This Year of Mercy has offered many opportunities for us to dwell on the Mercy of God. We go to confession, receive absolution, and feel cleansed within our souls. Regular confession, at least every month, is a precious gift from God through our priests.

There is a problem that can arise because our memories don’t always cooperate with that reconciliation we have received..

It would appear that it is within our minds that the enemy has the greatest power. At times, we can be constantly reminded of our mistakes, or about how we have hurt someone, even if it was unintentional. To forgive ourselves would seem a more difficult task.

I recall an incident that occurred over a few months ago. I did hurt a good friend by not being as attentive as I should. There was no intention on my part; just the excuse of my over- tiredness and distraction.

I did visit my pastor and shared my concerns in confession, and received good advice on dealing with the situation. Yet, there is still annoying reminders that I should have handled things better lingering in my head.

As the days go on, and through the power of prayer, I sense God reminding me that life here on earth is never going to be perfect. My job is to get up every day and try to follow His will. When problems or difficulties occur, I need to grab hold of His hand, and keep moving forward.

We are human beings, and that phrase, TO ERR IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE, DIVINE, would seem to be appropriate for those times when we fail. God can forgive us, but we must also be capable of forgiving ourselves.

Jesus died on the cross for us to be giving second chances, and by loving and trusting in His Presence here on earth, we can get through every storm, knowing that there is a sunny day just around the corner.