Conditions for reconciliation in the light of John Paul’s II exhortation On reconciliation and penance

A short reminder and a summary of the events from forty years ago, when the exhortation Reconcilatio et paenitentia was published, and those from the last year, leads to the conclusion that the conflicts and the restoration of social wounds have not disappeared, on the contrary – they have become even more inflamed. John Paul II gives Christians four tasks – conditions leading to reconciliation. The first is recognizing yourself as the wrongdoer. The second has an eminently religious, spiritual dimension – it is “conversion” – a transformation in which God also acts with man. The third condition concerns forgiveness, which must also be granted to enemies. The fourth condition is an attitude of gratitude. Life according to the primitive law of Hammurabi revolves around the circle: harm suffered – need for revenge – pleasure of revenge – harm inflicted. A Christian’s life goes on in a different circle: harm done – received mercy – gratitude – readiness for reconciliation. The work of reconciliation, including forgiveness, is the domain of God, so no wonder it is so difficult for man. But it is through this that man becomes God.