My offences truly I know them (Psalm 50:3)
Song Be Merciful, O Lord (Stephen Pishner)
All sing: Be merciful, O Lord, we have sinned, we have sinned
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
A Thought
‘Concreteness, honesty, and the genuine ability to be ashamed of one’s mistakes are all qualities needed in order to be open to the forgiveness of God, as well as the deep awareness of his love.’ (Pope Francis)
Reflection Two
The story of the Good Thief on the cross beside Jesus is a story of hope for us. If Christ did not reject a condemned criminal who, at the last minute, confessed Him and asked to be remembered in his kingdom, do we think that Christ will reject us if we approach Him with the same faith and humility now? God is loving, merciful, kind, welcoming, and is always waiting for us to turn to him. He justified the criminal in one moment and he can do the same for us.
In one moment, O Lord,
You graciously granted paradise to the penitential thief.
Now by the tree of your Cross,
Enlighten, sanctify and save me.
(The Hymn of Light from Matins of Good Friday)
Action
The Good Thief who died on the cross beside Jesus teaches us about healing our hearts. He looks into himself, sees his failings, and then asks Jesus to simply remember him. Take time each day to place your hand on your heart and to remember your own weaknesses and failings. Finish this task by reciting the daily prayer with hand on heart.
Daily Prayer Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom
Song Jesus Remember Me (Taizé)
All sing: Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom
Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom
Prayer Let us pray,
God of truth and mercy,
Give us the grace of insight to know our own shortcomings and the areas of our lives in need of change and renewal.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.