Forgive me, father, for I have sinned.
Photo by Arina Krasnikova: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-praying-5418225/
It has been two weeks since my last confession.
Forgive me, father, for I have sinned. It has been two weeks since my last confession. I was mean forty-eight times, lied twenty-five times, and did not obey my parents seventy times.
That was obviously a lie though it does not stretch far from the truth of my early childhood in the confessional booth of Immaculate Conception. After all, who on earth could keep track of how many times I failed. So I made up lies that sounded like whatever I thought I was supposed to say. I could not see the priest’s facial expression as it was hidden behind a screen and a dimly lit red light. I am, however, rather sure my confession left him amused. I typically got a penance of three Hail Marys and two Our Fathers. (Again, I lie on the exact number.) With great relief, I would rise from the cold leather kneeler and step out through the thick brown velvet curtain that had separated me from the rest of the church. I was free to leave with a promise of forgiveness and a new start.
Fast forward to the non-denominational world where the concept of confessional booths are often mocked. I moved from one extreme of having to confess sins to a priest for forgiveness to the opposite extreme of not needing to confess sins to any person at any time. We could go straight to God.
For the record, I believe with all my heart,
“There is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5 NASB
I no longer believe I have to go through an earthly priest to obtain forgiveness of sin. I can go directly to God.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Our spirit is born again when we receive Christ as Savior. Our past is gone and we are free to walk in newness of life.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB
However… This does not undo another portion of Scripture that has become increasingly important to me.
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.” James 5:15-16 NASB
As much as I do not believe I have to enter a dark confessional with a minister in order to be forgiven, I have to admit. There is something holy and powerful about the call to confess and pray for one another.
This invitation to humble ourselves can be a door out of shame and into the light of accountability. Providing mutual care to one another is an intentional step out of the isolation of hidden weaknesses. It is an offer of authentic connection where both people are free to receive and extend forgiveness. It is not a place of one being better than the other. It is the love of Christ expressed through His body on earth.
“Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:1-3 NASB
In a world infiltrated with shameful scandals, I cannot help but wonder how much could be diverted if we offered safe community where confession, forgiveness, and accountability are standards of true spirituality.
What if “confessional booths” became part of everyday life regardless of your denominational affiliation? What if mealtimes were accompanied by heart to heart talks of victories and defeats, dreams and let downs, discoveries and questions? What if we truly offered mutual care to one another? What if…
Oh, God. My heart yearns for such a dream to come to pass
Where the sick of spirit, soul, and body are restored through confession and forgiveness
Where spirituality is embraced through humility in ordinary life
And where we love as You love
Amen