03/19/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AFVSU9tZE/
This week, log off and talk to your pastor.
Lent is a season of repentance, of taking stock of our sins and coming to Christ for forgiveness. Each Sunday in the Divine Service, we confess our sins and receive Christ’s own word of absolution through the mouth of our pastors. Private confession and absolution is also available for anyone who desires it, and it is especially worthwhile for anyone struggling with a recurring sin or lingering guilt. When your pastor proclaims that your sins are forgiven, it is Jesus speaking through him. Hearing this word directly, in relation to some specific sin weighing on your conscience, is a glorious gift from God, one that your pastor loves to give.
You don’t have to do private confession to talk to your pastor. You don’t really need a reason at all. Your pastor would love to hear your confession and apply Christ’s forgiveness where you need it most, but he’d also love to pray with you about the struggles you’re having at home, the stress you’re dealing with at work or your recent health scare. Your pastor would love to read a psalm with you and your spouse through a challenging season, answer the tough questions about Scripture your kids have been asking, or just visit after an injury or illness.
Take some time that would otherwise be spent in front of a screen this week and schedule a time to see your pastor. (Remember that Lent is a busy time for him, so scheduling it ahead of time will help him a lot!) Whether you ask to do private confession or simply pray together about the worries in your life, it’ll be time well spent.
