Pastor's Corner: The conclusion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

As I begin writing this reflection we — those churches belonging to the Havre Ministerial Association— are to begin praying together each day this week for unity among the Christian community not only in Havre but around the world.

The theme for the week is “They showed us unusual Kindness.”

I thought that I would use this article to reflect on some of the scripture and prayers that are suggested for our gatherings each day of this week.

Day 1: Reconciliation: Throwing the cargo overboard (Acts 27:18-19, 21)

The context of the scripture is as follows: Paul is being sent to Rome and the ship he is on is beset by a large storm and about to be destroyed. What you may ask does this have to do with Christian Unity?

We all know that over the centuries we as Christians have found many reasons to separate from one another — even to this day. We also know that divisions among the Body of Christ have been with us from the beginning of the Church. I believe it is safe to say that we can call these divisions cargo or baggage. In conversations about dysfunctional lifestyles the word baggage often is used and the only way to heal the dysfunction is by getting rid of the baggage that is holding us in this broken way of living.

This week of Christian Unity is asking us as individuals and church communities to examine our baggage and determine that which is helping us and that which is keeping us from providing “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6) as disciples of Jesus.

Day 2: Enlightenment: seeking and showing forth Christ’s Light (Acts 27:20)

The context of the scripture: those on the ship with Paul had not seen sun or star for many days and had given up the hope of survival.

We who are Christian call Jesus the light of our lives. The hope Jesus provides us in our daily lives is the center of our lives. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus as Christian people we can overcome all those things that divide us and diminish our ability to share the Light of Christ with those around us. It is important to remember that we are mandated by Jesus to share the Light of Christ with the whole world.

Day 3: Hope: Paul’s message (Acts 27: 22, 34

Context: The people on the ship with Paul were sure they were about to die — they had given up hope.

The Christian Church has been out of full communion with one another for over 500 years — it would be easy to believe unity will never be accomplished, but we forget that our unity is God’s will for us (John 17:11). We must remember there is a great difference between unity and uniformity and that God does indeed like great diversity. We must also remember we as Christians all have the same commission — to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Day 4: Trust: Do not be afraid, believe (Acts 27:23-26)

Context: In prayer Paul was visited by an angel of God who told him that he and all with him would be safe regardless of what the situation seemed to be. TRUST.

In our world today we seem to see nothing but division and lack of trust. Not only of one another but we seem to be void of trust in God and God’s will for us. As Christians we must show our trust in God. We must be a sign of unity recognizing our differences, blessing them and using them to proclaim Christ to the world which is in such desperate need of the Light of Jesus.

Day 5: Strength: Breaking bread for the journey (Acts 27:33-36)

Context: All on the ship with Paul had been without food for 14 days. Paul told them all they needed to eat so they would have the strength needed to survive and that all would be safe because life was God’s will for them.

We must be truthful here; this Breaking of Bread — Communion — Eucharist — may well be one of the most controversial issues preventing full unity within the Christian Community. Also, we must recognize that this is also at the core of our Christian faith — breaking bread together, and this is our goal; to rest at table together and commune together as the Body of Christ. This goal can be accomplished through the action of Christian service, serving the people of God and bringing the word of God and the Light of Christ to all people.

Day 6: Hospitality: Show unusual kindness (Acts 28:1-2, 7)

Context: The ship did wreck, all on the ship survived the wreck and came ashore on the island of Malta. There they were welcomed by the natives of the island, given food and shelter, and taken to complete their journey to Rome.

We who call ourselves Christians are called to Christian service to all — those we don’t like, migrants, immigrants, refugees and all who are in need. When we do this we love as Christ loves. We are living as the body of Christ and being the light of Christ to the world.

Day 7: Conversion: Changing our hearts and minds (Acts 28:3-6)

Context: After being welcomed by the natives on the island Paul was building a fire and a poisonous snake bit him. The natives all believed he must be a murder because God wanted him dead after surviving the ship wreck. Paul showed no ill effects from the snake bite and the natives changed their mind and began thinking Paul was a God.

If we call ourselves Christians we have to recognize that other churches do not pose a threat to us and our personal beliefs. If we truly believe that God is who we say He is we have to believe that God can and does work through other churches to accomplish His will. Can we let God change our minds and perceptions of our brothers and sisters in other churches?

Day 8: Generosity: Receiving and giving

Context: Paul and the other survivors of the ship wreck had been shown unusual kindness by the people on the island. As Paul interacted with the islanders he began praying with them, healing all who were sick on the island.

As Christians we are to be thankful for all we have received in all aspects of our lives. We are told in scripture that as we receive so also we must give. All the gifts we have been given are to be shared with those around us, especially the forgiveness and love of God.

This is summation of our week of Christian Unity here in Havre. This is only a beginning. We are to live in this manner each day for the rest of our lives. Always asking forgiveness and offering forgiveness. Always seeking and sharing the light of Christ. Always living with hope and offering hope. Always trusting in God’s will and proclaiming God’s will. Always seeking Full Communion with one another and embracing one another in spite of our differences — because we have much in common, we are God’s children. Always being kind to one another and seeing the face of Christ in the person in front of us.

A disclaimer: I have not had an un-plagiarized thought my whole life. The thoughts I have shared above are not originally mine, but I believe them and own them as mine. I truly believe that God is working through all religions. After all, God can indeed write straight with crooked lines. As for me and my Church we will continue to serve God and God’s people with love and compassion.

God bless

——

Tim Maroney

St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church