Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This week, we have a guest article on Confession by Bonnie Baron, a member of our online community. Confession can be a wonderful blessing, as we open our troubled souls to the Great Physician. If anyone is interested in experiencing this powerful sacrament, please let me know and we will make a time.
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Confession Is Good for the Soul
by Bonnie Baron
For many individuals, the period of Lent serves as an opportunity for reflection and the practice of self-discipline, whether by adopting new habits or abstaining from certain activities. The Book of Common Prayer explains Lent in this way: “The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness and restored to the fellowship of the Church.” Book of Common Prayer, pp.264-265. This brings into focus the Sacrament of Confession.
The phrase “Open confession is good for the soul” is known as an old Scottish proverb, though its exact origins are unclear. It reflects biblical teachings on the value of confessing sins for forgiveness and healing, which shaped Scotland’s focus on honesty and spiritual well-being.
Confession is optional for Episcopal church members, following the principle: “All may, some should, none must.” It is offered as a voluntary means to support spiritual growth rather than a requirement.
Confession in the Episcopal Church can be done in a general, communal confession during services, “The Holy Eucharist Rites One and Two.” The Book of Common Prayer, p. 331 or p. 360. Or an individual can have confession privately to a priest who provides counsel and grants absolution “Reconciliation of a Penitent: Form One”, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 447. Or “Reconciliation of a Penitent: Form Two”, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 449.
Thomas Merton, a notable American Trappist monk and writer regarded confession not as punishment but as a liberating experience that removes fear and self-centeredness, making room for God’s grace and love for others. His essays, such as Seasons of Celebration and Thoughts in Solitude, present confession as a transformative journey from “darkness to light”.
Taking part in confession during Lent supports repentance and reconciliation, helping people get spiritually ready for Easter.
“Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” “Collects: Traditional.” The Book of Common Prayer, p.166. Or p.217
“Collects: Contemporary.”
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Praying daily with you, for our nation, our new diocese, our parishes, and the world,
Mo. Laura
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COMING UP!
- March 22: Gift card orders due//Wellness speaker
- March 29: Palm Sunday//Holy Week
- April 2: Maundy Thursday
- April 3: Good Friday
- April 4: Holy Saturday
- April 5: Easter
- April 12: Groceries Plus/Animal Food Bank Collection
- Mondays, Lenten Book Study via zoom at 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00
- Wednesday evenings, yoga class at 6:00 (discount for St. M members)
- Saturdays, Iglesia Luz de Esperanza, 9:00-3:00