All of us have heard the expression “Let your conscience be your guide.”  Vincent’s regular insistence upon a good examination of conscience would certainly embrace the spirit of that encouragement. The time of Lent provides a valuable opportunity to consider and promote a well-formed conscience.

In the Vatican II document Gaudium et Spes we find a powerful reflection on the meaning of a conscience:

In the depths of his conscience, man detects a law which he does not impose upon himself, but which holds him to obedience. Always summoning him to love good and avoid evil, the voice of conscience when necessary speaks to his heart: do this, shun that. For man has in his heart a law written by God; to obey it is the very dignity of man; according to it he will be judged. Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a man. There he is alone with God, Whose voice echoes in his depths. (GS 16)

Among the wonderful lessons that one can discern in this teaching rests one line which captures my imagination and attention.  The document describes the conscience as the secret core and sanctuary of a person where he/she is “alone with God.”

The experience of Adam and Eve in the Garden prompts us to consider being “alone with God.”  In that place that the Lord has created for them, they turn away from the directive of God.  Then, they try to hide.  But, God seeks and finds them.  And they must confront the consequences of their choice.  They cannot hide from the one who has called them into being.  The story of our first parents draws together many of the important elements of a moral conscience: our freedom, our responsibility for decisions, and the consequences which flow from our choices.  Within this context, we stand before our God as we are.

For me, perhaps the most compelling story in the New Testament that teaches about conscience and being alone with God is that of the “Good Thief” who is crucified with Jesus (Lk 23:39-43).  On the cross, this unfortunate man examines his own conscience.  He admits to doing wrong and the just consequence of that action.  And he turns to Jesus to seek forgiveness and reconciliation.  To listen to his heartfelt words is to hear our own deepest hope: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” The Lord then speaks those words that echo the attitude of a God who continually calls us back to the Divine Presence as we take responsibility for our actions: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

From the position of truth, the Good Thief turns to Jesus and asks for mercy.  Then, Jesus responds without hesitation or qualification.  This man will live with God forever and find his completion in the one who loves him. What more could one ask from the formation of a moral conscience than this type of personal conversion which leads us to God, our true destiny.

May our conscience be our guide.