Reconciliation is one of the most profound journeys we can take in our spiritual lives. It restores our broken relationships with ourselves, others and God. Too often, we carry unresolved pain and anger that quietly disrupt the harmony in our hearts and communities.
Monsignor Henry Rajoo began his homily by sharing a story of a church leader who once experienced this deeply. After tragically losing his son on the way to serve Mass, his grief turned into anger. Despite the parish priest’s advice to seek reconciliation, he chose to leave the church, never returning.
This story invites us to ask, “Do we need reconciliation?” Whether we recognise it or not, there are often areas in our lives where healing is needed, where forgiveness has not yet been given, where wounds remain open or where we’ve drifted from God. Reconciliation is not only necessary but essential for experiencing the fullness of communion in our relationships.
The journey begins within. “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). If we don’t find peace within ourselves, it’s hard to find peace with others. Many of us carry silent burdens we haven’t fully confronted. These internal struggles can subtly influence our interactions, causing tension and conflict even in the relationships we value most.
Next is reconciliation with our community. Relationships are fragile and the hurts we cause one another can lead to long-lasting divisions. These wounds don’t just affect the individuals involved but can disrupt the unity of the entire Church.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of reconciliation is restoring our relationship with God. It’s easy to become dissatisfied with life, comparing ourselves to others or feeling distant from Him when things don’t go as we had hoped. But these feelings can create a rift between us and God. When we restore that relationship, we strengthen our connection to the source of all grace. In doing so, we rediscover the peace and joy that only God can provide.
Reconciliation is not just a personal act but one that affects the whole Church. Our wounds, whether within ourselves or in our relationships, have a ripple effect. They affect our community’s sense of unity and mission. If we are at war within ourselves or with others, our communion with the Church and with God is broken.
We must strive to heal where we are wounded and reconcile where there is division. In doing so, we participate in the transformative work of Christ, who reconciles all things to Himself, making us whole once more.
To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. – C.S. Lewis
