Repentance

Repentance
It's not quite like
Being a child
Standing before your parents
"Fess up, what have you done?"
The scolding father asks
What he already knows
But waits silently
Forcing confession
With his angry gaze
A pit rises in your stomach
Say you're sorry
Get on with the punishment
This is not repentance

Repentance is more like
Being a child
Hiding under your covers
Scared to come out
Fearful of being discovered
Your heart beats fast
You hear Dad's voice
Sinking deeper into hiding
He gently calls again,
You peek out
And right there all along
Has been your loving Father
Present, patiently waiting
To pull you on his lap
Listening to you honestly
Share what happened
So he can tell you
The good news story
Transforming every part of you
Freeing you to deeply love
Your sisters and your brothers

Repentance is a sacred gift
It is invitation to let go, discover
The love of your Father,
“Beloved, you're welcome here
You belong, no need to hide
Let’s grieve together
Where things went wrong
Don't fear your guilt.”

Uncovering is only the beginning
The joy is to see
Christ’s face
Enraptured by his lavish love
Found in fellowship
With his sons and daughters
Come learn the tender dance
Of repentance
Tasting the sweeter union
You will have with God and man

The fire of God’s love exists
So that it can uncover all covers
Revealing what is hidden
For the purpose of God’s Holy Light
Telling you His truth
That every part of you
Loved and cloaked in Christ’s union
Is invited to transformation
So that you might taste
Deeper communion
With his Holy Saints