“We have sinned.” (Dan. 9:5)

Today the liturgy brings us back to the penitential attitudes that run through this Lenten season. It expects from the Church a change, a renewal, a walk in the ways of God. Francis’ pontificate has had that purpose: the reform of the Church. He promotes the goal to overcome the clericalism therein, all the crimes that overwhelm those who have experienced pedophilia and the lack of clarity in their religious choices. It regrets the resistance to change; to remain, dressed in timeless liturgies, in the past. However, Daniel’s texts are addressed to a people who recognize themselves as sinners, who are longing for salvation. As inhabitants of this planet, it does us good to recognize our indifference, our sins of omission in a world that walks under the yoke of greed and corruption. And Jesus continues to invite us to mercy, to a compassionate heart: (Lk. 6:36-38).