Another explanation is offered by Sefer Leket Yosher (OC 118:1 – a 15th century student of the Trumas HaDeshen). He writes that we always begin Selichos on Sunday, because we want to connect Selichos with Shabbos. After Shabbos we are in a state of simcha (joy) because of the Torah which we have learned on that day, and because of our fulfillment of the mitzvah of Oneg Shabbos (enjoying the delicacies of Shabbos). It is with this atmosphere of simcha that we wish to begin reciting Selichos because the Divine Presence does not descend upon those who are depressed, but on those who experience the simcha of performing mitzvos (Shabbos 30b). On Motzei Shabbos, when we are still filled with the joy of Shabbos, it is an auspicious time to begin beseeching Hashem for forgiveness.
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