Reconciliation, the furthering of friendliness and loving-kindness in all relationships, will be stressed in the season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of the Divine Reconciler, the King of Love, into this world. As with all on the journey of reconciliation, Jesus also met with resistance by those not wanting to be disturbed. "He came unto his own and his own received him not."
The organisation called "A Journey in Reconciliation" made a world-wide impact in a dignified way in a ceremony at its Peace Park at Messines, Flanders. There were many Irish people there. The aim of promoting reconciliation between all the people of the island of Ireland was blessed by leaders in the presence of the President of Ireland, Queen Elizabeth and the King of Belgium.
Reconciliation has to be the accepted way of honouring those who in war practised real reconciliation in pursuit of freedom. Protestants, Catholics alike joined in that purpose.
People are prone to resist change. When the alarm bids us to get up on a cold morning we find it hard to exercise will-power over habit or inclination!
The idea of supporting or not supporting Poppy Day appeals for ex-service people, maybe for political reasons, needs the growth of reconciliation to inspire wider generosity to support the crying need to meet sorrow and suffering.
Those who decide to practice reconciliation - to "make it up" with former enemies - very soon realise it is an awe-inspiring hurdle to overcome. They may lose heart.
It is not surprising that tomorrow, the Sunday before Advent, the Collect uses a striking and strong word, "stir", in our praying to be made ready to receive the Divine Reconciler, the King of Love, the forgiver as our example.
The Collect says: "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people." We need the Spirit of Christ's love. We need to be stirred to the very depths of our being to sow love in place of vile hatred.
Reconciliation is easier talked about than done. We give thanks for the vision and courage of those who inspired the Peace Park at Messines and all such shrines.
It may well be that a world craving for peace may listen to the message of the angels and turn to Christ afresh.
O listen now ye men of strife, and hear the angels sing!
For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet-bards foretold,
When, with the ever-circling years Comes round the age of gold;
When peace shall over all the earth
Its ancient splendours fling,
And the whole world give back the song,
Which now the angels sing.
With prayer it is easier done than said.