Forgiveness in worship

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Lueking's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

I am among those called to lead people in confessing sin and announcing God's forgiveness in the Sunday liturgy, an essential action never altogether free from the threat of routinized going-through-the-motions. This action is anything but routine, however, when it occurs in the setting I described in my lectionary column for the Century on this week's Gospel lesson (subscription required).

In thinking through that unforgettable moment again, I am reminded of what a momentous thing happens when the words of confession and absolution are spoken in the worship gathering. If the liturgical form means the same words are spoken again and again, year in and year out, it is well at times to find fresh language to speak what is literally death-dealing to sinful pride and life-giving for discipleship.