BE RECONCILED

In the seminary, being a community of different men with different personalities, conflicts often arise. I was not spared from that reality. I had some misunderstandings and disagreements with my brothers as I went along our formation years. I remember once I had a fight against a brother regarding the manner through which we are to execute an agreed task. I thought it would be better if we continued to work and finish preparing our community room instead of taking a break and doing it the following day which another brother suggested. I insisted on what I believed was right, and so did he. We quarreled. And our squabble continued for days. He refused to talk to me. We would exert effort not to meet each other even along the corridor. Should I need anything from his office, I would ask another brother to ask about it for me, instead of me directly asking it from him. As our relationship turned from sweet to bitter which limited our movements, our community project was put on hold. We could not do anything.

Conflicts, they say, are healthy part of community living. They reveal our true identities during intense situations. It is beneficial only up to that point. Prolonged conflicts are detrimental not only to the community but first and foremost to the persons involves. They put limits on the movements of the person since it makes one vigilant and suspicious to the person with whom he is in conflict. One is careful to the words he utters. He could not be spontaneous. His actions become measured, and movements are restricted. Lumiliit and mundo ng taong may kaaway.

Conflicts occur naturally between persons with varying backgrounds and intents. However, they must not end there. Reconciliation must follow conflicts. That involves humility to admit one's mistakes, and respect for each other’s differences. More than holding on to our principles, the main reason why people refuse to be reconciled is because of pride; of upholding their egos that might be hurt should they say the words "sorry!"  

Reconciliation is such a potent tool in community building. It leads to power; power to do anything by united relationships. Moses was reconciled with God. Being thus united with Him, he was able to do what seemed to be impossible for an ordinary Hebrew man: to stand against Pharaoh and bring about the liberation of his people, to lead them to the promised land. Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were undimmed and his vigor unabated (cf. DT 34:1-12). He was able to live so for as he was united and reconciled with God and with his community.

We are not to lose hope in reconciling ourselves with one another, more so with God whom we may have offended and transgressed. Try and never give up in giving unity and reconciliation a chance to thrive among us. For united, God comes in our midst and enables us to do even the impossible. Jesus said: If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father (Mt 18:15-20). United and reconciled with God, our souls are filled with fire to do anything in accordance with His divine will.