Study Guide: The Cloud of Unknowing, Chapter 28

In this three-paragraph chapter-- “How the persons who want to begin contemplation must first thoroughly cleanse their conscience of each sinful action, as taught by the Church”—Anonymous tells that if we want to pray contemplatively, then we need to “have a clean conscience.” We come to that “clean conscience” by repenting, that is, by deliberately re-orienting ourselves toward God. We acknowledge that we are captive to sin, turn to God for restoration, and commit ourselves boldly to the  contemplative life. It’s the “work of a lifetime, even if a person has never sinned in the worst of ways.”

Yes, we are indeed betwixt and between, living and feeling “this heavy cloud of unknowing between [ourselves] and God. Betwixt and between “we forever fight distraction.”

From Anonymous’ point of view, we (like our spiritual ancestors Adam and Eve) experience the tragedy of willful sinning. To move beyond such a tragedy, we enter a new life by way of confession as God graciously responds with forgiveness and love within the Church.

A question for discussion: How does your Church, your spiritual community, specifically provide for the cleansing your conscience?  During Sunday services?  By providing opportunities for private confession and absolution?  By services of healing and reconciliation?  How?  Where, when, and how often?