Reconcilliation requires wisdom

Abstract

Reconciliation is not an easy or spontaneous process. Reconciliation with God means the discovery that God never sends us painful experiences, that He loves us even when somebody hides His love from us and that it is always worth listening to Him. To reconcile with oneself is to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made and the sins of the past that we no longer commit. Reconciliation with one's neighbor requires us to acknowledge our own faults, apologize and make reparation. When it is the neighbor who did the harm, we should forgive them in our hearts, but tell them that we have forgiven them when they - like the prodigal son - repent and acknowledge their guilt.