We gather
on Annunciation eve
to affirm in humble and dramatic fashion
that we are ambassadors of reconciliation
called to receive the forgiveness of God
and to minister the forgiveness of God.

I know when I kneel
in the midst of this St. Mary’s gathering
I expect to feel surrounded by the mercy of God
as it is breathed forth from my worshipping
brothers and sisters in faith.

I, in turn, hope to rise from that experience
to be a more forgiving person and pastor.

As a priest
I have known the forgiveness of the people
for over forty years.
I sometimes wonder what treatment
I would have received
in another context.

Many people have been broken
for lack of signs of sorrow and forgiveness,
broken to become rebels or slaves
with loss of friendship, love, trust, dignity.

The communal celebration of reconciliation
will teach us afresh and at some depth
that we are not abandoned or unbonded.
We belong together in our new creation.
We are the people of God, forgiven and forgiving.
Like Mary
we can feel the power of the Most High
overshadow us, full of love and mercy
empowering us to be a reconciling community.

- Fr. Gerald Keefe