Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise”. (Lk 10:37)

Lord, may our mercy be a sign of your Kingdom

Additional scripture passages

• Romans 12:9-13
• Psalm 41:1-2

Commentary

Through these words – “Go and do likewise” – Jesus sends each of us, and our churches, to live out His commandment to love. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we are sent out to be “other Christs”, reaching out to a suffering humanity in compassion and mercy. Like the Good Samaritan towards the injured man, we can choose not to reject those who are different, rather cultivating a culture of proximity and goodwill - actively seeking out and moving towards opportunities to be hospitable, to welcome and to share - in our common task to bring to fruition the dream of God.

In considering how Jesus’ invitation to “Go and do likewise” speaks to our own lives, we must not lose sight of the need for compassion and mercy in places we may not be willing to go, or have no direct connection with, such as areas like the Sahel region affected by inter-communal conflict. To truly be neighbours, our horizons must expand beyond that which does not cost us anything, encompassing the whole world, as we intentionally strive for justice and unity, learning how Christ’s love can visit us through the welcoming of others.

Striving together for merciful unity helps rebuild relationships, so that violence can give way to solidarity and peace. As mutual trust and confidence increase, we become more willing to reveal our wounds, including ecclesial wounds, in the hope that Christ’s love may visit and heal us through each other’s love and care.

Reflection

After the cacophony was over,

there was painful stillness.

Moments of lucidness punctuated with nothing.

Breathless

in the dirt

I pray.

Selah

A hand upon my body

different from before.

The intention of the touch - mindful of the pain still present -

is to tend,

not to harm.

Selah

The smell of wine poured to soothe

bittersweet tannin in my mouth.

The feeling of oil running down my skin

the wounds of the body the meeting place for pain and peace

a balm for mind, body and soul.

Selah

Blurred figures linger as I move

weightless in unknown surroundings

yet the familiar touch of compassion.

Faint murmurs in unfamiliar tongues

promise care.

This time, as I open my eyes,

having never seen you before

I recognise your mercy.

Prayer

Mothering God,

who holds the world in loving embrace,

may we care for each other as you do, each and every soul.

Holy Spirit,

giver of life, open us to each other

and strengthen our bonds of communion and grow us in mutual affection.

Prince of Peace,

give us the resolve to live out the Gospel faithfully

that we may be radical welcomers and reconcilers.