Yom Kippur

A second order has been established, to abolish the need for the sin offerings of the past. That's the gist of Hebrews interpretation of Christ's death and resurrection. I'm quite glad to not have to worry about sacrificing a variety of animals for my different sins. But there is something good about Yom Kippur that I think we lose when we focus on blanket forgiveness. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE grace - unwarranted forgiveness and love from God in spite of my brokeness. But if we forget that there's a need for forgiveness, we can't appreciate the great gift that grace is. I think it's good for us to have a ritual time like Yom Kippur, or a "Day of Atonement". A time when we reflect on our choices and our actions, take responsibility for both the good and the bad, and ask forgiveness of those whom we have hurt. It's not a fun thing to do, but it is definitely a freeing thing to do, and it can repair relationships that look to be irreparable.
-Melanie