Eight Days reflecting on our change in Christ. Over the week beginning on 18 January we are
invited to enter more deeply into our faith that we will all be changed through
the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The biblical readings, commentaries, prayers
and questions for reflection, all explore different aspects of what this means
for the lives of Christians and their unity with one another, in and for today’s
world. We begin by contemplating the Christ who serves, and our journey takes
us to the final celebration of Christ’s reign, by way of His cross and
resurrection:
Day One: Changed by
the Servant Christ
The Son of Man came to serve (cf. Mark 10:45). On this day
we encounter Jesus, on the road to victory through service. We see him as the ‘one
who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life, a ransom for
many’ (Mark 10:45). Consequently, the Church of Jesus Christ is a serving
community. The use of our diverse gifts in common service to humanity makes
visible our unity in Christ.
Day Two: Changed
through patient waiting for the Lord
Let it be so now, for it is proper to fulfil all
righteousness (Matthew 3:15). On this day we concentrate on patient waiting for the Lord. To achieve
any change, perseverance and patience are needed. Prayer to God for any kind of
transformation is also an act of faith and trust in his promises. Such waiting
for the Lord is essential for all who pray for the visible unity of the church
this week. All ecumenical activities require time, mutual attention and joint
action. We are all called to co-operate with the work of the Spirit in uniting
Christians.
Day Three: Changed by
the Suffering Servant
Christ suffered for us (cf. 1 Peter 2:21)
This day calls us to reflect on the suffering of
Christ. Following Christ the Suffering Servant, Christians are called to
solidarity with all who suffer. The closer we come to the cross of Christ the
closer we come to one another.
Day Four: Changed by the
Lord’s Victory over Evil
Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)
This day takes us deeper into the struggles against
evil. Victory in Christ is an overcoming of all that damages God’s creation,
and keeps us apart from one another. In Jesus we are called to share in this
new life, struggling with him against what is wrong in our world, with renewed
confidence and with a delight in what is good. In our divisions we cannot be
strong enough to overcome evil in our times.
Day Five: Changed by the
peace of the Risen Lord
Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you! (John 20:19)
Today we celebrate the peace of the Risen Lord. The
Risen One is the great Victor over death and the world of darkness. He unites
His disciples, who were paralyzed with fear. He opens up before us new
prospects of life and of acting for His coming kingdom. The Risen Lord unites
and strengthens all believers. Peace and unity are the hallmarks of our
transformation in the resurrection.
Day Six: Changed by
God’s Steadfast Love
This is the victory, our faith (cf. 1 John 5:4)
On this day we concentrate our attention on God’s steadfast
love. The Paschal Mystery reveals this steadfast love, and calls us to a new
way of faith. This faith overcomes fear and opens our hearts to the power of
the Spirit. Such faith calls us to friendship with Christ, and so to one
another.
Day Seven: Changed by the
Good Shepherd
Feed my sheep (John 21:17)
On this day the Bible texts show us the Lord
strengthening His flock. Following the Good Shepherd, we are called to
strengthen each other in the Lord, and to support and fortify the weak and the
lost. There is one Shepherd, and we are his people.
Day Eight: United in the
Reign of Christ
To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on
my throne (Revelation 3:21)
On this last day of our week of prayer for Christian
Unity we celebrate the Reign of Christ. Christ’s victory enables us to look
into the future with hope. This victory overcomes all that keeps us from
sharing fullness of life with him and with each other. Christians know that unity
among us is above all a gift of God. It is a share in Christ’s glorious victory
over all that divides.
