Second Sunday in Lent

Confessing our Sins

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last night, we began our Lenten Midweek services, focusing this year on Confession and Absolution. While we continue to use the Vespers service during Lent, a key feature of our services this season is that we will start with the rite of Confession and Absolution from the Compline service.

One aspect I appreciate about the rite of Confession and Absolution in the service of Compline is that I also get to confess my sins to you and receive your forgiveness, which is an act of reconciliation between the pastor and his flock.

The service of Compline dates back to the fourth century as a kind of bedtime prayer, and for this reason, Compline means completion — to pray at the end of the day. One of the most important parts of this service is the rite of Confession and Absolution, which helps ensure peace within the home and among family members before lying down to sleep, especially since no one really knows if they will wake up the next morning.

For this reason, a verse from the Psalms that comes to mind is that of Psalm 4,
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. (Psalm 4:4)

The Apostle Paul builds upon the verse by writing to the Ephesians,
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)

As we move through the season of Lent, I want to encourage you not only to confess your sins to one another every day, but also to absolve and forgive one another.

Don’t wait; act as if your eternity in heaven depends on it.

If you have any questions about the services of Compline, Vespers, or Confession and Absolution, please ask me!

In God’s Peace,
Pastor Rogness