Light and Darkness
There is not a single Christian person alive who is not in a struggle against sin, the world, and the devil – particularly with sin. It is for this very reason that none of us can stand in judgment on the condition of another man’s soul or his relationship with God. This, of course, does not mean we justify sinful behavior, and it still means that we must hate – not merely dislike – the sin that so easily entangles us.
Lent is a time that calls us to serious reflection, not only on our sinful condition, but also on our constant need to repent and amend our lives. At the same time, it is a season of joyful reflection, because in the midst of our serious self-examination we are constantly reminded of our God’s compassion and mercy, and His constant grace to bring about renewal in the depth of our souls. It brings that which is in the darkness into the light.
Perhaps the greatest obstacle to seeking sacramental reconciliation is bringing that which is in the darkness into the light, or revealing our sinful condition and behavior to another. Our reluctance is primarily because we feel guilty about sin, but it is also because of a deep-rooted shame. This is a failure to recognize the depth of God’s love for us. Even after conversion, which is a coming to the revelation of God’s love, there is the continual need to grow deeper into the reality of His love. As we grow into His love for us, we become aware that “perfect love casts out all fear.”
Lent is a perfect time to make a sacramental confession. For many from charismatic or evangelical backgrounds, the idea of confessing one’s sin to a Priest is a strange concept. But the practice of confessing sin to another is very much rooted in Scripture and the life of the Patristic Church. We are exhorted to confess our sins one to another that we may be healed, or made whole and complete.
I have been in ordained ministry for 28 years. The greatest joy of my priesthood is celebrating the Holy Eucharist. It is here that we, not only proclaim His death for the forgiveness of our sins, but we also encounter the Risen Jesus really present in bread and wine. In the Eucharist we live out all the promises of Scripture. It is a moment of touching the love and grace of God. The second greatest blessing is going to confession and hearing confessions. The blessing is not really the hearing, but the gift of grace given to the Priesthood to grant absolution. I believe it was Catherine Daugherty who called the sacrament of reconciliation the kiss of Christ.
The great holy men and women of faith all tell us of their coming to terms with sin in their lives, and in so doing encountering the transforming love of Christ. It is the healing that occurs when we bring that which is in the darkness into the light.
For more than 30 years I have been blessed to be able to bring the Good News to those on the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The most successful program is what is commonly known as the “Twelve Steps.” These steps are thoroughly Biblical and rooted in ancient Christian spirituality. Many are familiar with the first three steps of the program: admitting of powerlessness, acceptance of God, and surrender to God. But the real core of the Twelve Steps is the steps that follow. These are grounded in the Biblical notion of self-examination, repentance, confession, and amendment of life.
When we come out of darkness into light, we do not discover judgment, condemnation, guilt, shame, horror, or punishment. The invitation to come out of darkness into light is an invitation to find love, mercy, and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Does God not take sin seriously? The Father takes it very seriously – it cost His son’s death for us. He takes the wickedness of sin and crushes it under the weight of the love of the cross. This is the Good News.
The Church has called us to a season of repentance. Because of this, it is a season of great joy and renewal. For we are given the freshness of the fire of the Holy Spirit to purify us and make us holy.
We should avail ourselves of the ancient tradition of making a sacramental confession during this holy time. It can have the benefit of making the cross and resurrection experientially real, as we hear the words of the priest: “your sins are forgiven, go in peace.”
