Letter from Amy: March 18, 2026

Healing Of The Blind Man by Michael Buesking

Dear Incarnation,

On Sunday, I preached about the fourth step of the Prayer of Examen:

Face your shortcomings. Honestly name what has gone wrong in your day and in yourself.

Saint Ignatius understood that this can be a daunting step, one that can inadvertently lead us away from God and into self-absorption, even self-loathing. That’s why it comes so late in the Examen, after laying a solid foundation of God's presence, illumination, abundant gifts, and self-giving love. We can honestly name our shortcomings (sins, yes, but also failures, unhelpful patterns, weaknesses, disappointments, limitations . . . all of it) because we are safely assured that God is with us and will provide everything needed for our restoration and flourishing.

This step of the Examen is meant to draw us toward God and bring the relief of consolation. If you find yourself instead in desolation, distant from God, and mired in condemnation, accusation, and shame, then consider reaching out to me, your small group, or a trusted friend with whom you can bring these matters to light and dispel the shadows.

You may also consider scheduling a confession. Lent is a traditional time for the rite of confession (or reconciliation), in which you name your sins to a priest and receive the assurance of God’s forgiveness. That forgiveness is a finished reality in Christ; it's true, full-stop, no matter what. But often, we need to experience this forgiveness through an embodied relationship with a real person who can express God’s grace in tangible ways. Sometimes we need official-sounding words and ancient rituals to help us feel the weight of Christ’s authority to forgive sins. This is where confession can be an enormously powerful practice in our spiritual lives. I meet quarterly with another priest for confession, and find the practice liberating and life-giving.

Please reach out if you’d like to hear more about this practice. You may also enjoy these materials:

• This oldie-but-goodie blog post that Josie wrote about confession for children (it's so helpful for adults too!)

• This resource on preparing for confession

• Or the resources printed on the table in the narthex each Sunday!

I am available to meet for confession at any time. In addition, on Good Friday, I’ll be available for drop-in confession and prayer in the sanctuary throughout the day. It would be a privilege to pray with you.

***

Our vestry met on Monday night. Amidst wind that sounded like an oncoming train and a providentially-timed power outage, we spent some time reading scripture and praying the Examen for our church. It was such a rich time.

Incarnation, you have an amazing vestry: faith-filled and faithful, courageous, humble, and discerning. I am so grateful for their service to our church. You’ll hear more from us at our next parish meeting (tentative date: April 19). But in the meantime, and all the time, I invite your prayers for our church's leadership.

***

How is your Lent going? How can I pray for you or support you in this season? Please reach out; I love hearing from you!

With love,

Amy