In a thirty minute video on the topic of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, one of the questions posed is: "How many people asked for forgiveness from the Lord in the Gospels?". Many are surprised when the correct answer, zero, is given. As we know, the Lord's mercy is extended often in the Gospels and it comes time after time with a presence and posture that is open to God's mercy. It comes to people who have come to recognize that their life has been damaged (and has damaged others) because of their poor disposition and choices. It comes to people who don't even know that they need God's mercy, for example, those who were responsible or complicit in Jesus's crucifixion (see Luke 23:34). Does all this mean that we don't need to ask for the Lord's mercy for our unhealthy thoughts, words, and/or behavior? Jesus himself lauded to his disciples the tax collector who came to the temple to pray and beat his breast saying "O God be merciful to me a sinner". (Luke 18:13) Jesus recognized the man's humble disposition (head bowed) and, yes, his words of admission that he was a sinner, and was indirectly asking his disciples AND US to follow such behavior that comes from a heart that is contrite and a mind that know he or she needs the Lord in order to be forgiven and be led to and strive to follow the right path. The A, B, C's of the Divine Mercy Devotion that was given by the Lord in a private revelation to St Faustina begins with asking for God's mercy. While we humbly verbalize this in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (and hear Jesus, through the instrument of the ordained priest say "I absolve you of your sins," our time in private prayer whether it's a few minutes or an our or more is, firstly, a humble admission that I need God in my life (which includes his mercy), and definitely says (perhaps without thought) that I cannot make it or make it very well on my own. In the Easter season we reflect on the ongoing presence and power of God working in our minds and hearts. Through the Holy Spirit who was given to us in our baptism and strengthened in us in our Confirmation, he is ready to enkindle within us the fire of God's love (and mercy). We are doubly blessed to have Jesus with us "until the end of time," (Matthew 28:20) as he comes to us in his body and blood, AND we have God's healing, comforting, giving Spirit to be grounded and stay grounded in mercy and love and witness the blessings that come to us and others from it day after day!