Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. (Lk 10:34)

Lord, help us see the wounds and find hope

Additional scripture passages

• Joel 2:23-27
• Psalm 104:14-15, 27-30

Commentary

The Good Samaritan did what he could out of his own resources: he poured oil and wine and bandaged the man’s wounds and put him on his own animal. The Samaritan went further still by promising to pay for the man’s care. When we see the world through the Samaritan’s eyes, every situation can be an opportunity to help those in need. This is where love manifests itself. The example of the Good Samaritan motivates us to ask ourselves how to respond to our neighbour. He gave wine and oil, restoring the man and giving him hope. What can we give, so that we can be a part of God’s work of healing a broken world?

This brokenness shows itself in our world through insecurity, fear, distrust and division. Shamefully, these divisions also exist between Christians. Though we celebrate sacraments or other rituals of healing, reconciliation and consolation (often using oil and wine), we persist in behaviours that cause division, wounding the Body of Christ. The healing of our Christian divisions promotes the healing of the nations.

In this process of healing, we have to recognise our own vulnerability – how will others know how to engage in a journey of healing if we are unwilling to bare our wounds? How do we empower such courageous behaviour, recognising there is a cost?

Reflection

The bread lies broken

crumbs spilled from the table 

trampled underfoot.

Wine stains bled through linen

where cups overflowed.

The lingering taste of stories shared

grows stale in the mouth.

Indelible marks,

evidence of where we sat together for a time,

but what now?

Others need their share – 

wine to gladden soul

oil to anoint and heal

bread to strengthen.

We need to reset our tables

to find an unfamiliar seat,

and when the music stops

what will it have cost?

Prayer

Gracious God,

You who are the source of all love and goodness:

enable us to recognise the needs of our neighbour.

Help us to be honest about our need for healing.

Change us, so that we can love all.

Help us to overcome the obstacles of division,

that we might build a world of peace for the common good.

Thank you for your renewing work in creation

and for leading us to a future which is full of hope:

you who are Lord of all, yesterday, today and forever. Amen.