# Building bridges of reconciliation
*2019-04-16*

> Bill Young reflects on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation during Lent, drawing from the teachings of Pope Francis and the power of the Beatitudes.

## Blessings in the Home

I want to start by sharing a wonderful experience I had yesterday. I have been participating with the Legion of Mary, and as part of their mission, they visit people's homes to pray and offer a blessing. I had the opportunity to visit a young couple with a beautiful newborn baby. It was a joy to see the grandmother there helping out; it reminded me of how much my own mother helped when my son was born—handling the basics like bathing and diaper changes. We dedicated our prayers today to the mother, Lauren or Lori, and we pray for that family and their marriage.

## The Power of the Beatitudes

Before diving into our readings, I want to reflect on the Beatitudes. I believe this is one of the most powerful prayers we have. We begin in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for without them, we have nothing. The Father created everything, the Son died for our sins and rose again, and the Holy Spirit was given to us as a gift to help us. When we pray the Beatitudes—blessing the poor in spirit, the gentle, those who mourn, and the peacemakers—we are reminded of the true values of the Kingdom of Heaven.

## Building Bridges of Reconciliation

In our Lenten reflection from Pope Francis, 'Lent: A Time of Grace,' the topic is 'Building Bridges of Reconciliation.' Quoting Colossians 1:20, we are reminded that through Christ, God was pleased to reconcile all things to himself. Pope Francis teaches that experiencing reconciliation with God allows us to discover the necessity of reconciliation in our families, personal relationships, and even international relations. 

It is sad that in the world today, there are often more enemies than friends. We see siblings become estranged over inheritances or family members who stop speaking for years. Lent is a time to build those bridges. Reconciliation is a service to peace and solidarity. We are invited to be reconciled to God so that we can become new creatures and radiate His mercy to others.

## Forgiven and Forgotten

Reconciliation can be tough. I often wonder if people who haven't spoken for years even remember why they are fighting. I am fortunate to have a terrible memory; I tend to forget the bad things people have done. I recently had a situation at a doctor's office where the receptionist apologized for a mistake, and I told her, 'It's forgiven and forgotten.' 

I believe that phrase came from the Holy Spirit. Many people say, 'I forgive, but I will never forget,' but I believe it is healthier to actually forget. If we want God to forgive and forget our sins, we should strive to do the same for others. Holding onto grudges is not good for the soul; it is in our best interest to let them go.

## Faith in Action

I've also been trying to learn a new skill. The ladies in the Legion of Mary have been teaching me how to make rosary beads. I'll admit, I don't work well with my hands—my son is the builder and my wife and mother are the gardeners—but I am catching on. My goal is to bring these beads on an upcoming 11-day cruise, where I hope to find others who might want to pray the rosary and offer praise to God.

*True reconciliation requires us not only to forgive but to strive to forget the offenses of others, just as God does for us.*