Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan 18-25, has a history of over 100 years in which Christians around the world have taken part in an octave of prayer. By annually observing this time of prayer, Christians move toward the fulfillment of Jesus' prayer at the Last Supper "that they all may be one." (Jn 17:21) This year's theme is “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts 28:2). It is based on the biblical passage describing the shipwreck of St Paul (Acts 27:18–28,10) and promotes reflection on his journey of faith and also on the virtue of hospitality. Hospitality is a much needed virtue in our search for Christian unity. It is a practice that calls us to greater generosity to those in need. The people who showed unusual kindness to Paul and his companions did not yet know Christ, and yet it is through their unusual kindness that a divided people were drawn closer together. Our own Christian unity will be discovered not only through showing hospitality to one another, but also through loving encounters with those who do not share our language, culture, or faith.