Lent Week 3: Tuesday
Lord, I am sorry…
Lord Jesus, like Azariah in the book of Daniel, I dare to confess my sins to you in prayer and specially in the Sacrament of Confession. He speaks of the sins of his people Israel. They were chosen and set aside as a light among the nations, but they squandered their good fortune by continuing to sin against you. Now they are in bondage, and now they realize the great blessings once given to them and now have been lost.
I do not only pray like Azariah for mercy on the people of my own time. I pray first and foremost, for my own sins. I have followed the example of the people in their fragility, infidelity, and insincerity. I have betrayed your trust, not once, but many times. I sin against you, not infrequently, but daily. I renege on my resolutions as quickly as I make them.
Lord, even as a sinner, I am a believer. I believe in your undying mercy that no sin can sweep away. I believe in your compassion that no betrayal can erase. I believe in your faithfulness that no indifference on my part can ever eradicate. You have promised something beautiful to us sinners if we repent. You promised forgiveness. So Lord, “do not take your mercy from us…with contrite and humble spirit let us be received…”
Forgive me, forgive all your children, forgive my people.
Lord, in the gospel you make it clear: forgiveness carries a requirement, a demand in return. Those you forgive must spread that blessing to others. Forgiven, a person must be a forgiver, too. As I humbly request that you pardon my sins this Lent, may I look back on all those who have hurt me visibly or invisibly, in body or in my soul.
May I not be the person who after receiving forgiveness retain a cold and stony heart. As I receive your healing hand of mercy, may I extend my hand in reconciliation and peace to people around me, in the family, school, workplace, or community, who I must forgive if I am to be serious in receiving your love. Amen.
