An Advent Examination of Conscie

An Advent Examination of Conscience
Praying with the Mother of God

Advent prepares us both for Christ's birth and his second coming. In a sense, it's
always "Advent" until Christ comes again. Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth, are
our models of waiting and readiness. Use their words (Luke 1:39-55) and the Hail
Mary to examine your Advent readiness.

Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. * Have I greeted others with a blessing, or do I ignore or demean others? * Have I borne bitter fruit in my thoughts, words, or deeds? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.		For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. * When have I taken credit for what I haven't done? * When have I denied my own participation in social injustice? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? * Have I denied my own worth or the worth of others? * Have I missed God's presence because I'm too busy, hurried, or anxious? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.		God has shown strength with his arm; and has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their heart. * Have I been secretly arrogant or pride-filled? * Have I used my power, status, education, or religion to disparage others, even silently in my heart? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
As soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. * Have I been deaf to God's voice coming from unexpected people and encounters? * Have I grown so serious that I can't leap for joy? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.		God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. * Have I voted with a Christian conscience? * Do I live the gospel even at the cost of my own comfort? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
My soul magnifies the Lord; and my spirit rejoices in God my savior. * Does my very being announce the goodness of God to others? * Do I rejoice with others as often as I can? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.		God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. * Have I done enough to help teed the hungry? What of those hungry for justice? * Have I become gluttonous for praise, luxury, or the security of others like me? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
For God has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed. * Upon whom do I look favorably? Upon whom do I look with disapproval? Do I truly judge others as God does? * Has my help for the lowly been more about giving handouts than about seeking justice? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.		God has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever. * Have I broken my promises to others? * Will I leave this world a more merciful, just, and beautiful place for future generations? Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.