Communion of the Sick - Part 2

Bishop Eric Menees

Friends, as we continue our examination of the Rite of Communion of the Sick we move to a very important aspect – confession and absolution. Sin, especially unrepented sin is a major obstacle in our spiritual, emotional and physical lives, which are, of course, integrally intertwined.   This is not to say that God punishes us for sin by making us sick but he does allow us to bear the consequences of our actions. What unrepented sin does in our lives is act as a filter to God and his work in our lives. Think of a shade cloth stretch above you. Light still gets in but not direct light. It’s the same with God’s Grace which he intends to shine upon us, but our unrepented sin acts to filter that Grace.  Of course, James tells us to confess our sins before others that we may be healed. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” (James 5:16) Confession of sin and healing go hand in hand, As the participant confesses their sin and the celebrant prays the shade cloth is rolled back allowing God’s Grace to shine. Note that this rite can be led by either a priest, deacon or layperson. The absolution changes from the pronouncement of the forgiveness to the asking for forgiveness of sin. Both are efficacious and a blessing both for the celebrant as well as the participants.  I invite you to pray through the following from both the perspective of the celebrant and participant.  I pray you all a truly blessed week.  Bishop Menees

The Minister may say the Confession, and the sick person joins in as able.  Most merciful God,  we confess that we have sinned against you  in thought, word and deed,  by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.  We have not loved you with our whole heart;  we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.  For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ,  have mercy on us and forgive us;  that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways,  to the glory of your Name. Amen.  A Priest, if present, says  Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in his great mercy has promised forgiveness of sins to all those who sincerely repent and with true faith turn to him, have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  A Deacon or lay person prays  Grant to your faithful people, merciful Lord, pardon and peace; that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.