How many times have we seen parents tell children, “Say you are sorry!” Some children might look sorrowful, others may mouth the words with rebellion in their eyes, and yet others may say the words cheerfully but forget the lesson. How many times did God say to Israel, Turn, Return, and plainly, I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice. Their rituals had become meaningless, their words empty.

Yet, century after century, like Israel, we stand as children mouthing words we don’t feel. God, a loving parent who forgives, still waits, and even provides the means to attain the forgiveness, our renewal. It is held out to us unceasingly through the cross.