Pope Francis encouraged making an examination of conscience every day to allow Jesus to share in one’s daily joys and struggles.
The pope addressed a crowd of approximately 30,000 people on Sunday from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.
The nightly examination of conscience is a practice that allows a person to review their day, bring people, choices, fears, falls, hopes, and everything that took place to Jesus, and gradually learn to view things differently, with His eyes.
This practice is sometimes known as a daily examen, which is part of the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
The pope spoke about the spiritual practice in the context of the Gospel passage for the Third Sunday of Easter, which tells the story of two disciples who did not recognize the resurrected Lord at first.
Jesus listened to their account, helped them reinterpret the facts, and made their hearts burn within them.
Similarly, the Lord is happy when we open ourselves to him, and he wants to accompany us in our daily lives.
By making an examen, one can reread their day and life in the light of Christ’s love.
Even events that seem wearisome and unsuccessful can take on new meaning and significance.
But, to do so, one must drop their defenses and leave space for Jesus.
The pope suggested asking questions such as “what were its pearls, possibly hidden, to be thankful for?” and “what are the falls, the sadness, the doubts, and fears to bring to Jesus so that he can open new ways to me, to lift me up and encourage me?”
The pope’s message encourages Christians to reflect on their daily lives, acknowledge their emotions, and be open to Jesus’ presence.
The practice of examen is a way of being mindful of one’s actions and words, recognizing where they fall short, and inviting Jesus to share in their struggles and joys.
It is a practical way of keeping one’s spiritual life centered and focused on the love of Christ.