Understanding the Mystery of Repentance
What the Death and Resurrection of Christ Means to Me
Why I Believe in the Pascha of Our Lord
The mystery of Pascha has been, is, and will continue to be for me the awareness of a doorway into a reality of life that has no end; a new heavenly earth; a new creation. Despite my struggles with pride and self-will; the baptismal mystery of dying to a human nature that has been corrupted by sin resulting in death, and being raised into a maturing new person, a real human being in Christ Jesus; tells me that all things are possible with God. Provided we strive to abide in the baptismal mystery of Pascha and seek its ongoing renewal in the Eucharistic life in the Church. When I am able to face those things lacking in me and continue the journey of repenting of them and turning to our Lord; I am convinced that our Lord Jesus does not abandon us. He continues His work to mold our life into one of love, peace, joy, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control; and most importantly to continually draw us closer to His Father; through Himself (as the only mediator between God and Man), in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is only through this communion that we become truly human.
In last month's newsletter, I mentioned that in the early church there was no sacrament of Confession as it is understood and practiced today. Holy Baptism was seen as the sacrament of repentance. By Baptism and Chrismation the one enslaved to sin and death was freed from this fallen reality and was empowered to live the Christian life.
When we think of Confession, most of us think that it involves revealing our sins we have committed, expressing regret, and receiving forgiveness or absolution from the Church. There is much truth to this. But when we approach Confession solely on the basis of this foundation, I can certainly understand why people are reluctant to come to Confession. Some might be too ashamed to come because of what one may have done, and fear condemnation or rejection from the person who hears the confession. Or we may just think we haven't done anything that bad that warrants confessing our sins. Could both of these attitudes be rooted in pride and arrogance? Nevertheless, I can see why some would be reluctant to partake of Confession if this how we primarily view it. I would like to suggest another way of looking at Confession that doesn't ignore confessing our sins, but puts it into a different context, one that is victorious, and positive.
Read more: How Often Should One Receive the Sacrament of Confession