Today’s readings challenge us. Are we ready to be bold, to be great, to be holy. Can we be like Daniel and admit to God and ourselves that we have sinned? Are we ready to cry out for his mercy and go into the desert this Lent to become more holy, more merciful, more forgiving?
Daniel 9:4b-10
“Lord, great and awesome God, you who keep your merciful covenant toward those who love you and observe your commandments! We have sinned, been wicked and done evil; we have rebelled and departed from your commandments and your laws. We have not obeyed your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, our fathers, and all the people of the land. Justice, O Lord, is on your side; we are shamefaced even to this day: we, the men of Judah, the residents of Jerusalem, and all Israel, near and far, in all the countries to which you have scattered them because of their treachery toward you. O Lord, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! Yet we rebelled against you and paid no heed to your command, O Lord, our God, to live by the law you gave us through your servants the prophets.”
holy Gospel according to Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said tohis disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
These words from Fr. Michael Denk’s Sunday homily show us the way and encourage us that by the example of Jesus we can enter the desert with the help of the Holy Spirit.
“Ready or not . . . Lent is here. Are you able to let go of control and be driven by the Holy Spirit?” Fr. Michael Denk
https://www.theprodigalfather.org/blog/are-you-a-control-freak/
The confessional at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy www.thedivinemercy.org/shrine
Prepare yourself to be merciful by accepting God’s mercy in the sacrament of penance.
Prepare by a good examination of conscience.
Thanks be to God for this sacrament!
Check your bulletins for your parish Lenten penance services. See you in line!