Daily Gospel reflections: Finding self-renewal in the Lord
Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me. (Pslam 51:3-4)
A few years ago during Lent, I began praying the Liturgy of the Hours. I begin most days with morning prayer. Every Friday, we pray Psalm 51, as humble a psalm as I know. I find that I look forward to it. I find that I need it. Never once have I come to Friday morning and thought to myself, “Nah, I’m doing pretty well this week. I can skip this psalm today.”
No matter how many times I have asked God to wash away all my guilt, no matter how many times I have fallen short, I am in constant need of renewal. I suppose this could make me despair of ever becoming who God wants me to be. Instead, I find it deeply hopeful. All I have to offer God is my awed, broken human heart. But it turns out that is all God wants.
Good and gracious God, I offer you myself. Continue to create me as you will!
— Karla Manternach
Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21AB
Luke 18:9-14
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