March 18, 2019 Monday of the 2nd Week of Lent-C

Daniel 9:4-10

Psalm 79

Luke 6:36-38

“…we are shamefaced even to this day…”  Dan. 9:7

“Forgive and you will be forgiven.”  Lk. 6:37

Lord, Daniel admitted to shame over his own and his fellow countrymen’s sins against you.  He clearly laid the blame for the dire condition of his conquered and enslaved land on unfaithfulness to you and your commandments.  He made his prayer very personal in that he stepped up and took full responsibility for the situation they were in.  Lord, it’s so easy for us to blame others when our lives and our communities suffer from our rebellion against you.  We have misused our freedom and squandered our opportunities to become a truly just and holy people.  I believe you are the source of infinite mercy and forgiveness.  Give me the gift of true shame over how I have disobeyed you and gone after my own selfish interests and ways.  I offer up to you even the sins of my youth committed long ago.  When I am confident of my forgiveness it is easier to forgive anyone who has hurt me.  It’s clear that is what you desire.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for helping me to leave behind my failures and to let go of the ways I have been harmed.  Amen.