The Illumination of Conscience

The Illumination of Conscience

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         What exactly is the Illumination of Conscience?  It is an act of mercy given to us by Our Lord.  During this illumination, we will see ourselves as God sees us.  We will see all our sinfulness and all the motives for all the thoughts, words, and deeds in our life.  We will know where we stand at that moment as to whether we will go to heaven, hell, or purgatory.  If we are assigned to purgatory we will know the length and intensity of our suffering there.  This is predicated again on that moment in time.  Some of us will die from the shock of what we see and spend eternity in that judgment.  You may ask question of this being an act of mercy.  It is the justice of God seasoned with mercy.

         Others will feel great remorse over their thoughts, words, and deeds.  They will begin to reform their lives.  They will seek a confessor, confess their sins, make a firm amendment to sin no more, and receive absolution for their sins.  Free from their sins, the person will do much penance, and say more prayers to obtain indulgences for their past life.   It is said that priests will be hearing confessions and granting absolution for weeks and months.

         How can we avoid this situation of horrendous shock?  We should always examine our consciences nightly and pray the perfect act of contrition.  The prayer is as follows:  Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins totally because I love Thee so deeply.  I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace to avoid the near occasions of sin.  This prayer will put you in the state of sanctifying grace.  If any of your sins are grievous or serious, you must seek a priest for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, receive a penance, and receive absolution from the sins.  After the sacrament you may then receive the physical sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

         All of us should do a nightly examination of conscience, pray the act of perfect contrition, and pray the act of Spiritual Communion.  As I get “younger”, thoughts cross my mind about past acts, words, and deeds.  I then ask pardon for all my wrongdoings and I pardon all who have wronged me.  If you do what I do and your sins are not serious, you will sleep in the peace of Jesus Christ, which surpasses all understanding.  Try it for you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  The loss is great suffering in Purgatory.  The gain is eternal life and happiness with God, His angels, and His saints.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise. Amen.