If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16
How many conversations have I had with people through the years who dismiss the Roman Catholic sacrament of confession? We don't need to go through a priest to confess our sins. Those Catholics are just going through the motions anyway. It's all hocus pocus and weird ritual. For the most part the criticisms come from folk who have never stepped in to a confessional.
Actually, I haven't either, but I know that confession is good for the soul, whether it is our private and personal conversation with the God of mercy or in a more formal relationship as with a spiritual director or guide. Who am I to say that formal confession is not valuable? There have been many occasions where the person pouring out his or her heart to me as a minister might be informally in the confessional.
Recently Matthew Cordle, a young guy who was driving drunk, ran into another vehicle and killed the driver. His lawyer figured they might have a case that would get him off the hook or reduce his sentence. Instead Cordle went into the confessional called Youtube and took responsibility for what he had done:
“When I get charged I will plead guilty and take responsibility for everything I’ve done to Vincent (Canzani) and his family.I’m begging you. Please don’t drink and drive. I can’t bring Mr Canzani back ... but you can still be saved. Your victims can still be saved.”
http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/09/06/ill-plead-guilty-driver-confesses-to-killing-navy-vet-in-chilling-youtube-video/
Cordle has been charged based on his online confession.
What do you think of Cordle's confession? Are you able to "confess your sins" and start over? Is there more to it than saying sorry?
This is a "biggie", David ... confession and repentance are necessary... sometimes repeatedly, for we are weak... and helpful for moving on - and constant leaning on God is needed to help one turn away from one's sin(s) (we don't much like that word either, in our denomination); I have several RC friends who go to confession regularly... and their lives are better for the exercise. Another side of that coin can be the assurance that one is truly forgiven, and can stop beating up on onself and truly move on ..."no condemnation for one who is in Christ?" Huge topic! (Coming soon to a sermon, or study topic, near you???)
ReplyDeleteDuring this celebration of Creation Time, perhaps it might be interesting to reflect on the concept of our "collective sin" against the health of the planet, and its being a 'divine gift' from God.
ReplyDeleteOur wanton consumption patterns constitute an open revolt, a rejection of this gift. We are clearly 'missing the mark' in this instance.
An excellent idea, Frank!
ReplyDeleteBut I don't think we can avoid the need to address confession at a personal level - and discuss what that can and should look like in our church for folk today. The model in the blog is a courageous soul... but few would do what he did, readily acknowledging his guilt and accepting the consequences as he did.
We dispensed with prayers of confession in our liturgy some years ago. Perhaps we need to revisit this decision with an invitation to repentance for both individual and corporate sins. And to invite congregations to revisit the concept and reality of sin! Thanks to both of you.
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