44 - In the Chapel Forgiven

I know not what to say.
In the chapel before your cross
I confessed my crimes against him
And he just sent me on my way.

I protested:
‘But why? You aren’t a priest!
You are just a man.
You’ve every right to kill me.'

But this man, who has called me friend,
He only smiled and said
You died for my sins.

Now, I sit here in my flat,
Free without a penance.
I am forgiven,
The nails of sin plucked out
But what repentance shall I do to fill the holes?
Emptied of sin, scars remain.
Holiness, a cloak for shame.
Only by your help can I become the real thing:
A just and righteous man who sings,
‘World without end.’ Amen.