The cross can remind us how we are reconciled. In our vertical relationship, God reconciled us to Himself through Christ. We remember that we are His children, called to a lifestyle of repentance, receiving His forgiveness. In our horizontal relationship, we are called to be reconciled with other people for whom Christ has died. We confess our sins to the other person, forgive as God forgave us through Christ, and restore others with gentleness. This cross diagram is prominent in many of AoR's resources, seminars and practicum courses.
Be Reconciled to Others
"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
(Matthew 5:23-24)
What does it mean to be reconciled to others?
Be Reconciled to God
"in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
(2 Corinthians 5:19-20)
What does it mean to be reconciled to God?
Restore with Gentleness
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
(Galatians 6:1)
The Sacrament of the Altar
How does restoring others lead to reconciliation?
Forgive as God Fogave You
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
(Colossians 3:12-13)
The Lord's Prayer
How does forgiving and resolving lead to reconciliation?
Confess to the Other Person
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
(James 5:16)
The Creed
How does my confession lead to reconciliation?
Receive God's Forgiveness
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
(1 John 1:9)
Confession
How am I reconciled to God?
Repent and Confess to God
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
(Psalm 51:17)
The Ten Commandments
How do my conflicts with others affect my relationship with God?
Remember Whose You Are
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are."
(1 John 3:1a)
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
How does my identity affect reconciliation?
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