“On behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

This faith in the love of God, however, cannot remain closed up within the inner depths of each individual person. As Paul explains very well: God has given us the ministry of bringing others to reconciliation with him (see 2 Cor 5:18) by entrusting to each Christian the great responsibility of witnessing to God’s love for his creatures. How can we do this?

Our way of behaving should make this truth credible. Jesus said clearly that before bringing our offering to the altar, we should be reconciled with our brothers and sisters if they have something against us (see Mt 5:23–24).

And this holds true first of all within our communities: our families, groups, associations or churches. In other words, we are called to break down all the barriers that block harmony among people and nations …

“On behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

“On behalf of Christ” means “in his name.” Our aim then is to take his place, to live with him and to love one another as he loved us, that is, without being limited by attitudes and prejudices, but being open to accepting and appreciating the positive values of our neighbors, even ready to give our lives for them. This is Jesus’ commandment par excellence, the characteristic of Christians, which is as valid today as it was in the time of the first followers of Christ. Living these words means becoming reconcilers.

In this way, if our every gesture, every word, every attitude is imbued with love, they will be like those of Jesus. Like him, we will be bearers of joy and hope, of concord and peace — that is, what all creation is waiting for: a world reconciled to God.

Chiara Lubich