This week we are refreshed in the life-giving scriptures that God is a God of transformation, reconciliation, and fresh starts. A fitting theme for us today on this refreshment Sunday. The themes of reconciliation and forgiveness are picked up this week. Our reconciliation with God leads us into the “ministry of reconciliation”. Our forgiveness brings wholeness, not just to ourselves, but to others through us. This connection between the “me” and the “we” is such an important theme of the Gospel, and a good place to linger in this week’s worship, while also looking at the implications of the practice of forgiveness for justice in our world.
God removes disgrace; God forgives and restores; the prodigal is welcomed home and reconciled to his family; God reconciles us to God’s Self, and to each other, and we are called to do the same. Forgiveness flows from God’s infinite and unconditional grace, and is received through honest confession and repentance. But reconciliation with God, as much as it brings personal healing and restoration, is not only personal. It is also social, drawing us back into reconciliation with others, and into passing on to others the healing and grace we have received.
Living Out the Mission and the Kingdom: The overarching message is one of transformation, reconciliation, and fresh starts.
To live this out:
Embrace Renewal: Each day offers a chance to leave old habits behind and grow closer to God.
Be a Peacemaker: Reconciliation isn’t always easy, but it’s part of our calling. Seek ways to bring people together and heal divisions.
Share God’s Abundance: Recognise the blessings you have, and use them to enrich the lives of others, especially those who feel lost or disconnected.