Dear Chuck:

Perhaps I should change the wording to not confuse people.

That was originally written a long time ago. Part of it was back when I was a Protestant. I think this particular passage was a left-over from back then. I obviously missed it when I translated the material to be consistent with Catholicism. I say that because of the reference to 2 Corinthians in which St. Paul is clearly speaking about the Sacrament.

The term "Reconciliation", however, does have application outside of the Sacraments. We are all called, not just priests, to preach the Gospel of reconciliation to God to others. Sharing our faith is a commandment, to always be ready to give a reason for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). We all have a responsibility for apologetics to the degree we are able, and to evangelize (to be a witness of Christ to an unbelieving world, and if the occasion arises to express our faith to unbelievers). Jesus said that we are the light of the world and are not to hide our light under a bushel basket, but place it on a lamp-stand for all to see, to be the salt of the earth (Matt 5:13-16). 

This is the sense that we are ministers (of God, not ministers of the Church, who are clergy) of reconciliation, laymen proclaiming the need for man to reconcile to God.

We see reconciliation also in the sense of relationship with each other. In Matthew 5:24 we are taught that we need to go reconcile with our brother before we receive the Eucharist. Roman 12:19 instructs is to be at peace with everyone in as much as it depends upon us. We are clearly to be ministers of God to seek and encourage reconciliation among all men and especially to God.

But, the term is misleading since one of the official titles of the Sacrament if Reconciliation, I agree. The reference to 2 Corinthians, however, is just plain wrong. I will change it.

Conciliation is a better term, and messenger is a better term instead of "minister", to avoid confusion with the Sacrament and with priests.

Thanks for pointing that out. You guys always keep me on my toes and that is great.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary