“Bless the Lord O my soul; and all my being bless his holy name. Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits. He pardons all your
iniquities and heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction and crowns you with kindness and compassion.” Psalm 103:1-4. St. John Chrysostom said, “Be ashamed when you sin, don’t be ashamed when you repent. [To repent means to have a change of heart and mind. It is not simply a feeling of sorrow but a psycho/spiritual growth away from evil/death and a turning to God/Life. Sin is the wound, repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame; repentance is followed by boldness. [Boldness means to beg God for underserved mercy.] Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”

Let us pray, My God, truly You are full of compassion, not one to be feared, but rather we must run to You when we have sinned against You. Even our faults and sins become a way a grace, leading us to deeper love and surrender in our repentance. May we bear the light of Your love to others this Lent, being merciful as You are merciful. Amen. “Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry.