Bishop Eric Menees
This Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent, and we see John
the Baptist come on the scene with these words: “John appeared, baptizing in
the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of
sins.” (Mark 1:4)
As we look at the marks of a disciple this year, it is
obvious to me that a disciple is one who repents!
What makes us Repent? Sometimes it’s because someone tells
us that we’ve done wrong and we need to make it right. Sometimes it’s because
we feel guilty – we know in our heart that we’ve done something wrong or that
we’ve hurt someone. Sometimes we only know that we’ve done wrong – we may not
feel guilty, but we know that what we did or said was wrong. But behind all of
those things, it is the Holy Spirit convicting us. Some people argue that the
feelings of guilt are not godly feelings, but rather negative tapes playing
from our childhood. While that may be true to some extent, the Holy Spirit also
convicts us and feelings of guilt are the result. This is a good thing. Do we really want to
treat people badly and not feel guilty? Of course not! So, thanks be to God
that He calls us to repentance through those feelings of guilt, which can -
with reconciliation - be washed away.
What is Repentance? The term “repent” is a mathematical term
meaning to make a 180-degree turn. In other words, imagine you are walking away
from the Lord. To repent is to STOP, turn around, and walk back. Therefore, if
we are walking away from the Lord in thought, word, or deed, then to repent is
to stop and turn around and head back to the Lord. Of course, this raises the
question: is it enough to simply turn around? NO.
Repentance requires asking for forgiveness! It is not enough
to ignore the rift in a relationship, or even to change our behavior. To leave
the hurt unspoken leaves a hole in the relationship. I love the prayer in the
Wedding Service that goes: “Give them grace when they hurt each other to seek
each other’s forgiveness and yours.” Note that the petition does not say “If
they hurt each other…” but rather “when.” A few years back, while working with
a couple in marital counseling after 35 years of marriage, I heard one of the
saddest comments in my life. First the
wife said, “I’ve never said ‘I’m sorry.” This was quickly followed by the
husband echoing the comment. Both said it with a combination of anger and pride
in their voices. I suspect that both were also scared to death that if they
showed that kind of vulnerability, their spouse would use it as a weapon. And
so, they live almost as strangers in the same home. Needless to say their
children have learned this modeled behavior and also have a difficult time
asking for forgiveness.
What does Jesus say about Repentance? “Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt. 4:17) We repent because, indeed, the
Kingdom of Heaven is close at hand; Jesus is close at hand. Repentance
ultimately leads to reconciliation – but that is for next week’s Bishop’s Note.
I pray you all a blessed Advent!
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