During the Ash Wednesday service we recite Psalm 51. For the next 18 days one verse will be published and commented on. Today is verse 1: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your loving-kindness; in your great compassion blot out my offenses.

Boy, sometimes I want my offenses blotted out. But even more important, how many of us are willing to forget offenses of others. Do we have compassion for those actions of people we care about who hurt us unintentionally? Do we forgive ourselves for the offenses we casually create against our friends and family members? So I ask anyone who reads this missive, please ask for mercy for your offenses, but have mercy for anyone who offends you.