The efforts of repentance and reconciliation are more important than ever before.

Sr. Nancy Kellar gave a great explanation of reconciliation. She pointed out the Latin roots of the three words that make up our modern word: re (again) con (with) cilia (eye lashes.) It literally means “again with eye lashes.” Once we are reconciled with some- one, we can face them. We can understand and appreciate them, even if we cannot fully agree. You might say that we can once again see eye to eye.

Fr. John Hampsch observed that it was easier to be reconciled with people we like, with whom we want to be in relation-ship. Following that line of thought, we have to ask ourselves if we even want to be reconciled to another. Sometimes there are individuals or groups that we do not particularly like. There’s not much motivation for reconciliation. It’s easier to keep them at arm’s length, justifying the distance by attitudes and suspicions.

In ecumenical situations, I am amazed how many pre-conceived ideas we have about others. So many people don’t understand the Catholic faith and we don’t really understand them, either. It’s almost easier to simply accept the chasm of misunderstanding but God wants more than that. He wants us to be reconciled.

The heart of a friend of God will be troubled by the same things that “trouble” God. Repentance and reconciliation are not always about winning the discussion. It’s about feeling sorrow for the brokenness among God’s people. It’s about entering into conversation and prayer, asking God to help us with what we cannot do on our own.
 
Some years ago, I carried a cross across the United States. The focus of the journey was prayer, evangelization, repentance and reconciliation. I remember walking through Cajun country in Louisiana. I had been asked to give a day of reflection for leaders at a Catholic parish. Others attended as well. As the day went on, there was one woman who seemed particularly agitated. Her facial expressions and body language broad-casted her displeasure with me.

By Jim Murphy.
Jim is a former chairman of the NSC and former President of ICCRS. He specializes in the formation of leaders. Jim is currently President of Vera Cruz Communications.