“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving” (Psalm 86:1-6)

Today’s responsorial psalm is often used during times of crisis; the supplicant begging that God hearken to his prayer, seeking God’s mercy; happiness has departed.  The psalmist is crying out in his pain yet still trusts that the Lord is “good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call.”  We have many times when this psalm provides us with the language for a time when troubles seem so great and no relief is in sight.  Still, as David, we believe that the greatness of God, His enduring love for each one of us, means he will sustain us through such times.