2ND WEEK OF LENT

Yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness! 

Have you ever driven through a puddle of water only to discover that it was covering a deep pothole? Depending upon how deep the hole is, you may find that you have caused real damage to your car.

Our journey with the Lord can sometimes resemble that unfortunate encounter with a pothole. Think about it: you start the day with a perfect plan of how you want your walk with the Lord to go, but then you stray from the path. Maybe you lash out at a family member, or you engage in gossip during lunch with a friend. Maybe you tell a “white lie,” or you look at someone lustfully. Suddenly, your whole plan is thrown out of alignment. You might feel trapped in guilt and shame. Even though you know you are trying to grow closer to God, your inability to follow your own goals weighs you down.

In today’s first reading, Daniel is in a similar place. He is distraught over how the sins of his people, as well his own sin, have resulted in their exile from Jerusalem. In these seven short verses, Daniel mentions shame, abandonment, and rebellion six times. But even in the face of so much sin, Daniel doesn’t get stuck in shame or guilt. Instead, he recalls God’s steadfast love and mercy. And he doesn’t just recall it; he clings to it. He holds onto it so tightly that it gives him the strength to keep serving the Lord despite all the sin.

Remember this whenever you feel ashamed for having fallen into a pothole. Yes, your initial plan may have been derailed. Yes, it may feel as if you’ll never get out of that hole. But God is still with you. He hasn’t forgotten you, and he certainly hasn’t given up on you. He is waiting for you to take hold of his mercy. He’s offering you the grace not just to be forgiven but to change as well.

You don’t ever have to resign yourself to guilt. You don’t ever have to feel helpless in the fight against sin. Embrace God’s infinite mercy. Ask him for forgiveness—and then forgive yourself. Let him pull you out of that hole and set you back on the road.

“Lord, I believe that you are a God of compassion and forgiveness!”

Psalm 79:8-9, 11, 13
Luke 6:36-38
Daniel 9:4-10