The
purpose of confessing our sins is to receive absolution and the assurance that God
loves us and forgives us. The Anglican Church has a rite similar to the
Confessional. Indeed, some Anglican church-buildings have confessional boxes.
There
are various ways to receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The most familiar
are the General Confession (aka – Confession and Absolution [pg. 191, BAS]) and
Baptism. We also have prayers for forgiveness as one of the petition in the
Prayers of the People. The Lord’s Prayer also asks, “forgive us our sins
(trespasses).” And we teach that the simple act of receiving Communion is an
act of penitence.
We
mustn’t forget our personal prayer is perhaps the most effective way of
receiving absolution. Simply saying, “God, forgive me!” And it doesn’t even
really need to be with words, it could be a thought or a feeling. It is in that
moment that we are to be assured that God does forgive us. Period!
Then
there’s the Reconciliation of a Penitent, an act of confession made to a priest.
The instructions say that confessions may be made at any time and in any
suitable place. But I have found that it can take place in my office, people’s
living rooms, in hospital rooms, at a funeral home, at the mall and even in a
taxi cab.
The
liturgy for the Reconciliation of a Penitent (Page 167 BAS) is for all who
desire it and is not restricted to time of sickness. The service is private. Absolution
is restoration to full fellowship in the Church. The priest declares the
forgiveness which Christ commanded.
On
April 11, 2017, (Tuesday in Holy Week) the chapel will be open and I will hear
confession from 1 – 3 in the afternoon and 7 – 9 in the evening. Come in if the
door is open and don’t linger afterwards. The service ends with a request that the
penitent: Go in peace, and pray for me a sinner.
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