Uncloistered

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  “She gazed ahead through a long reach of future days strung together like pearls in a rosary, every one like the others, and all smooth and flawless and innocent, and her heart went up in thankfulness. Outside was the fervid summer afternoon; the air was filled with the sounds of the busy harvest of men and birds and bees; there were halloos, metallic clatterings, sweet calls, and long hummings. Louisa sat, prayerfully numbering her days, like an uncloistered nun.” A New England Nun By Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (1852–1930)

Shrove Tuesday

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Shrove Tuesday gets its name from an obscure term (“shrive”) that means “absolve” or “forgive” and is specifically used in reference to one seeking forgiveness of sin by means of confession and works of repentance. Another way to explain this would be thus: this is the day to tell God one is sorry for sin, receive forgiveness and demonstrate one’s sorrow by doing works of penance before returning back to normal life.

We just need to say “sorry” and God will forgive? How is this possible when God says that’s not how it works?

“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.” (Proverbs 17:15).

If someone merely tells God, “sorry for my sin” then God would be an abomination to Himself by letting the sinner go without punishment (“the wages of sin is death” Romans 3:23). God cannot simply “just forgive.” He cannot be bribed by good works.

Eat as many pancakes as you like. God can’t overlook sin.

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