RECONCILIATION NOT CONDEMNATION
“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
When I taught high school back in 2013, one of my favorite courses was a Senior elective called Liturgy and Worship. It was a great opportunity to highlight for the students new ways of looking at the celebration of the Eucharist. While the liturgy is full of wonderful teaching moments, one of the parts I always enjoyed discussing was the Sign of Peace.
If you have ever experienced an all-school liturgy, this part of the mass is usually the most chaotic. It takes the students fifteen minutes to give each other a sign of peace, and then another ten minutes for the faculty to try and calm them down again. During the class discussion, many of the students enjoyed it, and sometimes more than the great gift that awaited them in communion. Once they all had a chance to share why they appreciated the ritual, I would ask, “How many of you give the sign of peace to someone you do not know or with someone that you consider challenging?” Silence normally followed. I then explained to them that before we can receive Jesus in communion, we are asked to pray for peace and then to actually practice it as a church community. We are asked to seek reconciliation.
Now, handshakes and hugs may seem verboten at the moment, especially during the pandemic. Yet, even during this time of social distancing, how are we acting as messengers and practitioners of reconciliation? Jesus' invitation to settle accounts and to reconcile with our brothers and sisters is also part of our Eucharistic offering. Seeking reconciliation was and still is counter-cultural. We do not naturally seek peace or reconciliation because it requires us to address pain, sin, or wrongdoing. Yet, our work and entrance into the Kingdom of heaven mandates it from all of us. The love of Christ freely given to us each and every day shows us that true reconciliation is possible. Because we are held in love, Christ, in return, asks us to demonstrate that same counter-cultural love, especially to those we have grievances. Therefore, let us ask for the grace to share that peace of Christ with humility and compassion.
Which relationships in your life need reconciliation? How is God inviting you to make peace with those you struggle or are estranged with?
Alex Llanera SJ