"God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy." (Pope Francis) 

As we enter this grace season of Lent, we are invited by God to bring to the cross our areas of sin. It is at the cross that we will hear those words of mercy from the mouth of Jesus: "Father, forgive them." If we listen attentively we can imagine him saying further: "Father, I give you the pain of my sacrifice for their forgiveness. I choose to give my life as an offering to you so that your life may once more be evident  in them. Without your mercy, Father, there is no hope for them. But  your mercy is freeing, healing and life-giving. Wash them clean in your mercy and love. Set them free to be your adopted sons and daughters once more. As often as they sin and are repentant, let your mercy flow upon them from the blood and water from my pierced side." 

Lord, Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.