In this episode we conclude our reflection on the Examen prayer by contemplating steps 4 and 5; asking forgiveness and looking forward to the next day.
 
 We begin by exploring what the Catechism teaches regarding forgiveness.
 We walk through the Psalms and Canticles in the Liturgy of the Hours as they relate to mercy and forgiveness.
 
 We realize that approaching God with a humble and contrite heart pleases God.  God wants to forgive us, but we must do our part and ask for His mercy.
 
 Part 5 is where we conclude the Examen by looking forward to the next day.  What can I do better?  Where can I grow in holiness and be more conformed to Christ?  How can I do better in thought, word, and deed?  How can I carry on the process of On-Going Conversion.
 
 I hope you have enjoyed this series on the Examen.  It is one of many beautiful devotions and practices that have developed over the centuries.
 
 The beauty of the Catholic Church is that there are so many ways to be Catholic, one is not necessarily better than the other.  Find what devotions and practices speak to you and are suitable to your unique individual person and soul.
 
 May the Lord grant you His peace!
 
 David Seitz, OFS
 david@tauministries.com
 
 Tau Ministries Web Site

In this episode we continue our reflection on the practice of the Examen.  The third step is to review our day.  This is where we get to "Know our sins and to rid ourselves of them."

We begin by having a discussion on the uncomfortable topic of sin.  Sin is mentioned over 750 times in the scriptures, and so, we must take sin seriously.  Sin, we discover, is a breach of our relationship with God.  We reflect on the story of the first sin in the garden.  We learn that God, even in the midst of our sins, calls out to us to heal that breach of relationship.  The goal of the Examen is to help us deepen our relationship with God, to conform oursleves more closely to the person of Jesus.

Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., insturcts us to examine oursleves in the light of the beatitudes.  He says meditation on the beautitudes helps us to get to know the heart of Jesus.  Our goal is to conform our hearts to His.

We end this reflection by quoting St. Pope John XXIII.  "I often persuaded men to pray, to ponder the gospels, to reform the morals of the world by first reforming themselves."

We continude to build ourselves into strong "living stones", the foundation of the Church, which will, in the end, be a witness of Christ to the world, drawing souls to heaven.

May the Lord grant you His peace.

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com

Tau Ministries Website

As we continue to explore the Examen Prayer, we delve into Thanksgiving.  As you recall, the first part of the Examen is to call on the Holy Spirit to guide us.  Step 2, we examine our day and give thanks to God for all He has done for us. 

We will Explore:
1. The Scriptural Roots of Thanksgiving
     The Psalms of Thanksgiving
     Old Testament Examples of Thanksgiving
    Thanksgiving in the Liturgy and Prayers of the Church

2.  We will explore how living a life of Thanksgiving affects our Mental and Physical well being.
     Emotional
    Social
   Peronality
   Career
   Physical Health
   Thanksgiving and Recovery

There is an excellent article on 28 benefits of Thanksfulness that can be found at the website
Positivepsychology.com and you can read the article by clicking the link to the site.

For more information on the book I referenced "Finding True Happiness" by Fr. Rober Spitzer, S.J.  go to Ignatius Press.  I highly recommend this book.

For more information on Franciscan Dave and Tau Ministries visit our website Here.

May the Lord grant you HIs peace.

David Seitz, OFS
david@tauministries.com