The Meaning of Reconciliation
On this Reverend/Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday, I find myself reflecting on the meaning of reconciliation. This journey around reconciliation has been particularly focused the past two weeks. Today’s celebration seems to call me to sharpen that focus.
Biblically, reconciliation is based on God’s initiative to reconcile me to God through Christ. Reconciliation is necessary when there is such deadly division from our creator. Romans seems to make it clear that first steps of reconciliation were birthed in the heart of God. That was necessary. Then, II Corinthians informs us that this ministry of reconciliation is given to us. The incarnation of Christ resulting in his death and resurrection gives hope to all people that God is at work reconciling us through the transforming activity of the Spirit.
But, we are challenged to continue this ministry. While our attempts may prove imperfect, we are given opportunity to engage the ministry of reconciliation in our humanity as an expression of the grace received. In the process of reconciliation, a new community is formed. But it is not an exclusive community. Rather it is one that lives reconciliation towards reconciliation.
The ministry of reconciliation is a costly commitment. The price of reconciliation requires that retribution be laid aside and that we as humans live out renewed relationships of solidarity and unity. In the one of the traditions of Messiah College, it is referred to as “costly discipleship.” We are reconciled to be one in Christ. Reconciliation is not uniformity. In fact, the need for reconciliation is highlighted by our differences and our divisions. Reconciliation is the process of destroying dividing walls around human divides such as class, nationality, cultures, gender, sex, race and multiple other defining barriers that separate us. Our reality says that we have not achieved the absence of such divisions but we are entrusted with a great gift and many opportunities. Today, is a good day for me to reflect on the reconciliation I have experienced through Christ and the ministry of reconciliation modeled by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is an excellent time to evaluate if this ministry really has influenced my life to be a reconciler, too.
I invite you to take time to share your comments and insights around reconciliation on this blog as part of the conversation and celebration.
January 20th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Dr. Larry Burnley
I was struck today by a comment made by a South African when he said, “A commitment to reconciliation must be joined by a commitment to “understand the logic of the ‘other’s” position.” This is not to say that one must agree with that position, but strive to understand the “logic” of the the other’s position.
September 1st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Excellent site, keep up the good work