• Have I greeted others with a blessing, or do I ignore or demean others?
• Have I borne bitter fruit in my thoughts, words or deeds?

Why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

• Have I denied my own worth or the worth of others?
• Have I missed God’s presence because I’m too busy, hurried, or anxious?

As soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.

• Have I been deaf to God’s voice coming from unexpected people and encounters?
• Have I grown so serious that I can’t leap for joy?

My soul magnifies the Lord: and my spirit rejoices in God my savior.

• Does my very being announce the goodness of God to others?
• Do I rejoice with others as often as I can?

For God has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed.

• Upon whom do I look favorably? Upon whom do I look with disapproval? Do I try to look on others with the love that God does?
• Has my help for the lowly been more about giving handouts than about seeking justice?

For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

• When have I taken credit for what I have not done?
• When have I denied my own participation in social injustice?

God has shown strength with his are; and has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their heart.

• Have I been secretly arrogant or pride-filled?
• Have I used my power, status, education, or religion to disparage others, even silently in my own heart?

God has brought down the powerful from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly.

• Have I voted with a Christian conscience?
• Do I live the gospel even at the cost of my own comfort?

God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

• Have I done enough to feed the hungry? What of those hungry for justice?
• Have I become gluttonous for praise, luxury, or the security of others like me?

God has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.

• Have I broken my promised to others?
• Will I leave this world a merciful, just, and beautiful place for future generations?

I did not write the above examen. It appeared in our church’s bulletin and came from the J. S. Palluch Co. Inc…..I think. The writing was very blurred and I had to use a magnifying glass to read it. SS