“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). When we are reconciled with God, there is no distance or separation, only unity and love.
Jesus chastises the people in not seeing that His preaching and healing ministry are the signs that something new was taking place. His call to settle a dispute before going to court (Lk. 12:54-59) was a prelude to His being our settlement for our sins.
We are guilty because of our sins. But the Lord came to “proclaim release to the captives” (Lk.4:18). His sacrifice on the cross is the ‘settling’ while we are on the way. We are not saved by the economy or the environment. We give thanks for the blood of the Lamb.
Lord Jesus, You came to save and restore us to Your company. As You reconcile us with the Father, may Your Spirit help us to be reconciled with each other through forgiveness. Amen.
Blessings,
Fr. Howie
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