Why should I repent for something I didn't do?
Growing up in the church, I was taught that I was only responsible to repent for MY sins, not anyone else’s.
I was taught that I was only responsible for MY choices, not my ancestors'—and I certainly didn't have to answer for the actions of my government.
Those things were completely outside the scope of my concern, as an individualistic, Western Christian.
But then one day I was digging deeper into the story of Daniel – the righteous prophet of Israel who probably never broke a serious rule in his life. This is a man who was so dedicated to God that he nearly became a lion's chew toy because of his prayer routine. Sometimes faithfulness is provocative.
And then I came across his prayer of repentance:
“WE have sinned and done wrong.
WE have been wicked and have rebelled;
WE have turned away from your commands and laws. . . .
We and OUR KINGS, OUR PRINCES and OUR ANCESTORS are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you. . . .
All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.
(Dan 9:5, 8–11)
Daniel was certainly not personally responsible for Israel’s waywardness. He didn't chisel wooden idols, eat a bacon sandwich, or run around causing chaos with prostituted women.
Daniel was a good guy, a missionary serving in a foreign land. He was blameless and righteous.
Yet here he was, confessing and repenting for the sins of his people—not just his currently alive-and-kicking people, but also his dead-and-buried people, his ancestors.
Now that is one wide-ranging prayer of repentance!
So this is one reason why I’m thankful for Pope Francis’ actions in Canada this week, repenting for the brutal role of the church in running residential schools.
The impact of those terrible residential schools on many of my First Nations friends has been truly devastating. This is just a start, but it’s a step in the right direction.
As one who has lived in Canada, and holds Canadian citizenship, my prayer today is the prayer of Daniel and Pope Francis. “We have sinned and done wrong.”
Lord have mercy.
Give us courage to make things right.
