During this special week of prayer for Christian unity during which we call to mind our brothers and sisters in Christ, we take part remembering the prayer of Jesus, “That they all may be one.”
This year’s theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is, “They Showed Us Unusual Kindness” (Acts 28:2). This theme reminds all of us of the importance of the need for “unusual kindness” in the dialogue that leads to growth in unity. We do this in a world where separation and division hinder the quest for Christian Unity. Throughout the coming year, we are being called to show unusual kindness towards one another.
Pope Francis reminds us that tenderness and kindness are not virtues of the weak but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a capacity for concern, compassion and genuine openness to others.
As we pray together during this week of Christian Unity, we are reminded that our calling as members of the body of Christ includes Jesus’ command to “to love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)