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Sirach affirms that the Lord remembers our sins in detail. Even though we may accept this teaching as a normal part of our faith, it is interesting to note that the Old Testament very infrequently speaks of God remembering our sin. Most passages which speak of God remembering anything, rather affirm that God remembers His covenant, His loving kindness, His mercy. It may well be that Psalm 103 is somewhat naive in its simple trust in the mercy of God. Yet we can be sure that such a simple trust would have won the approval of Jesus, for He called upon us to be childlike if we desire to enter the kingdom of heaven.
In both life and death, Paul affirms, we belong to the Lord. This belonging is rooted in our creation, for we are created in the image of God: we belong to God since we are His image. We now belong to God on a new level since Jesus has redeemed us.
Sirach points out the contradiction between refusing mercy to others and seeking mercy for oneself. Jesus took up this doctrine in the Our Father. "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us".
Lord, pardon all our iniquities and heal all our ills so that we may always reflect Your mercy and compassion.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
For children and youths in Catholic Schools, that in the course of their training they may encounter strong and wise educators who will help them to grow in their religious faith and healthy attitudes to life.
Elaboration
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