Salesian Literature

Chapter 11:  [Five daily spiritual exercises besides meditation]

Second:  the evening exercise and  Third: the examination of conscience

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Before the midday meal you are to have a spiritual lunch by means of meditation.  Similarly, before your evening meal you are to have a small spiritual supper, or at least a devout light meal.  So, set aside some time, a little before supper.  Bowing low before God, bring your spirit together close to Christ Jesus crucified, whom you are to represent to yourself by a simple consideration and interior glance.  Rekindle in your heart the fire of your morning meditation by a dozen earnest longings, acts of humility and loving desires which you will make towards your divine Saviour.  Otherwise, recall the points of the morning meditation which you liked most.  Or else, arouse yourself by means of some other new subject.  Do whatever you prefer.

 

The examination of conscience is to be always made before going to bed.  Everyone knows how it is to be done:

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1. Thank God for taking care of you during the day that is over.

2. Examine your behaviour during each hour of the day.  To do this more easily, call to mind where you have been, with whom, and what you have been doing. If you find you have done any good, thank God for it.  If, on the contrary, you have done anything wrong, in thought or in word or in deed, ask his pardon.  Decide to confess it at the first opportunity and to correct yourself carefully.

3. After that entrust to divine Providence your body and spirit, the Church, your relatives, your friends.  Ask our Lady, your Guardian Angel, and the Saints to watch over you, taking care of you.  With God’s blessing go to take the rest which his will hade necessary for us.

 

This evening exercise, like that of the morning, must never be forgotten.  By the morning exercise, you open the windows of your spirit to the Sun of Justice.  By the evening exercise, you close them to the darkness of hell.

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INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE

PART II: 

Various Counsels for raising oneself to God by Prayer and the Sacraments