The words that get used to describe a person with whom we disagree can make relationship impossible. This reality is obvious at the moment in the rhetoric being used in relation to the war in the Ukraine. 

We hear it in politics, the sporting and commercial arena and at times in families and among friends.

Often it is a tension as to who is right and wrong or who has power in a given situation. This dynamic makes it hard to build relationship of trust and peace.

In this third week of Lent the themes of the Bible readings set for Sunday invite us to reflect on repentance and our relationships with God. 

One way of appreciating the meaning of repentance is to consider it from the perspective of a journey. We head off, realise that we have gone up the wrong road and have to admit our mistake.

Then we turn around and head back to the place where the mistake was made, discern the new direction and set off.

Harsh words of blame for a mistake or point of difference don’t build peace. Admitting we were wrong, turning back to correct the mistake, and setting off again serves to build peace.

This is not an easy process.

In the change of direction there is an invitation to live beyond the blame game, to stay in relationships and to travel on together.

Jesus says:

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’ (John 14:27)

Rev. John Gilmore

NCCA President