Lent is a penitential season. That means it is an especially appropriate time to talk about, reflect upon and face our sin and brokenness.

To mark this Lenten theme, we have moved the confession and absolution in our liturgy to the very beginning of the service.

This confession and absolution is different from our usual one, “we confess that we have sinned against you in thought word and deed…” There is nothing wrong with this one, and repetition can be important in our learning and growth. However, difference, changing it up, can also help highlight and teach in its own way.

If you haven’t noticed, the invitation to confession has been changing every Sunday. We always hear, “Let us ask God to bring to light the things now hidden in darkness, and to disclose to us the secret purposes of our hearts. And most especially, let us remember the covenant of our baptism and test our hearts and conscience to know how faithfully we have…”

But then, each week we hear a different part of our baptismal promise. This Sunday, it is “we have sought and served Christ in all persons, loving our neighbours as ourselves?”

We are being asked, how faithfully have we have held to this promise?

Because we are human.

And though we have promised.

We have fallen short.

And the only way forward to healing and health and restoration is repentance. Which begins with naming the truth. Asking for mercy. Making amends. Trying again.

Our sin, our failings, our brokenness can be uncomfortable to name and face. Who wants to admit when they are wrong? However, if a person, if a society cannot name and face these uncomfortable truths, how can they heal? How can they grow? How can they repair what is broken? How can they be forgiven? How can they try again?

Be brave this Lent. Own and face the truth of our failings. It is through repentance and naming our sin, that we are freed and may embrace the love and mercy of God, which was freely offered, freely given, the whole time.  

Thanks be to God!

CG+