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Reconciliation plays a very important role in the life of a Catholic. When we have sinned we seek forgiveness through the Sacraments of the Church.
The call to conversion and reconciliation occurs when one considers, judges and changes one’s life in the light of God’s love. In the sacrament of reconciliation, the Christian faithful obtain from the mercy of God pardon for their sins. At the same time, they are reconciled with the Church, which they have wounded by their sins and which works for their conversion by charity, example, and prayer (Lumen Gentium, n. 11). However, there are times when the faithful need the sacrament of penance/reconciliation in their struggle to be forgiven and forgiving, to discover anew the gift of God’s saving action in their lives and to be strengthened to continue living as disciples of Jesus. (Archdiocese of Brisbane/Reconciliation) Using respectful and inclusive language and terminology is an essential component of reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. The ways in which we speak about reconciliation are just as important as the ways in which we act towards it; language is itself active, and can impact on attitudes, understandings and relationships in a very real and active sense. (Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education) Catholic’s have strong and lasting connections to reconciliation and peace. These are some of the key components to Christ’s message of loving one another. We are asked daily to open our hearts and allow the love of Jesus Christ to flow through us. Reconciliation with the First Nation People will bring us all closer to the Grace of God. |
National Reconciliation Prayer
Creator Spirit,
All creation once declared your glory,
Your laws were honoured and trusted,
Forgive us our neglect as our country approaches
the most critical moment in its history.
Listen to our prayer as we turn to you,
Hear the cry of our land and its people,
Just as you heard the cry of Jesus,
your Son, on the Cross.
Help us to replace our national shame
With true national pride by restoring the
dignity of our First People whose antiquity is
unsurpassed.
May our faith and trust in you increase.
Only then will our nation grow strong and be
a worthy place for all who wish to make their home in our land.
Amen.
© Elizabeth Pike, September 1997
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Melbourne
Creator Spirit,
All creation once declared your glory,
Your laws were honoured and trusted,
Forgive us our neglect as our country approaches
the most critical moment in its history.
Listen to our prayer as we turn to you,
Hear the cry of our land and its people,
Just as you heard the cry of Jesus,
your Son, on the Cross.
Help us to replace our national shame
With true national pride by restoring the
dignity of our First People whose antiquity is
unsurpassed.
May our faith and trust in you increase.
Only then will our nation grow strong and be
a worthy place for all who wish to make their home in our land.
Amen.
© Elizabeth Pike, September 1997
Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Melbourne