The fifth week of Lent:
Sunday, March 17 through Saturday, March 23, 2024

As we continue our walk in grace and mercy, it is time to make a good examination of conscience and to seek reconciliation. Here are some examples of various examination of consciences.

As we approach this date, times for reconciliation at parishes across the diocese will be linked in this spot.

What might we challenge ourselves to give up this week? How about grudges? This can be a real challenge as it is easy to remember and focus on all the irritating or hard things that someone else has done to us. When something irritating or hurtful that someone else done comes to mind, ask the Lord to remind you of the opportunity to say, “Jesus, please forgive them and help me forgive them. Bring healing to this situation.”

Poverty of spirit means making ourselves vulnerable. It takes true and deep generosity to reach out to mend a relationship. It might be best to start small. Just say something nice to someone whose relationship with you is strained. God will always bless our efforts. Work on your own heart first. Pray that the person with whom you seek healing has a good day or week or month. Ask God to put forgiveness in your heart. It may take time, but when you involve God or some of your beloved saints in heaven in the process, you will be well on your way to restoring the relationship. Which will bring us right back to gratitude!