The Bible's book of Leviticus, chapter 16, records the establishment of a national day of atonement for the Hebrew people. Once per year the priests of Israel are to perform an atoning ritual for the sin of the whole nation. The ritual includes sacrifices for the sin of the priests, too, so that everyone is covered. All sinfulness is accounted for.
I need atonement on a daily, if not an hourly or a moment by moment, basis. "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." (Psalm 51:3) Frequently, I need personal experiences of confession, forgiveness, and absolution. I am grateful for the weekly acts of confession I go through in Sunday worship services. I feel a sense of community with others whose sins are named, forgiven, and forgotten. It's good for me.
I wonder how it would be for my country to have a national day of atonement...
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