Springtime brings so much hope for growth, for vibrant life. But sometimes we find it difficult to find the way. We have stones in our lives weighing us down, keeping us from flourishing. In many cases, those stones come from broken relationships. Sometimes relationships are stunted and have not been given the room to mend and heal. We sometimes yearn for ways to be reconciled so that we can move past these impediments. To do so might mean finding ways to stretch our spirits and our love beyond the limits of human pride and folly. It can mean taking a risk.

And adding to this risk is the fact that reconciliation is not unidirectional. We can forgive someone without them forgiving us, but true reconciliation, holy reconciliation, requires both to participate. Both must be willing to risk. Both must be willing to love.

Let us during the next week reflect on how reconciliation can work within us this Eastertide.

- How does the hope of Easter inspire you to new ways of relationship?

- With whom in your life do you want to be reconciled?

- How do we prepare ourselves emotionally and spiritually to be reconciled?

- Since both sides need to participate, what can we do to help someone when they want to reconcile with us?

May your exploration of reconciliation this Eastertide bring deep joy and love and may you find life as you roll the stone away.

Mel Soriano

Mel Soriano is a postulant in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. Currently, he is studying at Bexley Seabury Seminary and serves St. Alban's in Westwood and The Gathering. His weekday job is in technology. Mel enjoys travel and walking, both of which contribute to his repeated walks on the Camino de Santiago. He's leading a group pilgrimage in summer 2023 so contact him if you are interested.