The problem with sin

--Sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but forbidden because it is hurtful.

Benjamin Franklin

Liberals hate to talk about sin. It just feels so judgmental to us--or reminds some of us too much of the religious homes of our youth from which we ran screaming--or just because we prefer to focus on the positive side of being human. I tend to fall in the last category. And--as much as I like to focus on our original blessing (outlined so beautifully in Matthew Fox's book "Original Blessing")--I also believe there are times when we need to acknowledge the presence of sinful/hurtful behavior in ourselves and in our communities so that we can address it head on.

What better time than during the Season of Lent--and particularly during Holy Week--to deeply and honestly examine our lives. Perhaps there are things we do need to change. Perhaps there are ways that we could engage with others in ways that are more life-giving. Perhaps we need a total reformation of our circumstances and our relationships.

May the Cleansing Power of God's Holy Spirit wash over you this day and always