The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity always falls towards the end of January. (It is held in the last days of January to coincide with the day in the church’s calendar when we remember the life of the great evangelist, St Paul – January 25th.)
On the night before his crucifixion, Jesus prayed, ‘Lord, may they be one, as we are one’ (John 17:21).
If Jesus put such a strong emphasis on the unity of his followers, then it follows that we should take note of his words and strive to do something about them! We too, are urged to work for unity. Christian unity is about recognising that all followers of Jesus Christ are called to live and work together as brothers and sisters. Of course, unity is not the same thing as uniformity, and Jesus doesn’t intend for us all to be the same – Paul talks about being the body of Christ, and how each part of the body is different, but he does urge the body to work together, to form a single organism. Jesus makes it clear how we can do this, when he tells his disciples:
‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ (John 13:34-35)
If we want to make a difference in the world, then the way to do so is to demonstrate Christian love. As we love one another, we do something of much more importance than simply organising church programmes or activities. Love must stand at the very heart of our church. That involves understanding one another, displaying tolerance, and recognising that there can be unity even within diversity.
As we demonstrate practical loving concern, we will draw other people in. They will see for themselves that our faith makes a difference to the way that we live. Jesus reminds us that love is the defining mark of the Christian.
Let’s make it our resolve: love one another, and so be the body of Christ.
Almighty God, breathe into us the wind of unity
that recognises our diversity.
Breathe into us tolerance that welcomes and makes us community.
Breathe into us fire that unites what is torn apart and heals what is ill.
Breathe into us grace that overcomes hatred and frees us from violence.
Breathe into us life that faces down and defeats death.
Blessed be the God of mercy, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
and makes all things new. Amen!
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