Reconciliation Embodied
“As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live;”
The sculpture Reconciliation by Josefina de Vasconcellos offers a powerful visual meditation on the scriptural theme of reconciliation as we reflect on it this week. Originally titled Reunion, the sculpture depicts two kneeling figures locked in an embrace. Their posture is one of humility, repentance, and grace. Neither figure stands over the other, but both kneel together, suggesting the mutual submission and sacrifice required for reconciliation between divided peoples.
This resonates profoundly with Paul's exhortation to "live peaceably with all," recognizing reconciliation depends on our own willingness to set aside pride and self-interest. Jesus too outlines a process of correcting a brother "between you and him alone," a gentle confrontation requiring humility from both parties. Ezekiel is called to the humility of heeding his own warning, though delivering it comes at great personal cost.
In each passage, reconciliation requires sacrifice from all involved. As with the two figures kneeling together, it depends on our shared posture of humility before God and one another. The grace of reconciliation is not cheap or one-sided. Kneeling together depicts the mutuality at the heart of any reconciliation worthy of the name.
Forgiveness cannot be forced, but waits patiently for each party to turn again in humility. Neither can grace be spurned by the wounded heart unwilling to let go bitterness and desire for retribution. We must kneel together, reaching toward one another in grace.
This is the reconciliation embodied in the broken-hearted grace of God toward humanity. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). In the embrace of the cross, God reconciles the world to Himself. (2 Cor 5:19). Reconciliation begins and ends with grace. We go forth into God's world as wounded healers and bearers of this grace, kneeling together that we might rise and walk together.
Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.
— Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 18:20)
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
O Lord God, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Fantasia on the Cross
The contemporary hymn "For Everyone Born" powerfully reflects the biblical themes of reconciliation, justice and equality we reflect on this week. Lines envisioning a world where "justice and peace embrace" resonate with the scriptural calls to live in harmony across difference, overcoming evil with good.
The hymn gives poetic voice to the prophetic hope of reordering unjust systems, echoing the passages' warnings against oppression and violence, and calling for repentance. Yet the song also looks ahead to the promise of unity and healing, where the proud kneel, the strong lose strength, and the rich give freely.
This reflects the redemptive hope that even broken relationships and entrenched sins may be transformed through the humility, sacrifice and commitment to justice embodied in the readings. The hymn calls us toward active reconciliation through addressing injustice and oppression. As divisions are overcome, "in Christ shall all be made anew."
In envisioning a world where all live in equity and mutual care for one another, "For Everyone Born" gives lyrical expression to the scriptural values of repentance, accountability, justice and reconciliation we are called to pursue as followers of Christ.
John Chrysostom on Rom 12:10
Brothers and sisters, we are all one family, sharing the same origins. For this reason, we must love one another. When Moses saw the people quarreling in Egypt, he said, "You are brothers, why do you wrong one another?" (Exodus 2:13).
So Paul says, for those outside the community of faith, "If it be possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18). But for those within the community, he says, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love."
For with outsiders, he only requires avoiding conflict and hatred. But for insiders, a warm love is needed - not just tolerance, but true affection. Our love must be sincere and intense.
What good is love without warmth? Do not wait for others to love you first. Take the lead in showing love. Then you will receive love in return.
Paul explains how to make this love enduring. Put the needs of others before your own. Seek ways to honor others above yourself. That is how affection grows and lasts.
Nothing nurtures friendship like looking for ways to elevate others. Love leads to honor, and honor to deeper love. Paul wants us to go beyond just honor.
Hom XXI
