masks…

I took Mario and Luigi trick or treating this past weekend.  They were so cute, my Em and Isaac.  Super Mario Brothers is one of their favorite wii games these days, so the costume decision was not a difficult one this year.  We even did makeup mustaches.  It was perfect.

Halloween is not a huge event for us, but we enjoy getting a little candy.  Every year when this day rolls around, I end up dwelling on the faces that I see while we are trick or treating. Last night we saw Spiderman, Bride of Frankenstein, Buzz Lightyear and the list goes on and on… Their masks are so intriguing.  But often I wonder what is hiding behind them.

I guess I wonder because I have my own masks, you know.  Not halloween ones – but they are mine.  I put them on when I want to hide stuff -when I don’t want people to see my blemishes, my problems, my sin.  As much as I hate it, its true.  Its pretty scary how I put on a “religious” costume so that people won’t see the real me.  Just keepin’ it real, here.

So this year, on Sunday, which was actually Halloween – we also celebrated the reformation.  It was a service where we did the normal Reformation Sunday things like sing “A Mighty Fortress” by Martin Luther and we read Scripture about our true foundation being in Christ.  All good things, for sure.  But the sermon really renewed something for me.  and it is this:

I don’t need my masks.

In a very short, and super simplified manner I’m going to tell you what I re-learned.  The Reformation began the process of common people understanding that they have access to Christ.  He is our mediator, He purchased our salvation with his death and resurrection.  His forgiveness is what we need, no indulgences necessary.  And no matter what my blemishes and sins are – I don’t have to hide behind masks.  He has taken care of it all.

How ironic, that on the same day we were planning for Halloween trick or treating- a day of wearing costumes and masks, I was finding freedom anew : I can put my masks away!

Hebrews 4:13-16

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Thank you Heavenly Father for the revived sense of forgiveness you have given to me today.  It is a beautiful gift.  Let me live, holding on firmly to my faith – setting aside those masks.  And thank you for your grace that will help me to keep from picking them up again.  amen.