Sharing stories from my experience as a chaplain brings new meaning and understanding of RECONCILIATION in my life. One day in the jail, I walked into the dormitory Carlos called home. I was pleasantly surprised to see him sitting with other men playing cards. Carlos has always been withdrawn and isolated. He said it was to help him stay out of trouble since he had a difficult time controlling his anger. When he saw me he waved playfully. The relaxed joy visible in his expression and body language spoke volumes. I hesitantly asked him what was going on because his behavior was so atypical. Carlos responded, “I spoke to my father for the first time in 24 years. The call was short because we got cut off, but when he heard my voice he said, ‘Hello, son. It’s good to hear from you.’ I feel like a new man.” Carlos could not get the words out before he began crying. This simple expression of Love between Carlos and his father transformed a lifetime of abandonment, addiction, and violence toward healing and wholeness. The act of Carlos calling his father was simple but revolutionary. We are never separate from God or one another…we just think we are. 

Prayer

Gracious and Loving God, 

You have made all things new.

Give us courage to truly be ministers of reconciliation. 

Open our hearts to the Love that has the power to transform fear and loneliness in our world.

In the name of Jesus, the Christ.

Amen

Sharon Crandall

Sharon Crandall is the director of Prism Restorative Justice, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. She serves as a volunteer chaplain in the Los Angeles County Jail, where she also teaches Centering Prayer.