Day 28, Saturday, Book of Faith – Lenten Journey
“Like daily bread, which we share with others as an expression of God’s justice, we receive forgiveness daily, and we share it with others as an expression of God’s love.”
“Forgiveness undermines the foundation of the old world and brings into being a new community.”
“Like bread, [forgiveness] is given to be shared.”
“Sharing can never diminish love or forgiveness.”
Excellent and eye-opening quotes within today’s reading. We are given forgiveness in the same way we are given bread. It is given abundantly and it is given with the intention that it be shared. And, just like sharing bread brings to an end a world that runs on the assumption that you get what you deserve, so to does the sharing of forgiveness bring to an end a world that that runs on the assumption of an eye for an eye.
It’s hard for me to understand that to God the degree of sin doesn’t matter – all are sins. I use God’s name in vain and I break a commandment – the next person commits adultery or perhaps robs a bank – all are sins against God and the commandments he has given us and all can be forgiven by God. There is no difference to God. A sin is a sin.
I still struggle with the venial and mortal sin concept of my days as a Roman Catholic. Repentance is crutial – do I ask for forgiveness and then turn around and commit the same sin again? Many times yes, I do and yet God forgives again. I am so thankful that God is God and not like me. And I really like the prayer for today…”Uncondeming God, if I am carrying any stones today, help me to drop them. Amen.” God doesn’t carry stones! Amen.