January 1, 2025  – the Eighth day of Christmas

“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 it 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. And those uses are okay – except for the complaining about the sermon part 😊.

Everyone has a hard time letting go of the memories of someone hurting our feelings or treating us poorly. And often we do not have the opportunity to directly address the ones we have hurt or been hurt by. 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 to offer the same to our neighbors.

Exchanging the peace can be the best opportunity we have to practice 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 G-d? 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