Nowhere is it as clear as in community living that we are imperfect, that despite all ourgood intentions we heap guilt upon ourselves again and again.  Community living is not at all possible without forgiveness, expressed or unexpressed, taking place again and again - .  Being dependent on the readiness of others to forgive us continually, allows us to "grasp" realistically to what depth we live from God's daily forgiveness.

This exercise deals with using meditation to expose the roots of sin by examining an actual situation where you have been guilty in dealing with another person.  In doing this we become aware of our  share in the suffering of Christ in order to open us to the mercy of God in the hidden roots of sin.

Remember a situation in which you acted wrongly toward another person and meditate on this experience against the background of Jesus words, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my bothers and sisters, you did it to me... you did it not to me." (Matt. 25:40, 45).

-  Lord, look on me - how could I do this sin? Show me the roots of my failings ...

-  Lord, look on me, you know my sin - and still love me - open my eyes to the weight of this  sin, wherever it happens ...

-  Lord, look on me - you know me and love me - at which place on your way of the cross  have I been among those that added to your sorrow? ...

-  Lord, look on me, you know me and love me - break me open to you so my grief can  "cry its eyes out" in pain and tears.  Let me not be frightened away from this...

-  Lord, look on me, you know me and love me - show me where I can make some small amends at least  and, thereby, let your once-for-all atonement flow into my life as a sign.

Hymn meditation:

 „What you, O Lord endured,
 is all my burden now;
 I have myself encumbered
 all that which madeyou bow.
 Look on me, I stand here poor,
 your wrath I have deserved
 give me O Lord of mercy
 thy look of grace assured.“  [Paul Gerhardt EG 85,4]