Reconciliation 13

Thanks to my friend Ron for today’s quote. He says that we are safer if instead of building a wall to keep the enemy out, we welcome it in. Rob, follows with this one with — “An enemy is one whose story we have not heard.” Made famous by the book by Gene Knudsen Hoffman.

The only thing I would point out is be careful in thinking that reconciliation is limited to one’s “enemies.” Reconciliation and living reconciliation applies just in much in loving institutions like family, marriage, and even churches as with one’s enemies. We need not look any further than early Christianity to note heated arguments and strong differences of opinion. Those differences continue to this day, the issues may have changed but heated arguments and strong beliefs still exist causing dissension and rifts within current Christian churches. Other religions have similar differences, and although I am no expert on other faiths, I do know a little about the difference between orthodox and reform jews, and hatred between Sunnis and Sufis to know reconciliation is sorely needed in every faith. Who among us has not needed from time to time reconciliation among one’s siblings or with our mother and father.

The need for reconciliation is all around us, and that is why the term “living reconciliation” has so much meaning. We may heal one wound through love, understanding, and conversation, only to have two more pop up. In fact the mere act of reconciliation with someone, may cause dissent or objections from someone else.

So as we start the week, don’t begin by think reconciliation is a futile effort, instead recognize that a life of reconciliation is a way of life, one we are each called to devote our time and energy towards.