“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:8-10

One of my favorite parts of our worship Mass comes in the corporate confession, absolution, and then sharing of the peace. That special time invites G-d to heal our guilty hearts and minds. But I am not so sure that we use if appropriately most of the time. Many times the sharing of the peace is a time to catch up on lunch plans, saying hello to those we have not seen in a while, and complaining how long the sermon was. However, this time is to do something about our guilt-ridden hearts and minds.

Everyone has a hard time letting go of the memories of someone hurting our feelings or treating us poorly. That is what this part of the service is supposed to be about. When we bring our difficult memories and feelings to G-d’s heart and to our minds, it should remind us to pray for forgiveness, and d to offer the same to our neighbors and congregation members. We come to this time with the idea and the understanding that G-d truly and totally forgives me, and you, and encourages us to forgive ourselves and others.

Exchanging the peace after we have used the act of confession and absolution is the best opportunity we have to act out of love, with a refreshed confidence in G-d’s grace and goodness toward all of us.

What does asking for forgiveness mean to you? What do you think asking for forgiveness means to God? Is there someone you need to ask to forgive you? Find a way to connect with that person and do what you can to make the situation right. Commit your conversation to G-d, and pray for the right words to speak, and a soft heart to listen.

Pastor Dave