Becoming Reconciled

(Today's offering is from the Ven. Rick Cluett, Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem.) 

Becoming Reconciled

Mercy and truth have met together; *
    righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psalm 85

1	You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, *     you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2	You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *     and blotted out all their sins.
3	You have withdrawn all your fury *     and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.

4	Restore us then, O God our Savior; *     let your anger depart from us.
5	Will you be displeased with us for ever? *     will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6	Will you not give us life again, *     that your people may rejoice in you?
7	Show us your mercy, O LORD, *     and grant us your salvation.
8	I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *     for he is speaking peace to his faithful people     and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9	Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *     that his glory may dwell in our land.
10	Mercy and truth have met together; *     righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11	Truth shall spring up from the earth, *     and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12	The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *     and our land will yield its increase.
13	Righteousness shall go before him, *     and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ,

and has given us the ministry of reconciliation

  2 Corinthians 5:18