When I think of how merciful God has been to me, what thoughts come to mind?

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. 

-- New American Bible revised Edition  (James 5:16).

The Penitential Act follows the greeting. At the very beginning of the Mass the faithful recall their sins and place their trust in God's abiding mercy. Salvation is a lifelong process of growing in holiness. We need God's grace to do that. We remember that we need God's mercy as we confess our sins and pray for one another. 

Reflecting on God's mercy might bring to mind feelings of gratitude and awe at the forgiveness and love you've experienced. You might think about moments when you felt undeserving yet were embraced by a sense of peace and acceptance, possibly during times of prayer or reflection on your faith. These thoughts could include:

• Forgiveness: Times when you've made mistakes or sinned, yet felt a profound sense of being forgiven, not just by others but also by a divine presence, leading to personal growth and transformation.
• Guidance: Instances where you felt lost or directionless, and through reflection or prayer, you received clarity or comfort, guiding you back to your path.
• Protection: Recalling moments when you might have narrowly escaped harm or when life's challenges seemed overwhelming, yet you felt protected or supported by an unseen force.
• Love and Compassion: The overwhelming sense of being loved unconditionally, despite human imperfection, which might inspire you to extend that same mercy to others.
• Second Chances: Reflecting on how life has offered new beginnings or opportunities after periods of difficulty or personal failings, seeing these as acts of divine mercy.

These reflections might encourage you to live more mercifully yourself, echoing the compassion and forgiveness you feel you've received.

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