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Repent, Reflect, Reconcile, Repeat

April 5, 2025

Jeremiah 11:18-20 | John 7:37-52 | Psalm 7:6-11

Today’s collect reminds us to consult our conscience so that we may identify, repent, and be absolved of our sins. Our sins form a barrier that separates us from God. God wants to remove that barrier, but God will do that only with our cooperation. God made the offer to do that in sending us Jesus, who demonstrated God’s earnestness on Good Friday and verity on Easter Sunday. Our role is to respond to this act of grace. Today’s gospel reading proclaims another promise that is kept when we respond: “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.”

What then about the readings from Jeremiah and Psalms? “Give judgment for me according to my righteousness, O Lord!” they say. “Rise up against the fury of my enemies!” “Let me see your retribution upon them!” These are not words of introspection. What are we to do with them?

One way to examine these verses is as calls to reflection. The Summary of the Law teaches us to love our neighbor as well as the Lord. The Old Testament verses spring from the heart of one alienated from their neighbor. In such circumstances, it may be appropriate to turn away from the offending person and look at ourselves. 

Have we done something that built a barrier between us? Can we do anything to begin that remove that barrier to reconciliation? Sometimes the answer will be, No. In such cases, reflection will not lead to reconciliation; however, it may lead to clarity. And it may lead us to turn for aid to God, for whom all things are possible and who may provide a path to reconciliation with our neighbor—and to which we shall have to respond. “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your bother or sister has something against you, leave your gift…; first be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift [Matthew 5:23f].”

Steve Capps