Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.
 (Isaiah 6:3b NRSV)

Show me your ways, O Lord; and teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation, in you have I trusted all the daylong. Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; remember me according to your steadfast love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord. You are gracious and upright, O Lord; therefore you teach sinners in your way. (Psalm 25:4-8, from Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

During this season of Lent, it seems appropriate to take time out to reflect on God’s steadfast mercy and love in light of our own sinfulness. Whether giving up something (like chocolate or ice cream) or taking on something (like more intentional prayer), this season provides space and time to think about and honestly confess how far short we fall and how much farther God goes to restore us in right relationships. Deep confession of our own sin allows us to experience even deeper restoration and loving grace.

In the Small Catechism, Martin Luther writes about confession. To answer the question—What sins are these (that we are to confess)?—he writes: “Here reflect on your place in life in light of the Ten Commandments; whether you are father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, lazy, whether you have harmed anyone by word or deed; whether you have stolen, neglected, wasted or injured anything” (ELW).

Those words apply to all of us, everyday. But even during these days of Lent, they are not the last words. The last words are still words of forgiveness from the heart of our loving God in Jesus Christ!

Let us pray… Thank you, God, for helping us to look honestly in the mirror and confess our sinfulness to you. Thank you for loving us into a right relationship with you and with one another. Teach us your ways, help us to teach others your ways and continue to bless us as your children. Amen.

Contributed by Tracie
Monday March 5, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 15
Liturgical Color: Purple
Sunday Gospel reading:
Second Sunday in Lent