Reconciliation is to re-unite, to bring back to harmony, to heal division, separation and rupture.

The Catholic perspective is to seek reconciliation with God, with one another, between nations and with our environment.

One of the most beautiful experiences we can have is that of being forgiven. The way to forgiveness can be hard and even painful, but it is worth it all to know that despite our faults we are still loved. Forgiveness is the reassurance that those we have offended still love us.

It does not have to mean that the past is forgotten or that the wrong we have done no longer matters. Our past sins are all part of the tapestry of who we are, but forgiveness makes it possible for us to weave them all into this tapestry without fear, so that we can be at peace again with ourselves, our fellow men and women, and our God. That is the meaning of reconciliation.

The Bible teaches us that God can and will forgive any sin — no matter how serious — as long as we are truly repentant. The story of David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel chapters 11-12) is a graphic account of serious sin, repentance, forgiveness, and of God’s attitude to the sinner. 

God never refuses love to anyone. 

When we are truly sorry for our sins and turn to God, we become aware of God’s love and know that we are forgiven.