December 6, 2021

“Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:18-19)

The gospel is in the “yet” and the “but.”

From the Rite I Communion Prayer: “And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

And from the Prayer of Humble Access: “We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. Butthou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy.”

Thank God for the Yet and the But.

“Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”  (Second Sunday of Advent – BCP)