Monday of the Second Week in Lent
What do I do when I know I have sinned? Sometimes, I realize it is a repetitive weakness and other times it is an aberrancy. It doesn't matter. The fact is I know have sinned…again. Someone once told me I will never be any more than 'human'; no matter how hard I try, I will still find I sin. At some point, I accepted the truth of this. What I realize now is that the very fact I know my sin, is a precious gift. It is a gift from God. The question before me now is what do I do with this 'gift'?
Today's reading from the Book of Daniel speaks of personal and collective shame, rebellion, and departure from God's commandments. It does not come across as uplifting, however it does come across as truthful. And that is the point. Jesus, in the reading from the Gospel of Luke, commands us not to judge, not to condemn, and not to live a life of unforgivenness. In fact, when I become aware of myself judging or condemning and resenting others, God is bestowing a grace upon me, personally. Sin separates me from God and my awareness of my sin is a God-given invitation to turn back.
God, who is Love, always waits for my return. God knows my brokenness and pain and weakness far better than I. God knows I forget I cannot heal myself and must often learn the same lessons over and over again. And God is always waiting to fulfill the promise that "a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap." My prayer this day is that I place complete confidence in God and recognize the blessing of knowing my sin. I pray for the grace to amend my life and return to my God of Love.
--Gail Lyman