"Go, and from now on do not sin any more." Do better next time. That is mercy. No hand wringing and reluctant pardons. No pretending that sin is not sin. Just the expectation that we are "straining forward to what lies ahead." Yes, our Parent does wonderful things for us. They allow us umpteen chances to do right by love and truth. So let us accept their generosity, and spend these dwindling Lenten days in joyful conversation with our hearts and souls about our many opportunities to do better.