Psalms 37:3 For your arrows have been driven into me, and your hand has been confirmed over me.

What are the arrows? St Augustine says they could be the effects of Original Sin: the pain and suffering of a fallen human existence. He also likened these arrows to the Word of God calling us back to right relationship. As such, these arrows are like love darts which wound the heart, not to destroy but it but to heal it. The heaviness of God’s hand is meant not to crush us but to heal us. His loving correction seeks to bring us back to right relationship with him. After Peter denied Jesus, Jesus looked at him. It was a look of merciful love that pierced the heart of Peter, leading to repentance. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.