August 30, 2021

In the Rite I Confession of Sin, we describe the “burden” of our sin as “intolerable.” That may sound melodramatic, but there is wisdom in those old words. Haven’t you ever experienced cringing remorse for a deep wrong done to another? Haven’t you wished to be delivered from the guilt that feels, well, intolerable?

A supple heart, one prone to that kind of emotion, is in a profoundly good place, spiritually speaking. On one’s knees, one can clearly hear the clarion call of the gospel: “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2: 1-2)

“Almighty God, who hast given thy only Son to be unto us a sacrifice for sin and also an example of a godly life: Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavor ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Proper 15 – BCP p. 180)