Scripture Reflection – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (11-12 Feb 2017)

When we use the word ‘Reconciliation’ we usually mean the Sacrament of Penance with its Rites of Reconciliation.  Thus reconciliation is an activity seeking the forgiveness and merciful love of God for some wrong we may have committed.  Thus, we have located the sacrament between God and myself as we confess our sin/s and the confessor absolves us in the Father, son and Holy Spirit.

In terms of the Gospel this weekend, when Jesus speaks of ‘reconciliation’ he has a wider and more demanding message to convey to us.  We are dealing with sin – a fracture in our relationship with God, others and within ourselves.  Never underestimate the penetration and insidiousness of sin in the totality of our self, our relationships with others and with God.

First, our reconciliation is with God.  We recognise the fracture through our conscience which indicates to us an unease which is the outcome of some action.  We come before God recognising God’s love for us and appreciating God’s love for us we seek mercy and forgiveness.

Second, we need to have our relationship/s healed.  An offence has caused a rupture which must be healed on both sides.  We are called by Jesus to follow his way of love – response and responsibility.  We will not feel whole or at peace until there is reconciliation.

Third, we must come to terms with ourselves as human beings, endowed by God with gifts and talents for us to further the Kingdom on earth.  We are created in the image and likeness of God, invited into intimacy by God.  Sin disrupts the relationship.  We have to address our motives, strengths and weaknesses and where we are orientating our lives.