April 5

The Cry Of The Heart For Forgiveness

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. — Ps 51:1 BSB

I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. — Isa 44:22 BSB

Many repentant souls have walked this path. Few of God's saints have gone through life without painfully climbing its steps. On the wall of St. Augustine’s room, where he spent his final days, this verse was placed where he could always see it.

The Psalmist uses three words to describe the forgiveness he seeks—that his transgressions might be blotted out, as writings are erased from old manuscripts; that his iniquity might be washed away, like stains from cloth; and that every trace of his past sin might be removed, just as Naaman’s leprosy was cleansed, making his skin like that of a child. How tenderly Jesus responded to the leper’s cry for cleansing: "I will, be clean!"

How amazing are the answers to the soul’s cry for forgiveness! Do you ask to be purged with hyssop? Hear God’s response: "I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more." He cleanses us with the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God. Do you long to be made as white as snow? "These are those who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Do you ask for joy and gladness? "It is fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this child of mine was lost and is found." Do you wish to offer God praise and thanksgiving? Offer Him your broken and contrite heart; He will not despise it! The fragrance of a broken alabaster jar still fills Heaven and earth today!

Prayer

Let there be no doubt in any of us that You forgive to the uttermost all who come to You in repentance. May those of us saddened by our sins find today the joy of the Lord. Amen.