Have you ever had a problem?

I have yet to meet another human being who has at some time, some place, somewhere not encountered a problem.

It would appear to belong to our human existence.

Nevertheless, it is how we choose to resolve our problems that can be very difficult. Some things may be quite simple and just affect our personal lives.

Others are more involved and we may need to take advice.

At this level, we need to be sure that the people we consult have the necessary competence to give us rational, sensible and even professional advice that will broaden our perception and help us see the whole picture without bias or misconception.

Every news bulletin these days contains items that seem to describe erroneous problem solving.

Violence begets violence, yet how many punches or physical attacks are responded to by the same thing?

Countries like Myanmar are enduring horrible consequences and rising fatalities because they have not been able to find resolution to their governmental disagreements. In the United States there still remain dissidents who are opposing the recent election results and who appear to be cemented into believing ill founded and blatantly erroneous material.

Even here in Australia there are problematic situations in need of proper resolution still in limbo.

In particular, there are refugees and asylum seekers not receiving basic justice, and enduring incarceration for extended periods because the process of resolving the problems would appear to be inadequate and lacking understanding of the whole picture.

The recent steps taken by our prime minister towards resolving some of the problems of violence against women both in and out of parliament are probably a good beginning on the road to resolution of the problem.

Hopefully this will move into bigger and better practices.

When we pray the Lord's prayer we ask God's forgiveness for our sins "as we forgive those who sin against us".

Are we putting ourselves in danger of God's justice if we hold malice and unresolved hatred in our hearts?

We may need help to travel this road to peace. Jesus also asks us to treat others as we would like them to treat us.

Reconciliation doesn't always mean approaching someone and saying sorry, or I forgive you.

Rather, it may mean heartfelt resolution and letting go of the anger, blame and deep seated wounds without allowing them to fester and continue to destroy our well-being.

Our Easter festival is a good time to remember that Jesus died so that we might live. He was condemned to a shameful death, and yet his prayer to the Father was - "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." And to the so-called "good thief" who was crucified beside Him "today you will be with me in paradise".

There's room for all of us in the Kingdom of God, so let us be sure to claim our place by facing the problems that come our way with honesty and integrity, letting go of the desire to get revenge or being advised by ill-informed advisers.

What a wonderful new world we could create if each of us could take this just a bit more seriously. Happy Easter.

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