Within the Anglican tradition, the Rite of Reconciliation or Confession offers a concrete way to step into God’s presence with honesty. It has often been described this way: all may, none must, some should. It is invitation, not compulsion In this sacramental moment, a penitent speaks truthfully before God in the presence of a priest. Naming sin aloud breaks isolation. Sharing brings clarity. What once felt frightening becomes a place of encounter. Then comes absolution — not vague reassurance, but a declared forgiveness grounded in Christ’s saving work. The priest speaks Christ’s promise: you are forgiven. Holiness and mercy meet. Truth and tenderness embrace. Often there is counsel, sometimes a simple act of prayer or restitution, and a mysterious healing and release. The Rite proclaims that God’s glory does not annihilate; it transforms. What feels like devouring fire becomes refining light. As Lent approaches, this sacramental gift stands before us as a pathway from fear to freedom.
Another really helpful tool is is the first Five Steps of the 12-Step Program. For more information see my sermon on February 15 Here.
As I’ve said before, the Spirit is not so much cleansing us from impurity as she is irrigating our wounds. Wounds inflicted on us by ourselves, our own sins, and wounds inflicted on us by others. Richard Rohr says that we are punished by our sins rather than punished for our sins. There is deep wisdom in that. Sin can be considered as anything which causes harm to others or ourselves.
James 5:16 tells us “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.” There is this wonderful line from the Gospel of Thomas where Jesus says “If you bring forth that which is within you, it will save you. If you do not bring it forth, it will destroy you.” (Quote 70) When human beings “admit” to one another “the exact nature of our wrongs,” we invariably have a human and humanizing encounter that deeply enriches—and even changes lives—often forever! It is not an exercise to achieve moral purity, or regain God’s love, but in fact a direct encounter with God’s love. Only love effects true inner transformation, not duress, guilt, shunning, or social pressure. Love is not love unless it is totally free. Grace is not grace unless it is totally free.
So I invite you beloved community to use this period of Lent to use the Rite of Reconciliation and the 5 steps to lay your burdens down and receive healing, restoration and transformation.
I will be available to hear confession on the following dates:
Ash Wednesday Feb 18th at the historic Church from 4 pm to 5:15 pm
Thursday Feb. 19th, during Pastoral Visits (for more information see the Pastoral Visits Events)
Thursday March 12th, during Pastoral Visits
Thursday March 19th, during Pastoral Visits
Sunday March 22nd, after service. 11:30 to 12:30