THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

“That they may become one in your hand” (Ezek 37, 17)

The traditional period in the northern hemisphere for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is 18-25 January. In the southern hemisphere where January is a holiday time churches often find other days to celebrate this week of prayer.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2009 originates from the experience of the churches in Korea. In their context of national division the churches have turned for inspiration to the prophet Ezekiel who also lived in a tragically divided nation and longed for the unity of his people. This year’s week of prayer is based on Ezekiel’s second vision which depicts two pieces of wood, symbolising the two kingdoms into which Israel had been divided. The names of the tribes in each of the divided kingdoms are written upon pieces of wood, which are then brought together again into one (Ezekiel 37: 15-23)

The local group from Korea found that the text of Ezekiel offered some compelling parallels to their own situation within a divided country and for a divided Christendom. Ezekiel’s words give them hope that God will gather God’s people again into one. This prophecy of the two sticks of wood joined into one is the second prophecy to be found in Ezekiel Chapter 37. The first, which is probably more familiar, is that of the dry bones which come to life again through the action of God’s Spirit. Christians may see in the second vision a prefiguration of what Christ will bring about from the two pieces of wood which form his cross.

God is relying on his prophet to bring about the work of renewal in unity. Thus Ezekiel is charged with the mission of announcing to Israel that it is God’s wish to bring together the tribes and “hold them together in his hand”. Ezekiel must call the people to repentance in order to prepare the way for this future state of reconciliation and peace which will only come about through Israel’s sincere conversion.

Through the intercession of this week of prayer we share in Jesus’ hope and prayer for our perfect unity, and in his impatience to see us working in the unity of love for the regeneration of the world, through justice and peace.

Let us pray:

Lord our God, we thank you for the wisdom we gain from your scriptures. Grant us the courage to open our hearts and our minds to neighbours of other Christian confessions and of other faiths; the grace to overcome barriers of indifference, prejudice or hate; and a vision of the last days, when Christians might walk together towards that final feast, when tears and dissension will be overcome through love. Amen.

(All above based on a document from The Pastoral Council for Promoting Christian Unity and throughout the year 2009; full text to be found – www.vatican.va)

Aidan Troy, C.P. (Aodhán Ó Troighthigh, C.P.)