Remembering Our Sin, Awaiting His Kingdom

 Readings 112925

To remember our sins is to touch the truth of our hearts, and to let mercy breathe hope into sorrow.

One of the most powerful things I ever did in Spiritual Direction
was to contemplate the sins of my life.
I invite you to do the same.

Take a moment to remember your sins.
Not just the small ones brushed aside,
but the one that weighs heavy,
the one that lingers in the silence of your heart.

Realize your greatest sin.
Roll it over in your heart.
Name it.
Face it.
Then imagine standing before God,
before all creation,
and explaining that sin aloud.

Does it hurt?
Does it pierce your soul?
Does it bring tears to your eyes?
Does it stir sorrow deep within you?

And yet—pause.
Is it truly your greatest sin?
Or is there something deeper,
something hidden,
something unspoken,
that only God sees?

We ask ourselves:
Are we worthy of the One who will come?
The One who is King,
the One whose dominion is everlasting,
the One before whom every knee shall bend.

Daniel proclaims: 

“Whose Kingdom shall be everlasting:
all dominions shall serve and obey him.”

The Kingdom is not fleeting.
The Kingdom is not fragile.
The Kingdom is everlasting.

And it is given—
not to the proud,
not to the perfect,
but to the holy people of the Most High.
Holy not because of their own strength,
but holy because of His mercy.

So we remember our sins,
not to drown in shame,
but to awaken in hope.
We confess, we repent, we turn back—
because the King is coming.
Because His dominion is sure.
Because His majesty is everlasting.

And when He comes,
all creation will serve and obey Him.
And we, His people,
sorrowful yet redeemed,
will stand not in fear,
but in awe.

Prayer of Remembrance and Hope

Lord of mercy and majesty,
You see the sins we carry,
the ones we name,
and the ones hidden deep within.

Pierce our hearts with sorrow,
but lift us with hope.
Not by our strength,
but by Your mercy,
make us holy in Your sight.

Prepare us for the coming of Your Kingdom,
everlasting and sure.
And when You come,
may we stand not in fear,
but in awe,
redeemed and ready to serve You forever.

Amen.