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Examination of Conscience
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Youth Article Index

We've Come This Far By Faith: St. Augustine Parish Youth Ministry About St. Lawrence Abstinence Education Notre Dame's First Black Valedictorian Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist: Two Sacred Sacraments and Blessed Acts Who Am I My life serving in the African American Catholic Community African American Young Adult Ministry is an act of Social Justice It's Time to Walk the Walk Your talents: Gifts from God and a call to action. A Purpose-Driven Life Not My Own Abstinence Saves Lives Our Forgotten Children "Prayer Changes" Pro-Life Pilgrimage If You Don't Know Where You're Going, Any Road Will Take You There Transitioning from High School to College Examination of Conscience PRE-CANA Archdiocese of New Orleans's IMANI Team

Youth Article Index

Article III. The Sacraments

In Scripture, Jesus confers the power to forgive sins upon the Apostles when He breathed on them^xiii. This gift of forgiveness of sins is still available through the priest. The sacrament of reconciliation revives the spiritual life that we have killed through sin. Through an examination of conscience, we can prepare ourselves for a good confession.

The sacrament of reconciliation is an example of God's great mercy and generosity. We should avail ourselves of this remedy frequently if we are serious about amending our lives and purging ourselves of mortal sin and affections for sin. Confession leads to greater knowledge of ourselves and of the situations that lead us to sin. By this knowledge, we can avoid the near occasion of sin and in the face of temptation call out to Christ to strengthen us so we do not fall.

Once properly reconciled to God and to our fellow man through the sacrament of reconciliation, we can approach the banquet table of God and receive Him, body, blood, soul, and divinity in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the nourishment our soul needs for the journey to the eternal life in Heaven.

God the Father reveals to St. Catherine of Siena, as recounted in The Dialogue, that " When this appearance of bread has been consumed, [He] leave[s] behind the imprint of [His] grace, just as a seal that is pressed into warm wax leaves its imprint when it is lifted off. Thus does the power of this sacrament remain there in the soul; that is, the warmth of my divine charity, the mercy of the Holy Spirit, remains there. The light of my only-begotten Son's wisdom remains there, enlightening the mind's eye. The soul is left strong, sharing in my strength and power, which make her strong and powerful against her selfish sensuality and against the devil and the world."

Who would not want to partake of this Heavenly meal?

Gloria Purvis lives in the Washington DC metro area and has worked with youth and young adults for over a decade. She has spoken to youth and young adults about the Church's teachings on sex, marriage, the family, and the sanctity of life at conferences, retreats, and live television appearances including EWTN's Life on the Rock.

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