Rescue us from the chaos of sin
The choices we make in life can have unexpected consequences further on down the line. And the wrong choices, the sinful choices, we make often descend quickly into complete chaos. One sinful decision can set off a chain reaction of seemingly unconnected series of events that have consequences far beyond ourselves.
A major part of the rescue plan is already available to us, if only we will take it. Confession and absolution. By “confession” I don’t necessarily mean individual confession to a priest, though that may well be something you find helpful — in that I particularly like the Anglican way: “All may; none must; some should”. The important thing about real confession, whether it be through a priest or directly to God, is that we take responsibility for what we’ve done wrong.
But the best part of the “confession and absolution” equation is the second part, “absolution”. True confession always leads to true absolution. In fact, the absolution is there before the confession, we just don’t truly know our need of it until we have truly confessed, acknowledged and taken responsibility for our sins. We cannot be absolved from something we don’t know exists. But, because of God’s great love for us, he never withholds the absolution from us.
Just because absolution is always given when we truly confess our sins, it doesn’t give us license to go off and deliberately do something wrong, knowing that God will forgive us. True love just doesn’t work that way.
Being rescued from the chaos of sin will restore some order into our lives. And that’s what we should all be aiming to do in this penitential season of Lent.
Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.
Turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ.
Holy God,
our lives are laid open before you:
rescue us from the chaos of sin
and through the death of your Son
bring us healing and make us whole
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Additional Collect for Ash Wednesday
is Copyright © The Archbishops Council
About Paul Sibley
Andrew Gosden (now 18) has been missing from his Doncaster home since 14 September 2007. The search continues.
Elizabeth Jackson on 
Actually, EVERY decision we make or action we take creates a ripple effect that moves far beyond the epicenter of ourselves. It happens when we make good, bad or indifferent decisions. In fact, what might be good for us may have a negative impact on someone else or what might be bad for us may have a positive impact on someone else.
It’s important to remember that none of us is an island and that, in the end, we’re all connected.
Hi Trey, and a warm welcome to the blog.
I hope I have your name correct.
You’re right of course, none of us is an island — though it can feel like it at times with our fellow humans.
Sometimes in the sin, God will push us into His plan and so redeem the sin for His purpose of Love for our lives. Not everyone will confess and seek absolution. I have to own up to that one many times but in my experience He turns it around and eventually I can look back and be amazed at how His love is so deep and patient with me!
It never ceases to amaze me what God is able to use to further plans for the world — the bad things that happen, the wrong that we do, all can be used by a good God. And yes, it does demonstrate his incredible love for us.
Thanks, as ever, for your thoughtful comments Steve.