RECONCILIATION
We all know of past opportunities for reconciliation: the aftermath of World War II, apartheid in South Africa, abuse of young men and women by “The Church.” As our political environment changes, there will be opportunities for reconciliation with a wide variety of disenfranchised people: immigrants, people of color, the LGTBQ community to name a few.
But, what about our personal opportunities for reconciliation? Jesus tells us to first take our differences to the person, and if that doesn’t do the trick to engage others (Matthew 18). Easier said than done. Our egos get in the way: “I’m right, why should I be the one to reconcile?” Our fears get in the way: “If I don’t say anything, then I won’t take the chance of rocking the boat even more.” Our busyness gets in the way: “I’ll do that as soon as I check my emails, Facebook and Twitter.”
Father Tom’s reflection on the Second Sunday in Advent (December 10, 2017) quoted Jeremiah 6:14 “They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, 'Peace, Peace, there is no peace’ when there is no peace.” Tom goes on to say this is mainly a call for a continuation of a status quo where we all pretend to get along and ignore conflict.
Lent is a time that we can reconsider our personal differences with others and begin to move away from the status quo towards reconciliation - if nothing more than rejecting our ego for a moment and trying to become a larger part of Creation. Small steps can make a big difference.
Gary Kimmel
From my friend, Joanna Seibert’s blog - 12/24/17
As I meet with people in spiritual direction I cannot help but imagine how they are unwrapping that gift of the Christ child in themselves.
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