Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Lent: A Time of Reconciliation


Rev. Shinoi Joseph
Long Island MTC, NY

18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;


The main theme of 2 Cor.5:16-21 is Reconciliation. Reconciliation is restoration or re-establishment of relationship. In this Lenten season this theme is very apt. Last Monday i.e February 16 was “Shubkona” i.e ‘day of forgiveness and reconciliation.’ Shubkona is considered as the “door to proper lent.” Without reconciliation there is no lent observance or experience. Reconciliation according to St. Paul is forgiveness of sins. Reconciliation means to be at peace. Peace is restored between God and world through Jesus Christ. Let us reflect on two simple points:
 

  1. Reconciliation through Jesus Christ
The relationship between God and humanity was broken and shattered because of the disobedience of humanity (Gen. 3). This disobedience brought distortion in relationship between God and the world. The gulf between God and world is bridged in and through Jesus Christ who was obedient to God in all ways (Phil. 2). Jesus embraced all our sins in his life to redeem us (2Cor. 5:21). He became part of sinful humanity so that we through him might become the righteousness of God. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the victory of God over all evil powers. God has reconciled himself to the world through Jesus Christ. St. Paul says, “It is no long I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal.2:20).” In Christ we are a new being. The past is finished and gone. Everything in Christ has become fresh and anew.
 
  1. Ministry of Reconciliation is our mission as new being in Christ
Jesus has given us the ministry of reconciliation. As God in Christ has forgiven us we are also called to forgive others. As God reconciled with the world through Jesus so we are called to be reconciled with other through Jesus Christ. St. Paul reminds us that we are the ambassadors for Christ. Our worship is acceptable on when we are reconciled with others. St. Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift. So fasting, praying and offering is not acceptable to God, unless we are reconciled with others. Jesus taught us to pray “Forgive our debts and sins as we forgive our debtors.” So Father God is forgiving to those his dear children who forgive others.

As we are in Great lent, let this time we remember that God in Christ has reconciled us and we are called to “forgive and be reconciled.”

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit that we may forgive others as God through you have forgiven us. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Be bearers of Christ who teaches us to forgive others.

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