Examination of Conscience

The Parable of the Lost Sons

A Reflection Drawn from Lk 15:11-32

Reflection Based Upon the Younger Son’s Sins.

 

Have I made an inappropriate request for something that I am not entitled to? (Lk 15:12).

 

Have I placed a parent or someone else in an unfair position? (Lk 15:12).

 

Am I selfishly preoccupied with myself, while I disregard other family members? (Lk 15:12).

 

If I have received a generous gift, have I failed to say “Thank you”? (Lk 15:12-13).

 

Have I kept what I have to myself without sharing? (Lk 15:12-13).

 

Have I distanced myself from my family, or abandoned them altogether? (Lk 15:13).

 

Have I wrongfully mocked or belittled my family’s decent way of doing things? (Lk 15:13).

 

Have I neglected important family obligations? (Lk 15:13).

 

Have I spent an excessive amount of money on things that are bad for me?  (Lk 15:14).

 

Have I set aside important matters of the faith that my parents tried to instill in me? (Lk 15:15).

 

Have I associated with people who have a bad influence on me? (Lk 15:15).

 

Have I taken a job that is incompatible with the gospel or sound morals? (Lk 15:15).

 

Does the work I do offend the sensibilities of decent folk? (Lk 15:15).

 

Is my sorrow for my sin insincere? (Lk 15:17-19).

 

When I ask for forgiveness, do I demand it on my own terms? (Lk 15:19).

 

Do I try to earn God’s love by what I do rather than receive it as a gracious gift? (Lk 15:19).

Reflection Based Upon the Older Son’s Sins.

Have I been silent during the course of an illegal transaction? (Lk 15:12).

 

Have I failed to intervene in a family dispute when I could have been an agent of reconciliation? (Lk 15:12).

 

Have I taken money that I am not entitled to? (Lk 15:12b).

 

Have I pouted in jealousy? (Lk 15:28a).

 

Have I defied a legitimate request from my parents or someone in authority? (Lk 15:28b).

 

Have I shamed my family or friends with my obnoxious behavior? (Lk 15:28c).

 

Have I lied about my past, claiming I am innocent to cover up my guilt? (Lk 15:29a).

 

Have I competed with family members so I might get an edge on them? (Lk 15:29b).

 

Have I sought favored treatment for myself at the expense of another? (Lk 15:29b).

 

Have I unfairly disavowed a brother, sister, or other family member who I have grown to despise? (Lk 15:30a).

 

Have I lied about a family member, or distorted information about them, of falsely accused them, so as to discredit them? (Lk 15:30b).

 

Have I harbored deep resentments? (Lk 15:30).

 

Have I stubbornly refused to join my family or friends for a celebration that I should have attended? (Lk 15:28,30).

 

Have I damaged or destroyed family harmony? (Lk 15:28-30).

 

Have I withheld forgiveness, thereby preventing the reestablishment of peace in my family? (Lk 15:28-30).