Scripture:
“Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world for himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Reflection:
During this Lent can you name ways you need to be reconciled to God? Can you name ways you need to be reconciled to a family member, a friend, a colleague? As God has revealed himself to us through Christ, he has given to each of us the ministry of reconciliation, the call to forgiveness, compassion and right relationships with all.
The Gospel of the Prodigal Son reminds us of the generosity and complexity of reconciliation. Like God does with us, the father in the story generously forgives and welcomes his son home with no strings attached to his compassion. The father embraces his son with all-encompassing love, the kind of love that does not measure or judge the person seeking forgiveness. The complexity of reconciliation is seen in the older son who has been faithful and responsive to all the father has asked of him. Yet, he cannot extend that compassionate love to his brother. Acts of forgiveness and reconciliation are hard work and are grounded in our capacity to receive the gift of love given to us by God and in turn sharing that gift of loving forgiveness with others.
Practice:
This week, let us ask God for an expansive gift of love so we reach out to someone we need to be reconciled with in order to be at peace with this person and ourselves.