Saturday, March 21, 2015

 

 

When I was eight or nine I moved into a bed that we got from my grandmother house.  It was an old high bed with four tall posts at each corner. At that age, I was just able to scramble into it, and I loved it.  I left my low twin and the multiples of stuffed animals and dolls behind, I turned off the babyish night-light, and climb aboard. 

 

While eight may be too old for a night-light it is a great age for monsters under the bed and goblins in the closet. 

 

I frequently had one particular guest that would stand at the foot of my high bed, tall and hunched backed, not moving. It just hovered, menacing, heart pounding scary, staring at me. With all my courage one night I snaked my arm out from under the cocoon of covers and finally reached my bedside lamp.  That night, it was my sweater, careless hung on the post so that I would not have to fold it and put it away. No goblin, no ghost, in the light just an old blue sweater, carelessly hung on the post of my elegant bed.

 

We are called in this time of Lent into self-examination and repentance. If we carry this out alone, confessing only to God it is like staring into the dark.  The goblins of our sins are wild and larger than life, God's forgiveness seems unlikely. I encourage you this Lent to pages 446 and following in the BCP to the two rites of Reconciliation, one requires a priest and one another Christian.  Turn on the light.

 

Holy God, heavenly Father, you formed me from the dust in

your image and likeness, and redeemed me from sin and

death by the cross of your Son Jesus Christ. Through the

water of baptism you clothed me with the shining garment of

his righteousness, and established me among your children in

your kingdom.  But I have squandered the inheritance of your

saints, and have wandered far in a land that is waste.

 

Especially, I confess to you and to the Church...

 

Here the penitent confesses particular sins.

 

Therefore, O Lord, from these and all other sins I cannot

now remember, I turn to you in sorrow and repentance.

Receive me again into the arms of your mercy, and restore me

to the blessed company of your faithful people; through him

in whom you have redeemed the world, your Son our Savior

Jesus Christ.  Amen. BCP 450

 

The Rev. Percy Grant

Canon for Ministry