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Good morning.

I’m sorry, but I’m still smarting from a row and it’s gone really deep.

Of course, I love reconciliation – true peacemaking.  My problem is that I love reconciliation as long as it’s done by someone else!

Now, when I’m really fed-up at what someone has done to me, I know what to do. 
I’m quick to shut down communication.  (Perhaps it’s in the DNA! My granny didn’t speak to her sister for thirty years.  They fell out at a funeral.)  I think I quite like feeling indignant!

But reconciliation means having the courage, the sheer guts, to overcome these feelings.  It takes humility and strength of character.  In my experience it really hurts.

My friends Stefan is leader of a sorely-pressed Christian community in the Middle East.  Stefan is a peacemaker.  He’s suffered a lot.  But Stefan absolutely refuses to embrace anger as a means of reconciling with his neighbours. 

Nearly 30 years ago today, politicians were battling hard to write what became known as the Good Friday agreement.  I guess some listening still don’t think much of it - it’s not perfect.  But it’s worth remembering that it’s aptly named.  On Good Friday, Christians believe that it took the greatest suffering to make the greatest reconciliation,  and in these weeks after Easter Sunday we continue to celebrate the joy of peace with God and ne another.

So, reconciling and loving God, give courage to all who persevere  today as they step out to make peace; the people of Ireland, and the battered nations of the Middle East.  And if I am given opportunity to make the first move towards my enemy, help me.  Amen.