As kids, when we were at play and it was our turn to take our shot and it didn't go our way, we would shout, "Do over!!" And if the others liked the rule because they could have a second chance too, then the "do-over" was allowed. As an adult, I play golf with groups who regularly take "mulligans"... same concept. We all mess up. We all take shots that miss and that we want to take again. Everyone at some point needs a new beginning. Our faith is one of new beginnings. Yes, you and I have made mistakes. You and I have taken shots that have missed. We've hurt others. We've hurt ourselves. While consequences to our actions don't go away, the good news is that through Christ, God grants us new beginnings all the time. In fact, the essence of our faith is that it invites us all to the biggest "do-over" imaginable. The old self has passed. In Christ, you are new again. Take another shot. And make it a good one!
Readings: Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 22:26-27
