National Day For Truth & Reconciliation

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

(James 1:19–20, ESV)

I have wrestled to understand what I can or should do in regard to the reality of brokenness in the relationship between Canada’s First Nations and so many of us who make up the white majority of our loved country. In these last years, we have been faced with the reality not only of residential schools but also now of unmarked graves as a result of those schools. How do we face these? How do we open ourselves to not only dialogue but friendship with our First Nations neighbours?

Thursday is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. How can we recognize this day and what it means?

Truth and reconciliation are principles important to us as Christ-followers. God is One of truth. His whole being is focused on bringing redemption; He paid the ultimate sacrifice in offering His Son so that we might be reconciled to Him. So we must not only value but practice the principles of truth and reconciliation - not only in our own lives and personal relationships but also in the larger picture of society and country.

Let us make the deliberate choice to be aware of truth and reconciliation this week. This will give credence to the journey of our First Nations neighbours, but it will also call us to practice these principles in our own lives and relationships. May we be truth-tellers but also active-listeners as we hear others tell their perspective and experiences.