Reconciliation is an important aspect of the Christian life.
In this world we see a lot of division. There is division that exists between nations, different groups, and even at times within the church. This division brings about violence and hatred that causes us to forget that we have been created in the image and likeness of God.
Division is brought about through sin. Whenever we sin we distance ourself from God and that love that exists perfectly for us. Through sin division is brought about in ourself and our relations with one another. If we are to return to God and His mercy we must heal the disunity that has been brought about due to sin.
We are reminded of this in our Gospel where we were told, “If therefore thou offer they gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath anything against thee, leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother; and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift.”
We must desire to mend divisions especially those which have been caused by us. Through healing these divisions we come to bring about unity. Reconciliation is not a dream which cannot be achieved, but is something that we should desire and work at. Reconciliation brings about a transformation in the midst of a world that has been touched by so much division.
From the cross we can see the perfect reconciliation which has been made for this divided world. Upon the cross the Lord laid down His life for us out of love and healing took place against the division brought about by sin. As we pursue a life of reconciliation we must remember to look towards the cross and to grow in our love for what was brought about there.
As Saint Paul stated, “Be reconciled to God.” In the Church we have the opportunity to seek out such reconciliation through the sacrament of confession. Here we enter a sinner who has caused division in the midst of sin and are embraced by the Love of the Father in His mercy. As the priest says in the words of absolution, “God the Father of mercies through the death and resurrection of His Son has reconciled the world to Himself for forgiveness of sins.”
With this we must mediate on the ways in which we have caused division and need to seek out reconciliation. When we have transgressed against another let us be willing to seek out the reconciliation that is necessary to heal the wound of division that we have caused. In such a manner we go to be reconciled to the Father and His mercy which endures forever.
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