(Fall, 1998)by Rev. Fr. Dominic Radecki, CMRI Knowledge of Self Many people are fond of looking at themselves in a mirror to check their physical appearance. Few, however, are willing to look at themselves in the mirror of their conscience to check their spiritual condition. They fear to see themselves as they really are and are equally fearful of making the necessary changes. Nevertheless, the saints have taught that self-examination, or examination of conscience, is one of the chief means of spiritual advancement. Examination of conscience helps us to get to the core of our spiritual problems and forces us to come face to face with the true state of our soul. “By daily repenting of our sins, we hinder them from taking deeper root in the soul, and prevent our bad habits from growing stronger.” 1 Necessity of Examination of Conscience Knowledge of self is the foundation of the