How to: Pt. 2. Stop and examine your soul

 (Excerpts from, and special thanks to Joe Colletti for his paper, “Examination of Consciousness in the Spirit of St. Ignatius Loyola.”)

How do we know we are doing the right thing? How do we know we are treating strangers with a particular kind of kindness that would reflect the kind of treatment we would give the Incarnate God?  I was assigned this paper to read and found some enlightening points that came from St. Ignatius Loyola a few hundred years ago that might help us with a little checks and balances.

It’s called the Examination of Consciousness.

“An Examination of Consciousness is a spiritual practice that helps us reflect on God’s activity during our daily life. During this time we can ask God to help us examine ourselves.”   

In our meditation we search for places where God has been present in our lives, or examine places where we have fallen short. In our meditative state we quiet our souls in order to “hear the voice of God within our own heart and to experience a growth of familiarity with God’s will” 

“The examination of Consciousness evolves around two major activities: 1) discovering how God has been present throughout our day; and 2) discovering those areas in our lives that need further growth and healing.”

In this practice, within the context of the relationship between meditation and contemplation, we find what we are seeking as we seek answers for ending the evils of this world, such as poverty, greed, corruption, murder and homelessness.

Mediate:  “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. Wash me thoroughly form my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalm 51)

Pray for Jose, whose heart and business seek God’s blessing; may the wealth of God’s grace pour upon him so that his business will flourish.