Something to Ponder: Litany of Penitance
We have been deaf to your call to serve as Christ served us. We have not been true to the mind of Christ. We have grieved your Holy Spirit.
Litany of Penitence, BAS 284
 We read these words on Ash Wednesday.  I can usually handle the first two sentences because I know how the Church, how I, have missed the chance to stand with those who most need someone again and again. Whether that be the enslaved; those marginalized because of their ethnicity, gender, or sexuality; children; seniors; people with chronic illness and disabilities; those who worship differently.  It is a long list of those who God’s children have not, and in too many cases still do not, treat as fellow children of God.
I know that. Â And I know how many of us work and pray for this to be different.
 Until the third sentence, I can nod and think “we have failed so many times but we are still trying.”  I can find some comfort until we read “We have grieved your Holy Spirit.”  And then I remember that the only sin Jesus puts beyond repentance is blaspheming the Holy Spirit and I wonder, when does continually grieving the Holy Spirit come too close?
 Because we humans seem to continually grieve the Holy Spirit in our struggle to understand the inclusion God offers to those that seem different and threatening, until we spend time with them, listening to them, learning how we are all God’s children.  When, I wonder year after year, does ignoring, grieving the Holy Spirit, become blasphemy.
 We confess to you, Lord.  Accept our repentance, Lord.