Inside ML

Hear us, Lord,
for you are merciful and kind.
In your great compassion,
look on us with love. 

If there is a single overwhelming need in the church, it is the need for healing. That healing may take many different forms. It may be revealed in newly formed respect for the gifts of the Spirit that we all bring to the table, women and men, young and old. It is found in the respect for the prayed tradition of the church standing confidently beside new ways of expressing praise and worship. It is magnified when our understanding of prayer reaches beyond the rote forms we learned as children and matures into a deepened relationship with the God who is present with us always. It is strengthened when the community prays with and for those among us who are ill and in humility accepts the prayers of intercession offered by those who are ill for the sustenance of all who do the work of the kingdom. 

In this issue of ML, Scott Detisch presents a two-part article on reconciliation, beginning with an academic focus on the historical aspects of the sacrament and concluding with the practical ways of exploring reconciliation in a community setting. This combination of an educational piece along with a practical piece offers a unique opportunity for catechesis and exploration by parish groups or committees. James Empereur offers a contemporary perspective on the sacrament of the sick and its place as a communal act of ministry, not only to the sick but of the sick. Leisa Anslinger shares ways to encourage the embrace of a variety of prayer forms within a parish setting by leading individuals to become people of prayer. Todd Flowerday suggests some areas of common ground between the liturgical liberal and conservative positions having the potential to lead to peace talks in the liturgy wars. 

In all of these, the tones of prayer, healing, and reconciliation resonate. If we as church are to survive, these tones must be formed into a song of determination and resolve. Then with a prayerful song of reconciliation in our hearts we may as one people approach the throne of grace, confident in the mercy of God. 

Let us come with confidence before the throne of grace
to receive God’s mercy,
and we shall find pardon and strength
in our time of need (Rite of Penance 48). ML

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