Each Of Our Confessions Is A Joyful Celebration Of GOD's Mercy And A Source Of Renewal

 "Have mercy on me, O GOD, in YOUR love.

In YOUR great compassion blot out my sin.

Wash me thoroughly of my guilt;

cleanse me of evil.

For I acknowledge my wrongdoings

and have my sins ever in mind.

Against YOU alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in YOUR sight, I have done.

YOU are right when YOU pass sentence;

and blameless, in YOUR judgment.

Turn YOUR face away from my sins

and blot out all my offenses.

Deliver me, O GOD, from the guilt of blood;

and of YOUR justice, I shall sing aloud."

- Psalm 51:3-4. 5-6. 11. 16

(This is the finest of the 'penitential psalms.'  Man stands guilty and unafraid before GOD.  Indeed, he sees his guilt, as a reason for mercy and an excuse for hope.  A deep sense of sin is already a step toward the sanctity of GOD.  It opens the door for his eager mercy.  But Our LORD takes us even further than the psalmist.  HE teaches us to cry not 'GOD!' but 'FATHER!'

It is good to pray with this psalm, when we feel overwhelmed by our guilt, be it against GOD or against our brothers and sisters, and we seek the goodness of GOD, who justifies us.

When we receive the sacrament of reconciliation, we meet JESUS HIMSELF, the Savior who intercedes, and the FATHER who pardons.  Each of our confessions is a joyful celebration of GOD's mercy and a source of renewal.)

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