2009 – The International Year of Reconciliation
By Cedric Prakash sj
The United Nations has declared this year, 2009 as the International Year of Reconciliation, the International Year of Human Rights Learning, the International Year of Natural Fibres and the International Year of Astronomy. The focus of most communications so far has been on the International Year of Astronomy. However, in the context of escalating violence and growing conflicts in various parts of the world, it is the International Year of Reconciliation (Resolution A/RES/61/17, 23 January 2007) that should be in the spotlight. It could not have come at a more opportune time and is meant to highlight the urgent need of reconciliation processes in societies affected by conflict. In a world increasingly being torn asunder by lack of tolerance, there are cries for change, for the healing touch, for reconciliation.Reconciliation means, bringing back friendship or harmony and pre-supposes that there is a conflict which needs to be addressed. However, reconciliation is not about cosmetic gestures like hand-shakes after a fight, or temporary cease-fires. The starting point of reconciliation is an awareness of the transgression (where the perpetrator is concerned), and a genuine remorse which leads to a firm purpose of amendment. and ultimately concrete action. For us Christians, this is vividly portrayed in the parable of the Prodigal Son, where the son realizes what he has done, and in true contrition, returns home, to ask forgiveness from his father.At a personal level, the Sacrament of Reconciliation provides us with that opportunity to receive the Father's forgiveness and grace, provided our sorrow is real, and that we make efforts to address the sin. Reconciliation has to be made tangible in relationships in families, in neighbourhoods, in society. We live in a very divisive world in which we tend to alienate others on the basis of religion, class, caste, gender, colour, education. There is much therefore, that each one of us can do, at many different levels. The UN recognizes that reconciliation processes are particularly necessary and urgent, in countries and regions of the world, which have suffered or are suffering situations of conflict, that have affected and divided societies in their various internal, national and international facets.In India, we have several areas that yearn for justice and peace. The situation in North-East India has been violent for several decades now. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is far from resolved. Minorities in Orissa, Karnataka, Gujarat and several parts of India are at the receiving end of atrocities. Adivasis and Dalits are still marginalized. In a male-dominated society women have to struggle for equity. Yes, there is plenty to be done towards reconciliation !On 13th February 2008, Mr. Kevin Rudd, the Prime Minister of Australia, touched the heartstrings of millions across the world when in a moving speech, he made an apology to Australia's indigenous peoples in the House of Representatives of Australia. "There comes a time in the history of nations when their peoples must become fully reconciled to their past if they are to go forward with confidence to embrace their future", he asserted. His very emotional speech did not change the past, but it has created a thaw in the hearts and lives of many of the indigenous peoples of Australia.There are several other instances of leaders apologizing for the wrongs of history. However what is more important today, is for contemporary leaders, to acknowledge and take responsibility for spewing hate and violence through their political machinations. They must show true remorse for their deeds by substantial action. India will be a very different country if the likes of Advani, Modi, Yeddiyurappa, Navin Patnaik and their ilk actually come out and take the first step towards reconciliation. They must begin to respect and defend the rights of all, as enshrined in our ConstitutionIn a Decree entitled, 'Challenge to our Mission Today', the 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus emphasizes a mission of reconciliation, that "calls us to build a new world of right relationships, a new Jubilee reaching across all divisions so that God might restore His justice for all". This International Year of Reconciliation, therefore poses several challenges to all of us – the challenge to realize that dialogue must take place among opponents but only from positions of equity, respect and tolerance; the challenge to realize that truth and justice are indispensable elements for the attainment of reconciliation; and finally, when the first two are met, is the challenge to realise that reconciliation is generosity of spirit that embraces all.
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Courtsy: Catholic News Asia Update
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