The Gift of Unburden- ing

by Jodi-beth McCain, Director of Religious Education and Lower Elementary Catechist

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

The True Vine wrapped around the cross drawn by a child,
from the Center for Children and Theology's collection.

I am a branch.  You are a branch.  And each of us is connected to the true vine, the source of life and love. Jesus only asks, “remain in my love.”

But sometimes it is not easy to love. We do or say something that we regret. Love feels blocked; there is a disconnection in the vine.

Last week for prayer service, the prayer service leaders from the Lower Elementary chose to read the parable of the True Vine.   Elementary children frequently read or sing of this scripture, the foundational parable for the elementary atrium.

Children are introduced to the gift of reconciliation, usually during preparations for the celebration of First Communion, in the context of the parable of the True Vine. Reconciliation is a gift that frees love to flow fully within us, like sap within the vine. Reconciliation reconnects us to each other and to God, as the branches are connected to the vine.

During Lent, we focused on reconciliation during upper elementary prayer services.  Remembering that the Good Shepherd calls us by name, we recalled the four steps in the sacrament of Reconciliation:

Examination of Conscience – When we compare our life to God’s Word and realize that we don’t always listen to and follow the Good Shepherd. This can cause a disconnection with ourselves, with others or with God

Confession – Aware of how we may not fully follow and of disconnections, we ask for God’s help and healing. In many church traditions, during confession we talk with a priest.

Absolution – A gift from God of freedom from the causes of dis-connection and of the freedom to love.

Penance – Our response to the gift received.  We take a new step on the path of the Good Shepherd.

The culmination of our Lenten preparation was a celebration of reconciliation planned by a committee of students. After singing songs and reading a psalm about waiting for God “all day long” and “lifting up our soul”, the student leader invited her classmates to cut out a cross on folded piece of paper so that their cross opened like a card.  On the outside of their cross they were invited to write their good qualities and on the inside, their weaknesses or causes of disconnection, and when done they were invited to place their cross in the water of the baptismal font. 

The committee of children decided they could invite some of their priests or pastors to join the class for this celebration.  Cindy Lapp, pastor of Hyattsville Mennonite Church and an alumni parent, graciously accepted the invitation and was introduced to the class by a member of the committee as someone who would “help with confession and absolution.”

The atrium was quiet; the children absorbed in their work and prayer.  Crosses were submerged in water. A line formed of those who wanted to talk with Pastor Cindy. The room felt full of light and grace.

Cindy later reflected, “What an amazing thing to have the kids want to ‘unburden’ themselves.”

Reconciliation is indeed an amazing gift.

In your own life as a branch on the True Vine, how might you celebrate the gift of reconciliation and the joy of unburdened reconnection?

Giving thanks for the gifts your children share,

Jodi-beth