The power of seeking forgiveness

With sadness and pride in New Zealand, I watched the formal Government apology for the Dawn Raids. "I stand before you as a symbol of the Crown that wronged you nearly 50 years ago. Today is a day of solemn reflection, and over the past weeks, I have particularly reflected on the story of Pacific peoples in New Zealand." (Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern) The recognition of the hurt we as a country have inflicted on our Pasifika community can begin the journey of healing.

We should never underestimate the power of our language to hurt and to heal. It is hard for us to imagine the courage it took for the Pasifika people to continue to make New Zealand home when treated so poorly. The power of saying we were wrong, we are sorry, seeking forgiveness. How blessed are we as Catholics to have this process integrated into our lives as a Sacrament. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is challenging. It challenges us to examine our lives and recognise where we have sinned, where we have broken relationships with God, others and ourselves, how we can mend these relationships. As with all sacraments, Reconciliation is an outward sign of God's inward grace.

Loving God may we have the wisdom to recognise when we are wrong, when we need to seek forgiveness and grant us the courage to step up and right the wrongs that have hurt others.

"Atawhai ki uta, atawhai ki tai, kia horahorahia, ki te rito o te Ao Marama"

May mercy be felt inland, may mercy be felt on the shore, may mercy be widespread living in the heart of our world today.