Particular Examen

The true nature of this exercise is very generally misunderstood. When rightly understood and sincerely and perseveringly practised, it is nothing less than an efficacious means of perfection.

The particular examen is a concentrated struggle of the will, not with all our faults equally, but with one specially chosen as the most important to be overcome. It consists of two parts, the matter and the form. The matter is the fault selected for attack, or the virtue of which a habit is to be acquired; and the aid of a wise counsellor is often necessary for its choice.

The form is the practice of the exercise three times a day. Of these three times the first is at rising, when the resolution to watch and struggle against the fault chosen should be renewed for the coming morning; the second is at noon, when the conscience is examined how often the fault has been committed, and the number noted in the book; the due acts of self-humiliation, contrition, hope, and the renewal of our resolution for the rest of that day are made; the third is before retiring to rest, when the exercise is repeated as at noon.

The following acts will suffice at noon:

Represent to yourself JESUS CHRIST crucified.

At the Wound of the Right Hand.

Thanksgiving. — My God, I thank Thee for all the blessings Thou hast given me this morning, for all Thy favours in general and for this... and this... (a fine day — a kind word — success in our work — thank for every thing). “ What shall I render to the Lord for all He has given me! ”

At the Left Hand.

Ask light to see your faults. — We are so blind to ourselves, we need God's grace to discover them.

“ Lord, grant that I may see! ” —

At the Left Foot.

Examen — Look back upon the morning hours; have a standard to examine by; did I resolve when rising to avoid this fault? — did I put my hand to my heart when I fell? — did I obey my conscience when it pricked? —

“ From my secret sins, cleanse me, O Lord! ”

At the Right Foot.

Sorrow. — Call to mind all your sins, especially those you most regret and renew your contrition for them as well as for those you have just discovered; dwell on this point. Contrition is the salt of our spiritual life; we must always grieve for sin.

“ Against Thee only have I sinned! ” —

At the Sacred Heart.

Purpose of amendment.— Renew your firm resolution to avoid sin, that one fault especially, until night; earnestly beg grace for this. —

“ Mary, my Mother, pray for me ”. — “ Heart of Jesus, be my refuge ”. —

In the Sacred Heart I will trust and rest. —