Tim Reardon continues our theme of Reconciliation in relation to other people and in response to the text of 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2.
Tim sees in this passage a grand vision of reconciliation — one that calls us to love and by love — but also calls us to justice. Reconciliation is a beautiful but difficult concept. It calls us to a wholeness and peace in God, with each other, with all creation, and within ourselves. Yet the term is often abused: too often the focus is on the part of conciliating — placating or calling for an end to anger. This leads to passivity and finding an easy and smooth forgiveness. It demands more from the powerless to forget the injustice done them, when looking at systemic injustice.
Another place to start is with a quote by Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil, “Reconciliation is the ongoing spiritual process that involves forgiveness, repentence, and justice that transforms broken relationships and systems to reflect God’s original intention for all creation to flourish.” Reconciliation requires attending to justice, to brokenness, and to systems of power and how we are enmeshed in them. It requires much and is not easy — nor cheap. And the burden should not be on the powerless.
Watch the video below as Tim continues with Paul’s approach to reconciliation that centers the weak, shameful, and unimpressive — perhaps even offensive — an inversion of values. And Jesus’ crucifixion is the prime example, embedded in love.
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