This week we observed Ash Wednesday. That means that we are beginning again that challenging but strengthening season of Lent.

It is challenging because we are called to look into our hearts and souls to see what is sinful, what is not of God. Our nature, broken by the effects of original sin, prefers to look away, to avoid admitting our errors.

But for that very same reason, Lent is a time that strengthens us. By God’s grace, our admission of sin leads us to a change of heart. We are given God’s love so that we can turn away from what damages ourselves and our world by sin. Then we are able to draw closer to God. Then we are able to become what God made us to be.

This Lent, we walk that path of admission, repentance and renewal in a special context. We are in the midst of the Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. Throughout the Church and everywhere in the world, he has asked us to renew our concentration on what makes Lent possible and fruitful: the mercy of God.

What then might we do during this Lent of 2016 to most profitably benefit from the Year of Mercy?

First, we are asked to renew our Christian and Catholic faith in the infinite mercy of God. No one should ever give in to despair in this life no matter what they have done, no matter what has happened.

God’s love is so greater, so much greater than our own, that He is always willing to forgive. He will forgive the worst of deeds. He will forgive even at the last moment, as Jesus did for the good thief on the cross.

We should not overlook this fundamental truth of God’s love. Recently, someone asked to speak to me privately and their question was, quite simply, “Do you think God will really forgive me?” Many struggle to accept how merciful God is.

During this Lent, after renewing our faith in God’s mercy, we then need to seek the special manifestation of that mercy, forgiveness. Mercy and forgiveness are not the same. Because God does not force us to love Him, he waits for us to ask His pardon. But we cannot ask God’s pardon unless we are truly sorry in our hearts and unless we are willing to make every effort to break away from our sin.

Do you have a particular and on-going sin? Is your life in need of prayer, of coming back to Mass each Sunday? Are you in a sinful relationship?

There are so many needs for reconciliation. This Year of Mercy is the time to turn away from sin, as difficult as that might be. Then come to seek Christ’s loving forgiveness.

That of course means coming again to the sacrament of confession. How long has it been? There is that great relief, that tremendous joy to hear the priest say on behalf of Christ, “I absolve you of your sins.”

This year, on March 16, the Wednesday before Holy Week, once more in the Diocese of Rockford, we will hold our Be Reconciled Day. Throughout the Diocese of Rockford from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., confessions will be heard in each parish (check your parish for specific details).

That day will be a highlight, even a culmination, of our efforts to rejoice in and seek God’s mercy. I personally invite you to come, especially if you have been away for years.

Finally, the Year of Mercy means that we take God’s mercy to others. Spiritually, we pray for others. We teach and speak the truth, whole and complete. We encourage others who stand up for what is right.

We gently but firmly correct those in error.

We are mindful of the poor, of those in pain, those who are lonely, those in prison. What about an elderly neighbor, a shut-in or someone you know that could use a visit or a word of kindness?

Pray for refugees and all of those afflicted by the terrible situations at home and abroad that we see in the news daily.

Do your best to make this Lent a time to seek, receive and share God’s mercy. Lent is only six weeks long. And it reminds us that time is also short in this life.

Jesus is coming, and we must be ready.