Daniel expresses both remorse for the sins of his countrymen and gratitude for God's compassion and forgiveness. At times we focus more on our sins and those of others but forget to gaze at the ever forgiving face of God smiling at us and calling us to come back to him. Unfortunately, the lack of this attitude of trust has brought a lot of sufferings. For example, the reason for most divorces is usually defined as originating from 'irreconcilable differences'. The wars that ravage many countries are signs of the lack of dialogue and love. Refusing to dialogue and to forgive one another destroys families and countries. Jesus' call to forgive just as he continually forgives us is not that of a rude commander but of a loving father. That is why, especially during this period of Lent, we should not be afraid to come to him and ask for forgiveness instead of isolating ourselves in the darkness of guilt and sin. Coming closer to Jesus, we will learn to appreciate the good in us and in others even amidst their weaknesses.