For generations believers from different denominations and backgrounds have been involved in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in the month of January (18th to 24th). The title may not appear inspiring until one realises its potential. Its objective - unity in the love of God - is supremely worthwhile. The method of attaining that objective - prayer - is also well proved by generations of believers.
The vision of the God of Love eager to turn so-called barriers in His path into bridges of His love is having a profound effect. It is inspiring people and their denominations in dedication to Christian unity. When the "Our Father" is said the awareness of strong family life and a sense of belonging is characteristic of the whole Christian church, including all denominations.
In recent days much attention has been given to the subject of inter-communion between denominations. There have been countless sincere articles and letters justifying the views of their authors. In the Gospel we have an account of a lawyer seeking to justify himself. He was a Jew, and the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritan denomination. "Who is my neighbour?" he asked Jesus. In replying, Jesus told the story of a kind and good Samaritan going to the aid of a man attacked by thieves, and left half-dead. Jesus put a direct question to the lawyer: "Who was neighbour unto him who fell among thieves?" The lawyer had to admit: "He that showed mercy on him." Jesus replied: "Go and do thou likewise".
The concluding words in one of the many articles and letters in the current debate on inter-communion point to a proper attitude towards others: "Surely mutual respect, understanding and friendship can still be priorities for Irish Catholics and Anglicans in 1998." As we pray for grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions, it is well to remember that they need not be either dangerous or unhappy if God's love and mercy is the presiding factor.
We need to catch the vision in which differences can be celebrated without division. In our prayers for unity we pray for the restoration of good peace and good purpose in the island of Ireland, and call to mind a suitable prayer for good Christian citizenship:
"Look, we beseech thee, O Lord, upon the people of this land who are called after thy holy Name; and grant that they may ever walk worthy of their Christian profession. Grant unto us all that laying aside our divisions, we may be united in heart and mind to bear the burdens which are laid upon us. Help us to respond to the call of our country according to our abilities; put far from us selfish indifference to the needs of others; and give us grace to fulfil our daily duties with diligence. Keep us from all uncharitableness in word or dead; and enable us by patient continuance in well doing to glorify they Name."