Four topics emerge from this Sunday’s readings: celebration, reconciliation, God and compassion. The first, celebration, emerges from the reading taken from the book of Joshua that features the Israelites celebrating the eight-day Jewish holiday of Passover. This celebration is one of Judaism’s most sacred events. It commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and the sparing of the Israelites’ firstborn child when the « angel of death » passes over the Israelite community en route to striking dead all the firstborn among the Egyptians.
Agriculturally, Passover represents the beginning of Israel’s harvest season, a time when the people enjoyed the plentiful produce of the land. But for parts of Israel today, the season of Passover does not usher in a lush harvest season. For years, a severe, historic drought and a water crisis have gripped Israel, affecting irrigation capabilities that, in turn, impact agriculture and ecosystems. Even though some efforts have helped to ease the water crisis, the land continues to suffer under ecological oppression caused by environmental factors, namely, climate change. And yet, in the midst of ecological adversity, the celebration of Passover continues in anticipation of an end to all forms of oppression plaguing the world today.
The second topic, reconciliation, is the main theme of the reading from 2 Corinthians. Here we are reminded that the Divine One remains reconciled to us, and in turn, we have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation. But what does reconciliation mean, and why is it important?
In his book The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness, and Peace, Jack Kornfield offers wisdom from the Buddhist tradition. He states: « In Buddhist monasteries when conflict arises, the monks and nuns are encouraged to undertake a formal practice of reconciliation. They begin with this simple intention: ‘No matter what the hurt within us, we can seek to be reconciled. Even if we cannot or should not speak to the other, we can find the courage to hold reconciliation and goodwill in our own heart. We can do our part toward the healing of the world.’ » Reconciliation aims to repair and restore relationships.
Without a doubt, our world is in need of healing of interpersonal relationships, whether these relationships be among family members, co-workers, friends and even heads of state and leaders of nations. Sanctions, tariffs, cold war tactics, peace treaties and ceasefires are merely temporary solutions to conflicts, disagreements and inequities. With wisdom gained and intelligence developed, with gifts and talents in play alongside good fortune of wealth, power and negotiating skills, human beings have yet to learn how to live and work with each other in a spirit of fecundity, respect, trust, mutual accountability and integrity.
But today’s reading goes one step further. It is not enough to be a messenger of reconciliation. We are encouraged to be reconciled to God.
