in my heart to forgive a person who has injured me?

Have I over a considerable period of time refused to talk to or acknowledge someone who has wronged me?

When I myself was guilty of doing evil against my neighbor, have I refused in word or in deed to show that I was sorry and wished to be forgiven?

When mutual offense was given between myself and another, have I refused to make any advances toward reconciliation unless the other person made them first?

Have I, by silence or approval, failed to prevent the serious defamation of another's character when I could have done so?

Venial SinsMatters commonly examined as venial sins or lesser faults.15 questions

Have I been miserly and grudging in giving alms for the relief of the poor?

Have I been careless and negligent in my care of the sick who were dependent on me?

Have I failed to consider the poverty of others in charging them for my services?

Have I complained about being asked frequently to give alms for the salvation of abandoned souls at home or abroad?

Have I, as a well-to-do person, given far less than I could easily have contributed for the relief of the needy?

Have I measured my charity only by what others gave, or by what I might receive in return, instead of by my ability to give and the need of others?

Have I demanded publicity and praise for every alms I gave?

Have I been ashamed or afraid to rebuke others for evil, even though I was not bound under pain of mortal sin to do so?

Have I, as a parent or guardian, negligently permitted those under my care to go uncorrected in their venial faults?

Have I nursed resentment against others, even though I did make an effort at forgiveness?

Have I allowed my sensitiveness to lead to hurt feelings and coolness towards others?

Have I failed to try to make others happy and comfortable, giving in to morose, gloomy, selfish moods?

Have I rejected ready-made opportunities to comfort someone in sorrow, or to encourage someone in danger of despair?

Have I gone out of my way to evade an opportunity to enlighten someone on religious truth?

Have I permitted gossip and petty tale-bearing to go on in my presence without an effort to change the subject?

Helps and CounselsCounsels for growth in virtue and preparation for confession.11 questions

Have I tried to deepen my faith in the truth that every act of charity towards a neighbor is also an act of love of God?

Have I tried to make some sacrifice in giving alms for the relief of the needy?

Have I cheerfully given as much as I could spare for the salvation of abandoned souls?

Have I supported and strengthened the St. Vincent de Paul Society either as a member or as a contributor?

Have I frequently recalled the principle of the stewardship of wealth, viz., that I am to be God's administrator of the things I possess or gain?

Have I faced the truth that I shall take nothing with me beyond death, and that the memory and merit of deeds of charity will then be my greatest consolation?

Have I recalled, when hurt by others, how God has forgiven me for my many sins, and have I tried to forgive in the same generous spirit?

Have I been quick to show my sorrow in some way when I have, either consciously or inadvertently, given pain to others?

Have I prayed for others, especially when tempted to angry thoughts and feelings?

Have I prayed daily for my parents and all my benefactors?

Have I adopted the twofold motto: (1) never to give pain and (2) to add to the happiness of others whenever possible?