As Missionaries of the Precious Blood, we often speak of the reconciliation offered through the Precious Blood of Jesus. It has the power to reconcile people who are at odds with each other, and to reconcile people with their God, repairing and restoring all relationships.

Here, Fr. Dave Kelly, C.PP.S., director of the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago, writes about a retreat given to PBMR staff members by Fr. Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.

By Fr. Dave Kelly, C.PP.S.

During our staff retreat, Fr. Joe Nassal, C.PP.S., said that we are living witnesses of what is possible even in the midst of so many barriers and disappointments. He reminded us that each of us is a child of God—perhaps a broken child, a wounded child, but nonetheless a child of God. “We do not need a blood test” to be sure of that!

There were countless stories and powerful examples, but I was most touched by what he sees as the four qualities of reconciliation: gratitude, witnessing fidelity, finding joy, and living with hope.

Gratitude: “The eyes of hope are grateful,” he said. And he encouraged us to find gratitude in the smallest of things, to be awake, to be surprised at the endless beauty and unlimited possibilities that surround us.  You could feel the appreciation of that simple reminder—be grateful, be awake, be surprised!

Witnessing fidelity: In a world that counts numbers and demands proof of impact, he said that our goal is to be faithful, not successful. He called us to be faithful to the call/purpose and to avoid cynicism, which is like a virus that attacks our souls. “It is creativity,” Fr. Joe said, “that kills cynicism.”

Finding joy: Fr. Joe urged us to find joy in our work, in our relationships, even in our sufferings, in our vocation to hear the cry of the blood. Joy can hold the world’s greatest suffering with a deep abiding love.

Living with hope: Finally, he said, we must remain hopeful. “Without hope,” he said, “we die.” The people who are hopeful are most alive, most creative—they show up!

Missionaries of the Precious Blood