Help Build God’s Family: Be a Reconciler

Posted: 05 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PST(Catholic Exchanged)
Ez 18:21-28 / Mt 5:20-26
On any given day almost all of us cross paths with a surprising number of people. Many of those encounters are brief and casual, in the supermarket, on the road, at the gas station, in church, on the sidewalk. Far more complex are the interchanges that occur at home, in the neighborhood, or at work. But wherever we go through the day, each of us carries our own baggage with us, our wounds, our prejudices, and our grievances. And inevitably that makes for trouble.
Mistakes will be made, hurts will be inflicted, injustices will be done, today, tomorrow, and always, till the end of time. So what are we to do? Despair? Flee to a remote island? Minimize the hurts by minimizing the contacts?

That’s not Jesus’ answer. His alternative is to become a reconciler, become a person who takes the initiative in healing hurts, correcting mistakes, and righting wrongs, no matter whether he was the victim or the culprit. Take the initiative. Name the sin, claim it, feel it, and fix it. And do it without delay.

Our church is ancient and very wise. And never is that more clear than in the Mass, which every day of the year begins with a rite of reconciliation, and which every day of the year is needed.
Being perfect and sinless is not an option in this life — we are so flawed. But being a humble and gracious reconciler is a noble and realistic option for us all. What better way to continue the work of building God’s people into a true family!