THE PROCESS OF RECONCILIATION

 

THE PROCESS OF RECONCILIATION

Jesus enumerates the process for welcoming back to the community a brother or a sister who has sinned. His suggestion is simple. First, try to reconcile between yourselves. If that is not possible, invite a third person who is respected by both and let that person mediate. If that still does not result in reconciliation, bring it to the congregation. The third suggested step is a last resort. Hopefully, the sinner will finally be humbled in respect to the community.

The invitation for a sinner to stand before the community is not generally practiced today. But there may be close communities that still use this as an option. If the community is open and agrees to it, well and good. But we know people in general would not want to be subjected to the last option.

The sacrament of reconciliation is a good option. It falls, given more latitude, under the second option. The priest acts as the third person. At the same time, the priest represents Christ. When a penitent goes to confession, he accepts his sinfulness. The sacrament of reconciliation allows him to ask for God’s and his neighbor’s forgiveness in the person of the priest. When absolved, it means God and the community have forgiven him, but he is also encouraged to approach the one he has offended and ask for forgiveness. If after doing this, he is not forgiven, the burden now goes to the offended party.

Jesus knew that we will continue to commit sins even after He had saved us. Salvation is a lifetime task. Jesus provides us the avenue to reach that. However, we, too, must be a part of that healing act of God. When we forgive, we do not only bring another person to God; we also free ourselves of the burden of unforgiveness. Fr. Benny Tuazon

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

Of the three steps for reconciliation mentioned above, which one is most difficult for you to do?

Dearest God, may I be humble enough to ask for forgiveness and merciful enough to grant the same to another. Amen.