Gift of Reconciliation

During this Lenten Time and beyond, let us thank God for the beautiful gift of Reconciliation. As Catholics, we have the beautiful Sacrament of Reconciliation to approach and be restored by God's love, mercy, healing, and forgiveness. Jesus speaks so well of reconciliation in our gospel for this First Friday of March in Lent, Matthew 5:20-26. "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Even though the Sacrament of Reconciliation has many qualities, there are two that stand out, because this is what the sacrament does for us: it reconciles us with God and reconciles us with the community. When we sin we separate ourselves from God and the community. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we are brought back into communion with God and one another. The gift of reconciliation is one that we need to live each day of our lives. There are those times when we separate ourselves from family, friends, loved ones, but through reconciliation, those relationships can be restored and healed. Offering forgiveness to others can be a challenge but hopefully we are up to that challenge to grow in that beautiful gift and be on the same page with God and others. Thank You God for the gift of reconciliation! Help me and others to live that gift each day!!! Peace to You!!!