A costly path

Reconciliation is a costly process. Peacemaking is a painful and hard path to follow. Where relationships are ruptured and communications are cut, the shadows of despair invite demonisation of the 'other': precious people portrayed as harbingers of destruction. Truth and falsehood become pawns in a tragic dance.

Let no one imagine that reconciliation is easy. Loving begins with listening. Risking respect for the 'other' and revisiting the loathsome likelihood that we ourselves might be wrong. The real possibility that the searing searchlight of reality might rupture the protective womb of self vindication in which we have hidden.

Reconciliation carries us on a path to the Cross before we can enter into the joy of Resurrection. It is a path that all of us, if we are to grow and mature, must learn to walk upon. Again and again.

For those of us who walk this way, this painful path that promotes and produces peacemaking is neither inviting nor attractive. The humbling of heart that arises is simply necessary, before despair and darkness are exorcised in the light of love.

Let us seek to journey it together.