Be Merciful, O God, for We Have Sinned
Repentance is a well-known theme for Lent. The work of Lent is not about taking on sacrifice for its own sake but allowing God to continue the work of creation and renewal that God loves to do. Psalm 51 is probably the best known of the seven penitential psalms. In the Mediterranean culture, to sin against God is to shame God. Shame requires revenge. But in Psalm 51, the psalmist is convinced that God will be merciful instead of revengeful, because mercy is the very essence of God. Being human, we admit our participation in human sinfulness and begin a journey back to God. As God is merciful, we are to be merciful.
Have mercy, tender God, forget that I defied you.
Wash away my sin, cleanse me from my guilt.
I know my evil well, it stares me in the face,
evil done to you alone before your very eyes.
Creator, reshape my heart, God, steady my spirit.
Do not cast me aside stripped of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your salvation,
with a willing spirit uphold me.
Open my lips and my mouth will sing your praises.
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995,
Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]