Midsummer confession

Halfway through the year we are confronted with a daily liturgy that calls upon us to examine our consciences and confess our sins while at the same liturgy we hear ourselves challenged to be agents for God’s message of forgiveness and love to the nations.  Is there a connection?

I find myself beginning with the strong reminder by the Prophet Hosea that God gives the GIFT of repentance. It is grace that God sends, and my only power is to embrace that gift or reject it. If I accept the gift of repentance and really look closely at my sins then I can render them over to God’s forgiveness.  We don’t come to honest recognition of our sins unless the Spirit of God moves our minds and our hearts to that place.  When I come to that place it is not appropriate to flagellate myself or assume that I am useless, rather I am the orphan who will find compassion in the gaze of God’s love.  The invitation here is to turn and really look at God who is gazing upon me with total love.

In that gaze I do discover that my vocation – my call – is to love other sinners in our world as I have been loved.  Not to judge the persons, but to know that all actions that are grace filled originate in God’s will for me. Then I am able to respond (responsible) to ensure an effort of gentle care for others.

Matthew’s Gospel reminds us that we are sent to announce God’s love for others.  Surprisingly that is not popular.  We each want to be loved, but we want it to be on our own terms  and in our control.  The idea that such compassion comes not from ourselves but from God is often disturbing to those who want to be number 1 on their own terms.  So, If I speak a different message from God – if I speak as a prophet calling brothers and sisters to forgive others AND undo the harmful patterns of society that enslave others in one way or another, someone else’s kingdom will be disrupted and I become dangerous and terrifying.  The only answer then is to do whatever it takes to destroy me. (Haul me before courts and rulers that may not be ready to hear what God truly desires.)

What those who are called and forgiven by God must constantly remember is that GOD alone is the ultimate victor.  In fact, the victory has been won for God by Christ and therefore any appearance of victory by evil must end.  It may not pass away immediately or even in my lifetime, but that matter little if I make every effort to rescue those in my area of living. By being as compassionate as God empowers me to be I may be able to convince others to join in the side of the Victory of Christ and overcome the various forms of evil and enslavement in our world.  Such violence will be slow to be removed but God’s mercy is already given to those who recognize the harm.  God’s words will be given to those who genuinely discern God’s desire and speak on his behalf in every circumstance.  Do not be afraid, but be joyful and grateful.  I hear that message loudly resounding in this liturgy and find my heart leaps with the Psalmist who sings: “Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.  Open my lips, O my Lord, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.”

God grant me the grace to confess my sins and the further grace to rejoice in his constant love.