The Reformation re-asserted an important, Scriptural, and theological truth and reality for European Christians: Personal repentance and a restored, direct relationship with the Father have been secured for us through Jesus Christ. Even in the Old Testament, there are clear indicators that the faithful first of all, saw themselves in an individual relationship of a kind with their Covenant God.
Psalm 51: …2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight … 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Ps 32 1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered… 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’, and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
While even these verses are to be read in a communal context, the reality is sure. When we sin and disobey our Lord, we are to confess these to him personally for forgiveness. As the New Testament makes clear to us, Jesus Christ, the final High Priest, has secured the forgiveness of our sins past, present, and future, but sin can still hinder the power we have through the Spirit and the healing that the Lord wants to bring us in this life. Our status as forgiven and righteous does not change, but our faithful journey to that final day of salvation should reflect an ever-transformed existence. Whatever the tensions and unknowns of the mystery of salvation, the baptized can still walk away from the salvation that has been secured for them.
Next week, in the final instalment of our series on confession, we will consider the place and importance of the Rite of Reconciliation, i.e., the Sacrament of Confession, as it is explained and used in the Book of Common Prayer.
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.
Wednesday, 5:00 PM, New Member/Confirmation Inquiry Class
EASTER LILIES
There are 20 Easter Lilies ordered to festoon the sanctuary on Easter Sunday. If you would like to underwrite the cost of the beautiful plants (and take them home following worship): we invite you to put donations in the regular offering plate with the memo: “Easter Flowers”. Families often dedicate the lilies to honor or memorialize friends and family. If you want names listed in the Easter bulletins, please write them clearly on a note with your donation.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
- Palm Sunday, April 2nd – One Service at 9:30 AM (meeting 10 minutes early outside and in front of the church for the Procession of the Palms – or in the fireplace Hallway if the weather is inclement).
- Maundy Thursday Service, with Holy Communion, April 6th – 6:00 PM
- Good Friday, Stations of the Cross Service, April 7th – Noon
- Good Friday Service, April 7th – 6:00 PM
- Easter Vigil Service, Saturday, April 8th – 7:00 PM
- Easter Sunday Service, April 9th – 10:00 AM (one service). The Easter Dinner and Potluck will follow the morning mass. The meat will be provided, but St. Matt’s people, please see the sign-up sheet in the hallway if you can bring something. Guests and visitors, please just come!
Please feel free to talk to Father Tom or our office administrator, Pat, if you have any transportation or attendance concerns (especially with night driving). We would be happy to assist you in finding alternative transportation.