From the beginning of his Pontificate, Pope Francis has reminded us that God is more willing to forgive us our sins than we are to ask for forgiveness. This is an ancient and wise teaching of the church. It occurs in a second century homily by an unknown preacher.

"The Lord gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness" (Psalm 145:8). These first words from Psalm 145 well sum up the whole meaning of Lent. This affirmation of God's graciousness and mercy is at the same time an invitation to us to prepare our hearts to experience this graciousness and mercy by repenting of our sins and turning to God who loves us with an everlasting love and is always constant in his affection for us (Jeremiah 31:3).

Though not one of the seven Psalms which, since the sixth century have been called "The Penitential Psalms", Psalm 145 praises God's graciousness and mercy and so assures us of God's forgiveness and restoration in love since he "lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed dow".