Catholic Examination of Conscience by the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) are the heart of the Sermon on the Mount and what the Catechism calls 'the very heart of Jesus' preaching' (CCC 1716). They ‘take up and fulfill God's promises from Abraham on, by directing them toward the kingdom of heaven’ (CCC 1716-1724).
This examination is offered as an alternative structure for the soul who has long examined herself by the Ten Commandments and now wishes to test her life against the positive virtues to which Christ calls her in the Beatitudes. It is well suited to retreats, to penitential seasons, and to those approaching deeper conversion.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Poverty of spirit is detachment from possessions, dependence on God, and freedom from the tyranny of self.
- Have I depended on God, or have I trusted in my own resources, abilities, and possessions?
- Have I lived with detachment from material things, or have I been attached to them?
- Have I shared generously with the poor?
- Have I been free of pride in my talents and successes, recognising them as gifts?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Holy mourning grieves over our own sins, over the sins of the world, over the suffering of others.
- Have I genuinely grieved over my sins, or merely felt embarrassed when caught?
- Have I been moved by the suffering of others?
- Have I sought God's consolation in my own losses and grief, or have I despaired?
- Have I accompanied those in sorrow, or kept my distance?
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Meekness is gentleness toward others, restraint of anger, the spirit of Christ ‘meek and humble of heart’.
- Have I controlled my anger, or have I let it master me?
- Have I been gentle in word and deed?
- Have I treated those who opposed me with patience rather than retaliation?
- Have I refused to take revenge?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
The desire for God himself, and for holiness, is the deepest of all human desires.
- Have I genuinely desired to grow in holiness, or have I been content with mediocrity?
- Have I cultivated prayer, the sacraments, spiritual reading, and works of mercy as the food of the soul?
- Have I sought God's will above my own?
- Have I worked for justice in the world around me?
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Mercy is shown in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and in forgiveness of those who have wronged us.
- Have I forgiven those who have wronged me — or do I hold grudges?
- Have I performed the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead?
- Have I performed the spiritual works of mercy: instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bear wrongs patiently, forgive offences, comfort the afflicted, pray for the living and the dead?
- Have I shown mercy to those who do not deserve it — as God has shown mercy to me?
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Purity of heart is integrity of intention and freedom from the disorder of lust, greed, vanity.
- Have I been single-minded in seeking God?
- Have I kept my eyes, my imagination, and my heart from impurity?
- Have my motives been pure, or have I served God for the praise of others?
- Have I cultivated modesty in dress, speech, and conduct?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Peacemaking is active reconciliation, not passive avoidance of conflict.
- Have I been a peacemaker in my family, friendships, workplace?
- Have I stirred up division, gossip, or factionalism?
- Have I sought to reconcile estranged people?
- Have I prayed and worked for peace in the world?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
To be willing to suffer for the truth is the final test of love.
- Have I been willing to suffer rejection, mockery, or loss for the sake of the truth and of Christ?
- Have I been silent when I should have spoken up for the faith, for the unborn, for the poor, for the persecuted?
- Have I prayed for those who are persecuted for the faith today?
- Have I, when small humiliations have come my way, accepted them in union with Christ on the Cross?
Ready to confess?
After your examination, pray an Act of Contrition, then make your confession. Our guide to how to go to confession walks through the rite step by step. Need to find a parish? Find confession times near you.
Primary sources