Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, the Holy Eucharist, prayer, contrition and repentance, the mercy and forgiveness of God is communicated to us, His people, in unconditional love and complete generosity. Almighty God, wanting to save us and free us from sin, shares with us his loving mercy as a direct result of the suffering, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. By God’s grace and healing power we are able to put aside disobedience and selfishness in order to begin anew.

Below you will find some scripture references that address human sinfulness and the healing forgiveness of God. Take some time to read these passages and prayerfully consider what they reveal about sin, the human heart, the path to conversion and the loving mercy of God. In reflecting on sin that is present in our lives and hearts, let us be reconciled to God this Lent and re-orient our lives to His will and His rule over our hearts. Let us allow God to root out any willful, stubborn pride so that he may replace it with freedom and peace.

Genesis 3:1-7, The Fall of Man
Genesis 11:1-9, The Tower of Babel
Psalm 32
Psalm 51
Mark 2:1-12, The Healing of the Paralytic
Luke 15:11-32, The Prodigal Son
Luke 19:1-10, The Story of Zacchaeus
Ephesians 4:17-23
1 John 1:6-10