Psalm Reflection: The First Sunday of Lent - Cycle A
“Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.” - Psalms 51
The single greatest gift we have been given is the forgiveness of our sins—the gift of salvation. Perhaps the second greatest gift, then, is the humility to recognize that we need forgiveness. We have all been given the first, but countless fail to receive or recognize their need for the second. In reflecting on that simple thought, I was reminded of the poem, “I am a Christian” by Maya Angelou:
"When I say … “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say … “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say … “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say … “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say … “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say … “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say … “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow."
In Western Catholicism, we tend to place an emphasis in the spiritual life on growing in holiness. We are always trying to improve, grow, thrive, and strive for more. There is nothing wrong with that, but it can make us fall into the trap of thinking we can fix ourselves. We can too easily forget that we are sinners in need of a Savior, or that we cannot save ourselves.
That is why I love the emphasis in Eastern Catholicism, which tends instead toward an emphasis on growing in repentance. On this Ash Wednesday, we are marked with ashes, a symbol of repentance, to be reminded that we were made from dust and we will return to dust. We are reminded of our fallen nature, our mortality, and our need for God’s grace. What would this Lenten season look like if, instead of focusing on adding all of these things to your life, you focused on rooting out sin and becoming more aware of your complete and total need for God?
How would you pray?
How would you fast?
How would you serve?
We are sinners in need of a Savior. He has already come to save us. The first gift has already been given. Have you received the second?
When has God forgiven you, but admitting your need felt hard?
How does pride trick you into thinking you can save yourself?
In what ways does striving hide your call to repent more deeply?
I am praying for you. Please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.
Matt
This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, the First Sunday of Lent: Psalms 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17.
