During the weekly catechesis, the Pope reflected on the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. He highlighted that in order to proclaim the Gospel to a world torn by conflict and division, “all of Christ’s followers are asked to pray in a particular way to the Father for the gift of unity.”
He recalled that Christians’ response to division must first be to pray for the healing and reconciliation “that Christ won for us by his saving Passion.”
The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer is “Abide in my love, and you shall bear much fruit.” Pope Francis said that this theme reminds the faithful that “the love of Christ is the basis of all communion between Christians and the inspiration for our efforts to recognize our rich diversity.”
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
From 18 to 25 January each year, we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In these days, all Christ’s followers are asked to pray in a particular way to the Father for the gift of unity, in order to proclaim the Gospel to a world torn by conflict and division.
Our response to discord and division must first and foremost be to pray for the healing and reconciliation that Christ won for us by his saving Passion. We are called to share in Jesus’ own prayer at the Last Supper “that all may be one… so that the world may believe” (Jn 17:21) and find salvation. In these troubled times, Christians are called to bear witness to the Lord’s reconciling love and persevere along the path to full and visible unity.
The theme for this year’s Week of Prayer, “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit” (cf. Jn 15:5-9), reminds us that the love of Christ is the basis of all communion between Christians and the inspiration for our efforts to recognize our rich diversity in the Holy Spirit, to overcome our divisions, and to work together in the service of God’s Kingdom of concord, justice and peace.
I cordially greet the English-speaking faithful. In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, let us ask the Father for the gift of full unity between all Christ’s disciples, for the spread of the Gospel and the salvation of the world. Upon you and your families I invoke the joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you!
Christian Campos
