Repentance

Susan Guthrie, a writer and Episcopal priest has a wonderful column at Christian Century on repentance.  She writes that, "I've noticed an aversion to the language of confession, repentance and reconciliation. Some will seriously argue that this is due to abuses before the Reformation. But I think it's just Sloth: because we know we're forgiven, we don't bother with the process of repentance. And maybe Pride: we're so sure of mercy, we make the leap to thinking we're right all the time. And Greed: we become consumers of mercy without getting any of the benefits of progress.

"These old spiritual practices meant to strengthen our character can help strengthen community. Like any art, spiritual renewal takes practice. As so many wise people say, 'It's easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than to think your way into a new way of acting.'"

Guthrie's column is filled with wise insights about going through the process of repentance. It is worth reading and rereading. The column also got me to thinking about its relationship to Catholicism. Most of the insights are useful to Catholics who avail themselves of the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation. But, as the clergy would report, the Sacrament is in "deep crisis." http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=14231. I wonder how much of that crisis stems from anti-clerical premises and how much of it is due to other factors (fear, lack of awareness of sin, etc.).

cross-posted at religiousleftlaw.com