The Cathedral Close

Monday of the First Week in Lent-Lenten Feria

After self-examination naturally comes repentance, which is not merely sorrow for sin, nor merely confession of sin, nor merely the amendment of our lives; but all these three taken together.

Self-examination has shown me that I need forgiveness. That I may obtain it I must be sorry for my sins, but why should I thus be sorry? If we have sinned, we have sinned against God the Father, who made us, and gave us all that we have.  We have sinned against God the Son.  We have sinned against Christ ho so loved mankind that He humbled Himself to be made man, that as man He might share in our labours, sorrows, and temptations.  This is the One who, having perfectly obeyed in all things so that He did not deserve to die, laid down His life in weakness, agony, and shame for us. Despite our sins and betrayals, H rose triumphant over death, and ascended into Heaven, there to prepare a place for us also, and to plead on our behalf until His coming again.

As well, we have sinned against God the Holy Ghost, who regenerated us in baptism, and is grieved when we sin, and so constrain Him to withdraw from us. So, then, if God is grieved by my sins surely I should feel sorry for it. If He offered Himself a sacrifice in tears and blood that my sin might be blotted out, shall I not also weep

Moreover, sin, whether great or small, is always a source of unhappiness. If I do anything that spoils my happiness I naturally regret it. And if I have any regard for my happiness and peace should I not, then, be sorry for the wrong things I have thought, or said, or done, inasmuch as they will most surely sooner or later have this effect? I have dared to disregard God’s Law, and to disobey His Word; and now, instead of punishing me, He desires to forgive me. But this Ho cannot do unless I am sorry. “The sacrifices of God are a troubled spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”  Psalm 11.17.

Prayer

Almighty God, I beseech Thee by Thy Holy Spirit to fill me with godly sorrow that I may offer unto Thee the acceptable sacrifice of a broken spirit; and so obtain forgiveness from Thee, through Him Who by His perfect sacrifice of Himself taketh away the sin of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Lent for Busy People © 2017 Fr. Charles H. Nalls