Thoughts on reconciliation

 

Thursday of the Third Week of Advent: Be Reconciled and Be at Peace  The Lord of mercy says, “My steadfast love shall not depart from you.” If you know this kind of love in your own life, you know that it frees you to reach out to others with the same kind of unconditional love. When we are reconciled with God, we feel expansive toward the world and each other. And when we are reconciled with ourselves and one another, we find God. If you haven’t already done so this Advent season, find an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation.   We think of the saints as models of perfect virtue, but they would be the first to admit their failings. As the old saying goes, Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.   That he might show himself in every way contemptible and give an example to the rest of true confession, Francis was not ashamed, when he had failed in something, to confess his failing in his preaching before all the people. Indeed, if it happened that he had had an evil thought about anyone, or if he had on occasion spoken an angry word, he would immediately confess his sins with all humility to the one about whom he had had the evil thought and beg his pardon. His conscience, which was a witness to his complete innocence, guarding itself with all solicitude, would not let him rest until it had gently healed the wound in his heart.

All praise be yours, my Lord, through those who grant pardon For love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, By you, Most High, they will be crowned. —“Canticle of the Creatures”