"God's face is the face of a merciful father who is always patient. Have you thought about God's patience, the patience he has with each of us? That is his mercy. He always has patience, patience with us; he understands us, he waits for us, he does not tire of forgiving us, if we are able to return to him with a contrite heart." Pope Francis

His patience is a mystery. Like the father of the Prodigal son, he waits and longs for our return to him. When we do, he shows us not judgment but mercy. He is always ready to forgive our past failures. When he does, his mercy puts them away from him as into the depth of the ocean. How ungrateful we have been in the past, taking his patience and mercy for granted! Lent is a time to return to the Father, like the Prodigal son, admit our wrongs and experience his loving mercy.