Be Reconciled

I recently found an online article by Robert Schreiter, a Catholic priest and writer, entitled, "The Distinctive Characteristics of Christian Reconciliation".  In it, Schreiter makes some very important statements about what Christian reconciliation is, and about how to place ourselves in the mindset of reconciliation. The most critical point he makes is that WE are never the ones who begin the process of reconciliation.  Rather,God--in Christ--is the one who initiates reconciliation and accomplishes it.  We are not capable of bringing about reconciliation between ourselves and God, within ourselves, or with others by our own efforts. Instead, we are Christ's "ambassadors" of reconciliation, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:20, Christ himself is our example of how to live in God's reconciling grace.

Another key point Schreiter makes in this article is the importance of prayer, particularly contemplative prayer, in keeping us open to God's work of reconciliation in our lives.  He states, "By entering into prayer one keeps the work of reconciliation in perspective—it is God’s work, not our own. Contemplative prayer makes us more receptive to the gentle movements of God in the reconciliation process."

I think we all know from our own experience how true this. If we are not in a continual attitude of humility, prayer, and openness to God, it is easy for us to fall into an attitude of negativity or self-centeredness when things do not go the way we want them to. A rift between ourselves and God starts to develop, which then easily carries over into our life with others, leading to blame and sometimes to hurtful words or actions that we later regret.  But if we seek God in prayer and take the time to listen, God will make it clear that all is not right.  If we remain open to God's leading, the Spirit will show us what we need to do in order for our relationships--both with God and with others--to be restored.  And if we learn how to do this, God can use each of us to continue Christ's work of reconciliation in the wider world.

Perhaps we can ask ourselves during this Lenten season:  Where and how do we need to be reconciled to God, to ourselves, and to others?  How can we practice listening more deeply to God, so that this can happen?  If we continually come before our Lord in humility and openness, then He can truly use us as his ambassadors of reconciliation in the world.

-- Stephanie Stover