TRUE CONTRITION

Meditation for Monday of the 2^nd Week of Lent
(Dan 9:4-10; Lk 6:36-38)

We begin this second week of Lent with prayer of contrition from Prophet Daniel. From their misery, he realized they had wandered from God, “We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances.” An honest contrition of heart shows sorrow for sin, and at the same time acknowledges God’s holiness and mercy. “To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us confusion of face...” The sorrow for sin is in itself a humble appeal to God’s mercy and forgiveness.

In fact, it is the love and mercy of God that prompts us to contrition. God is infinitely merciful; He does not reject a humbled contrite heart. As we go to Him to obtain mercy, we ought to always be merciful to others. Jesus said, “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful...” We are not in a position to judge others over their sins, and hold them to ransom without forgiveness. It will be sheer hypocrisy and mockery if we do not show mercy and forgiveness to those around us but we always run to God to obtain mercy.

Therefore, the sorrow for our sins is truly alive to the extent we show mercy to others. “For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” That is why this season of Lent, as we practice more acts of mercy and forgiveness, God hears our plea and lifts us up from our misery.  Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday March 1^st, 2021.
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