We use enormous emotional and spiritual energy in reconciling the past. Obsessively thinking about the past is a defense mechanism. We are trying to figure out how not to make the same mistakes again. Reconciliation, in part, is reached by honest reflection on what was our responsibility in the misstep or mistake. Blame and regret keep our souls trapped in the past. We cannot really figure out what went wrong. We become afraid to step toward the future because we are afraid we will make the same mistake again and be hurt again by it. As soon as we face our culpability, we can, with a great amount of reflective effort, decide how we are going to do things differently. It is very empowering. Once resolved we find the courage we need to step forward. We get a new vision of the future not so filled with fear. When we look up we see Jesus toward whom we are walking. He becomes an image of our future. Jesus saves us from the misery of living in the fear of the past and saving our lives to live toward his calling.