Greetings, 

This week we have witnessed the rejection of George Pell’s appeal in the Supreme Court of Victoria, and have again been reminded of the pain that has been inflicted on many. Events like this are difficult for us – we may have suffered or know others who have, we wonder how people can behave like this, we want to fix things and it doesn’t seem possible. As we wait to see whether there will be an appeal to the High Court we are painfully aware that this is not over, and wonder if it ever can be. 

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word is the title of an Elton John song and there is the ring of truth to this. When our children are small we teach them to say sorry and hopefully demonstrate this by saying sorry ourselves. Yet we learn soon enough that there is more to saying sorry that just uttering a word; there is a responsibility to work to ensure that the thing that caused pain or harm doesn’t happen again. 

As people of faith, we are familiar with the concept of confession, of admitting those things that we have done wrong, and asking forgiveness. While confession and apology are often used together, they don’t actually mean the same thing. Confession is “the act of admitting that you have done something wrong or illegal” while apology is the “act of saying that you are sorry for something wrong you have done.” (dictionary.cambridge.org) Therefore it is possible to admit to doing something wrong without having to show remorse. 

Even when the word sorry is said, it can mean little if it isn’t followed with appropriate action. The first Sorry Day was held in 1988 yet we still have a long way to go before the First Peoples of this land are living in a reconciled, just and equitable place. 

Events inform our lives, our narratives and those of the generations who come after us. As people of faith, if we believe we are called to live lives that uplift, encourage and are life giving to others, then we need to constantly check our behaviour for even little things which seem inconsequential can be painful and cause harm. 

Jeremiah 29:11 reads “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and nor for harm, to give you a future with hope”. May we be co-agents of this hope. 

Blessings – Rev Heather.