Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Turns out the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity started last Friday and is scheduled through...this coming Friday. Guess that's why it's called a "week of prayer," although the WCC* does suggest using the theme to pray for Christian unity throughout 2013.

Great idea.

The theme, "What does God require of us?" is anchored in one of my all-time favorite passages from Hebrew scripture -- Micah 6:6-8. I've had it posted on my desk for years and am always stirred by the words: "To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

Happy to pray this verse with more intentionality this week and during 2013 while adding this kicker: "without being a dogmatic jerk."

* Find resources jointly prepared by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches by clicking here. 

Christian...Unity?!?

Many of my favorite Roman Catholic bloggers are doing an admirable job of observing this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, using resources prepared by The Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) and The Commission of Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches.

As ever, I'm grateful for the prayers in word and song that Fr. Austin Fleming is posting this week on A Concord Pastor Comments. On Catholic Sensibility, Neil is providing easy access to the official suggested readings and questions for reflection.

Meanwhile, over at People for Others, Fr. Paul Brian Campbell, S.J. wonders if he actually wants to be "united with fundamentalists who think the situation in Haiti comes from a pact made with the devil." Nor is he keen on being aligned with "those who preach the 'Gospel of Prosperity.'" He asks readers, "Where are you on the issue of Christian Unity?"

Great question, Padre!

Please note that even the PCPCU hedges its ecumenical bets, an observation I'm basing on the list of churches and world communions with which the PCPCU is "engaged in an international theological dialogue." At the bottom of their list: "some Pentecostal groups." And below that: "The Council also seeks to promote meetings with Evangelicals." Could that sentence possibly be more carefully constructed?

If you ask me, I say Christian unity is way too ambitious a goal, even for one measly week during Ordinary Time. As for me and my house, we will aim for simple civility ─ even toward Christians who are embarrassing jerks.