PRAYER: God’s Mercy by Catherine of Siena

Merciful Lord, it does not surprise me that you forget completely the sins of those who repent.  I am not surprised that you remain faithful to those who hate and revile you.  The mercy which pours forth from you fills the whole world.

It was by your mercy that we were created, and by your mercy that you redeemed us by sending your Son.  Your mercy is the light in which sinners find you and good people come back to you.  Your mercy is everywhere, even in the depths of hell where you offer to forgive the tortured souls.  Your justice is constantly tempered with mercy, so you refuse to punish us as we deserve.  O mad lover!  It was not enough for you to take on our humanity; you had to die for us as well.

Amen.