Reconciliation-Part 1

Reconciliation – Part 1

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         Over the past few weeks many topics have crossed my path.  One topic involved the discovery of the where-abouts of our grammar school teachers.  Some of my classmates located the nuns that taught us.  We found that they had passed into eternal life.  Remembering the past in grammar school always brings the “who slapped whom” conversation which brings some very unpleasant memories.  Some people have difficulty with forgiving the past.  They keep talking, thinking, and writing about things long ago.  Old grudges reappear along with not very happy memories.  At our age it would be rough to reconcile with all our childhood scraps either with the adults or children of our day.

         Lent is a time of reconciliation.  Human beings should learn to forgive each other at the time of the hurt.  Since every human being is made in the image and likeness of God, we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.  With God’s Holy Spirit residing in all of us, every time we get angry over past offenses, we actually sin against God.  Even if we no longer see that person, we impede their journey and our own journey to total unification with God.  If we continue to dredge past deeds and not forgive, we may need to relive those deeds in the after-life.  I do not think that anyone would like to relive past mistakes.  To remedy this, I usually pray the following prayer.  “O my God, I believe and hope in your mercy.  I love You above all things with my whole heart, mind and strength.  I love my neighbor for the love of Thee; ask pardon for those whom I have wronged, and I pardon those who have wronged me in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

         This prayer is recited after the perfect Act of Contrition and before the Act of Spiritual Communion. Getting back to my grammar school days, I truly hope that all the nuns who taught and disciplined us in our youth once they have atoned for their wrong doings be allowed to see the Beatific Vision of Jesus Christ in glory as Peter, James, and John witnessed in the Transfiguration of the Lord.  After putting up with our nonsense, they deserve a place of peace and rest.  When we reach that same plateau of bliss, may our teachers come to greet us and show us the true joy that comes from following Jesus Christ.  They will then know that all their teaching and sacrifices were not in vain.

        In part 2, i will post on serious or grievous sin.

        Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise. Amen.