Lent is for Turning: In Community

I wrote last week about how some of our turning in Lent can be understood as more course correction than reversal.  Our movements should respect the context and those others who are moving with and around us.  Overcorrection or undercorrection can invalidate our efforts.

The worst result from overcorrection is isolation and from undercorrection is inertia.  Neither are outcomes that faithfulness in community intends.

Yes, there are times when one must go it alone but not into isolation.  That's how the "Reconciliation of a Penitent" works.  Only I can say my prayers of confession.  You must say yours.  The sacramental rite is structured to support that principle.  Because it is sacramental it also ensures that the church, in the person of a priest or other designated confessor actually hears what is said.

Indeed it is the very hearing of what is said in confession that expresses the church's sacramental intention.  Once what is confessed is heard, God has something real with which to work and ultimately effect forgiveness.

Between the regularity of the rite and the effect of God's forgiveness is a focusing embrace that validates what has been previously only hoped for.  Through dialogue with one's confessor the penitent is given direction and counsel and is assured of their continuing to be held within the fellowship of the church.

The confessor doesn't absolve the sin but speaks the words of absolution that rely entirely on God's promise to forgive.  We do what we do trusting God to do what God promised and we say so! It's audacious!   Without that audacious trust there'd be little with which for us to make a community.

Undercorrection may be more of a problem because it has less ritual proscription.  But as in the case of reconciliation's prevention of isolation speaking and hearing are the keys.  Even the hymns we share on a Sunday can help.  As we sing, each one's heart is lifted or moved.  Together we urge each other along, to try harder, to do more, to not stop so that our timidity or lack of confidence doesn't prevent further turning.

Everything we do in unison can have that urgency.  Our common prayers, our creedal rehearsals, our call and response biddings assume an "us" on the move.  Again the context is community. Again we are ritually cooperating with God so that our actions express an inclusive, forward focus. 

TBTG when each one turns it is the church turning!  TBTG we are community turning toward God!