THE PRODIGAL (10). AT PEACE AGAIN.

  WE'D ALL LIKE TO FIND PEACE AGAIN, WITH OURSELVES AND WITH OTHERS - THAT'S RECONCILIATION.WE KNOW WE CAN'T TURN THE CLOCK BACK OR ERASE THE THINGS WE SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE OR SAID.

Being reconciled is all about repairing and mending things. It will leave its mark - scars of pain and hurt, but also marks of healing. Being reconciled invelves being ready to resume a relationship - whilst taking into account the hard stuff that's happened: inside us; between us and others; and between us and society. We know that hate is destructive feeling that can hold us in its grip, but then again we might be afraid that reconciliation could be taken as a sign of weakness. It can feel like there'll be a lot of concessions to be made. Who will take the first step? Us, the other person, society... or God? We might not feel able to reach out ourselves; if not, are we ready to respond if the other side makes the first move?
Being reconciled involves being willing to accept that taking things through can bring peace and give us new reason to believe in the future. It involves restoring right relationsips with other people, God - and society, too.

NEVER AGAIN (Genesis 9:9).
"Never again will I punish the earth for the sinful things its people do. All of them have evil thoughts from the time they are young... I am going to make a solemn promise to you and to everyone who will live after you. This includes the birds and the animals. The rainbow...
Think:
Why God decided not to send anothe major disaster? What is His plan for the world and humanity?
God's promise continue through Jesus and his Cross.

A RISKY REUNION. Genesis book includes a great family saga. Egged on by his mother, the younger brother, Jacob, deceives the blind father  into giving him the blessing internded for his elder brother. Esau vows to kill Jacob. 20 years later, ..." Jacob walked in front, bowing to the ground seven times as he came near his brother. But Esau ran toward Jacob  and hugged and kissed him ( Genesis 33:3).
Think:
What role does a meeting play in trying to restore a broken relationship?
Who is most in need of reconciliation? The wronged individal is here so emotional and generous!

WHEN GOD LOVES MY ENEMIES.  Jonah was a prophet sent to tell his people's worst  enemies - the inhabitants of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria - that God is far from happy with them (Jonah book).
Think:
How would you have reacted to seeing your worst enemies being forgiven?
Why is it so difficult to accept God's love for people we don't like?

PEACE FIRST. In the "Sermon on the Mount", Jesus quotes some sections of the Law, introducing them by saying "you know our ancestor have been told..." and then offers a radical interpretation and a corresponding application.
"So if you ae about to place your gift on the alter and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there, make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God" ( Matthew 5:23).
Think:
Should conflict be avoided at all cost? What should we do id it arises?
What other ways apart from justice and the law are there that can help us rebuid right relationship with others?

THE PAST IS GONE! The death and resurection of Christ is about deliverance from the human desire to be all-powerful, all-kowing and perfect, and our pursuit of domination and performance. Christ became a model for a new humanity, trusting fully in the Father's love (2 Chorinthians 5:15).
Think:
Does identifying with Christ's death necessarily involve suffering?
How can we reconcile being lawfully condemned by human justice and declared righteous by God?
Does being reconciled with God automatically mean we're also reconciled with other people? (Vincent  Leclair, chaplain general).

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