We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
St. Paul in today’s second reading, implores us to be reconciled to God. To be reconciled, to be loved, to be wrapped in the Father’s mercy—this is what Christ seeks for us. This is the mission of Jesus, plain and simple, to heal our relationship with God. It also ought to be the way in which we understand our mission as Christians. Even more so it is what we Christians contribute to the transformation of the world.
As I reflected on this Sunday’s readings throughout the past week, this phrase remained with me. In a particular way it became my prayer for our fractured country. Christian forgiveness is based upon reconciliation, not retribution. The goal is to heal broken bonds. Sin and the breaking of human and divine law does not come without punishment. There are always consequences for unjust and harmful actions. Accountability and justice are necessary, but they are not the complete response to sin. The Christian mission is to respond to sin with a desire to reconcile.
Reconciliation does not mean a return to what was either. Reconciliation leads to a new way of living that manifests peace in some form. A broken marriage may not be restored but a peace that is beneficial to all members of the family may be established. One who is guilty of taking the life of another may never be set free from jail, but their disposition and destructive patterns can be amended.
The healing of social and societal sin begins with our own individual repentance, a renewal that cannot occur without the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an agent of change for us. It is the continuation of the ministry that St. Paul speaks of. The change we seek in our lives does indeed come through the discipline of our efforts, however, true healing and joy in that healing is found through the mercy of God alone. To know that we are loved and forgiven, despite our sin is, powerful and transformative.
I pray that we may all have the courage and humility to seek change through God’s merciful love. Freed by His generous mercy, we will be empowered to implore on behalf of Christ for the healing of all our divisions.
OPERATION RICE BOWL – For 50 years, Catholic Relief Services has helped Catholic faith communities bring Lent to life through an encounter with our global family. CRS Rice Bowls are available throughout the church for families to take home as a visible reminder of our solidarity with those in need, as well as a receptacle to collect our Lenten Almsgiving. I encourage you to not only participate in this means of Lenten Almsgiving but explore the stories of how CRS is engaging in relief and development efforts around the world. Learn how people like you have made a local and global impact on the lives of our sisters and brothers in need and why our prayers and almsgiving are still needed today. Visit crsricebowl.org to learn about these efforts as well as share your Lenten prayer intentions.
Peace,
