Probare seipsum | To examine oneself

Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup 

(1 Cor 11:28). 

As we prepare to approach the Lord's table, Saint Paul's words echo in our hearts. This self-examination is not meant to discourage us, but to draw us deeper into communion with Christ.

In the Catholic tradition, we prepare ourselves for the sacrament of penance through a prayerful examination of conscience. This sacred practice invites us to reflect honestly on our thoughts, words, and deeds. We can root this examination in the Ten Commandments, which teach us how to love God and neighbor, and in the Beatitudes, where Jesus shows us the path to true blessedness.

Paul himself understood the importance of a clear conscience. He could say with confidence: "I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day" (Acts 23:1), and he urged Timothy: "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith" (1 Tim 1:5). Like Paul, we must strive for integrity before God and others.

Let us ask ourselves: Are my actions, words, and thoughts aligned with God's will? How have my deeds impacted those around me—my family, my community? Have I loved as Christ commanded? As we read in John's Gospel, Jesus said: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (Jn 13:34).

We must be honest about our faults and failings, yet never forget that God is our merciful Father. As Paul reminds us: "But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world" (1 Cor 11:32). The Lord's discipline is an act of love, calling us back to Himself.

When we come to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, let us echo the words Jesus taught us to pray: "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us" (Mt 6:12). We cannot approach the altar with resentment in our hearts. We must forgive others as God has forgiven us, for "if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Mt 6:15).

In this way, we become true disciples, following Paul's exhortation: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). May our examination of conscience lead us not to despair, but to conversion, gratitude, and deeper union with the Lord who gave Himself for us. 

Bible Reflection on 1 Corinthians 11: 27-34 by Fr. Joseph Trzebuniak SVD.

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