Daily Life Examination of Conscience

Work & School

Even if you go to school or work in a secular environment, do you still try to live by Jesus’ example? How so?
How can you be a presence of peace and compassion at your school/workplace?
Are there people you encounter each day at school/work who are difficult for you to love? How does Jesus call you to treat them?

Is the time you spend watching movies/TV/online entertainment out of balance with your other daily responsibilities? Why or why not?
Do you watch content that is entertaining, relaxing, fun, and/or informative without demeaning or objectifying of others? Would recognizing that affect your viewing habits?
Do you ever feel worse about yourself after watching? Why might that be?

When interacting with someone in-person, can you stay present to them without getting distracted by other tasks or technology?
Is there a balance between who does the talking and who does the listening? If not, how can you address that?
How can you better give others the benefit of the doubt, rather than coming from a critical or judgmental position?

Our bodies are gifts from God and temples of the Holy Spirit. Does thinking about it this way affect what you want to eat/put into it? How so?
What small change can you commit to right now to treat your body with more respect when you eat?
Do you pray before meals in thanksgiving for all the people who helped get the food to your table (the farmers, harvesters, transporters, vendors, etc)?

Does technology take you away from being present to those who need your attention and love?
Does it distract you from life-giving, real-world experiences or interfere with getting a full night’s sleep?

Do you compare yourself—a person created in the image and likeness of God—to others online in an unhealthy way?
Do you do your own best work, being careful not to copy the work or ideas of others without giving them credit?

Are you less likely to be kind and respectful in online communications than in person?
Do you exclude or make fun of others instead of making everyone feel valued?
Do you reject bullying and stand up for those who are attacked?

Do you ever buy non-essential things on credit that you can’t afford?
Do you mindlessly buy things on impulse or because others have them that you don’t really need?
Do you know the source of the things you are buying (e.g., are your fruits and vegetables shipped from far away when local choices are available?) and how the involved workers treated well?

Do you need to make changes in your daily/weekly schedule to prioritize more intentional quality time with your family?
What kinds of activities do you do as a family that promote health, fun, and laughter?
Do you have enough unscheduled time to relax and enjoy each other as a family?

Are there ways you can reduce how much gas you use? (e.g., carpooling, walking, biking, public transportation, reducing trips, etc.)
What can you do to make your time in the car/commute time more fulfilling? (e.g., play word games, have a “no-phones-on” in the car rule, sing along to music, listen to a podcast, talk about your day...)
Are there others in your life who have trouble getting around whom you could help by offering rides or running errands for them?

Do you ever take the opportunity to write or call your elected officials to register your support for issues affecting justice and dignity for all?
Do you make it a practice to exercise your right to vote in all local and national elections?
Have you made efforts to seek out alternate viewpoints from those that you hold from people you know or news sources?

What is your preferred form of prayer that keeps you connected to God? (e.g., talking to him as if to a friend, writing your thoughts and prayers in a journal, attending mass, singing praise and worship music, etc.)
What helps you get to Mass each week? What hinders you?
Are there other people in your life who might benefit from being invited to attend church with you?

What do you do/can you do to get to know and connect with your neighbors?
How do you act as a good neighbor?
Are there ways you can contribute to beautifying the neighborhood you call home?

What sports or activities do you that help you to be a healthier, happier person?
Are there any sports or activities you participate in currently that don’t, or no longer, contribute to your overall well-being?
Are there any activities which you enjoy and are good for you but are causing too much stress or tension in your life leading you to be a less healthy, loving person?