Litany of the Dust
For those who have betrayed us…Father, forgive them.
for those who have let us down…Father, forgive them.
for those who have been indifferent to us…Father, forgive them.
for those who have crippled our lives…Father, forgive them.
for those who have doubted us…Father, forgive them.
for those who have accused us…Father, forgive them.
for those who have preferred others to us…Father, forgive them.
for family members who have hurt us…Father, forgive them.
for friends who have denied us…Father, forgive them.
for those who have walked away from us…Father, forgive them.
For my own self piety…Father, forgive me.
for my lukewarmness…Father, forgive me
for my times of despair and distrust…Father, forgive me
for my refusals to be hugged…Father, forgive me
for my disbelief in your love…Father, forgive me
for my searchings everywhere but in your heart…Father, forgive me
for apologies frozen on my lips…Father, forgive me
for my words of love unspoken…Father, forgive me
for my kisses and embraces ungiven…Father, forgive me
for compliments never offered…Father, forgive me
for a heart closed in self-centeredness…Father, forgive me
for my own unforgiving postures…Father, forgive me
for not believing in your forgiveness…Father, forgive me
O Jesus, you who offered forgiveness to so many—to Mary, the Crippled Man, the Woman at the well, the Good Thief—who said that you came to give life and shed your blood “for the forgiveness of sins,” forgive us our sins. Not only the obvious ones, but especially the unnoticed ones of pride, righteousness, self-hate and the refusal to be loved.
Take our very selves and wash them in that unconditional love of yours, for you are a God of mercy and compassion, you who live and love forever and ever. Amen.
Love in my Master’s Name;
Fr Des Smit