Ah, penitence: the "shall not be named" of Lent, and for good reason: exposing the broken parts of ourselves is just an invitation for scorn, shame, and self-destruction.

According to the texts today, though, it might also limit us from knowing God's love. We take a detour off the lectionary to discuss, hearing the confrontation of David by Nathan, and Luke's telling of the woman with the alabaster jar, and see how Jesus offers grace when we offer ourselves, imperfections and all.