My dear parishioners,
Peace! Under headings of Judgment, Formation, Choice in Accord, Erroneous Judgment and In Brief, the Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses “conscience” in twenty-nine passages. Here we consider CCC, 1781.
There are many different aspects for us to consider when considering conscience. Conscience calls us to do good, to live virtuous lives, to seek God’s mercy as necessary, to have hope, to recognize our responsibility before God and the truth for our deeds and desires… The Catechism recalls all of these for us.
Because of the judgment of conscience we are able to assume responsibility for the acts performed. We are responsible for the good (or evil) we do. It is to our glory (or shame). Those who have not yet reached the “age of reason” (seven years of age) or who are mentally or psychiatrically impaired may do or desire good or evil things but are not morally responsible.
Even if we commit evil, the just judgment of conscience remains within us as witness to the universal truth of the good or the evil of our particular choices. In Veritatis Splendor, 32 (6 August, 1993), of Saint John Paul II (+2005) we are reminded of the primordial reality of conscience, how thanks to our human reason we are able to know universal truths about what is good (and evil). This very important encyclical treats conscience extensively with over one hundred references.
Thanks to the verdict of the judgement of conscience we have both a pledge of hope and mercy. Pope Benedict XVI in his encyclical Spe Salvi, 41 (30 November, 2007), reminds us how “from the earliest times, the prospect of the Judgment has influenced Christians in their daily living as a criterion by which to order their present life, as a summons to their conscience, and at the same time as hope in God’s justice.” If we are well confessed and are living in a state of grace our confidence and hope of eternal salvation should be very high!
When faults are committed, conscience calls to mind the forgiveness that must be asked. If we never examine our conscience we might not ever recognize our shortcomings or ask for the forgiveness and mercy of God.
Conscience calls to mind the good that must still be practiced. Conscience not only warns us against doing evil but encourages us to do good. We have been made by the Good God in His divine image (cf. Genesis 1:27) to do good in this world (cf. Galatians 6:9).
Conscience calls to mind the virtue that must be constantly cultivated with the “grace of God” who “is greater than our hearts” and who “knows everything” (cf. 1 John 3:19-20). To live a virtuous life is to live life according to our nature. The root of the word “virtuous” is the Latin term vir/viri which translates as man. There are supernatural virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity) and natural virtues. God’s powerful grace strengthens us.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr