We celebrate a Week of Prayer for Christian Unity every year from the 18th to the 25th of January.
Pope Francis, speaking about ecumenism, said that like the Magi, whom tradition represents as representatives of diverse cultures and peoples, Christians today are “challenged to take our brothers and sisters by the hand… and move forward together.”
Some of the journey together is easier than others, the pope noted, like works of charity together, for example. which draw us closer not only to the poor but to one another.
On the other hand, the journey toward full unity is sometimes more difficult, which “can lead to a certain weariness and temptation to discouragement.
The Pope encouraged Christians to remind themselves “that we are making this journey not as those who already possess God, but as those who continue to seek Him.” He called for courage and patience along the way, in order to encourage and support one another.
The restoration of unity among all Christians is one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council.” (Decree on Ecumenism n.1). Ecumenism affects the mission of the church, because the division of Christians prevents the preaching of the gospel and deprives many people of access to the faith” (Ad Gentes, n. 6). Divisions among Christians cause a confusion that hinders people from accepting the gospel today.
Passionist Father Ignatius Spencer, an early pioneer in ecumenical activity, strongly urged more prayer together. Might be a good idea to consider . How can we do it?
The Victor's Place 
The Pope said, ” “that we are making this journey not as those who already possess God, but as those who continue to seek Him.” He called for courage and patience along the way, in order to encourage and support one another.
How do we do it?
Living in urban NY we interact with a multitude of persons from various religious backgrounds. Each Friday afternoon about 20 taxi cabs park on our street, making time for prayer. Men in their sandals walk to the “house mosque” a block away. They gather in the basement for Friday Prayers. Within a half hour they emerge, drive off, back to picking up fares. My neighbor, Mustafa, is from Pakistan and joins this prayer group weekly. Often, I meet him walking by our house on the way and we’ll talk. I ask him to pray for us and our world to be at peace. He assures me that intention is always at the top of the prayer list. I don’t know the prayers they pray in Arabic. I surely would not be good at kneeling for half an hour, but I respect his faith in God. He is seeking God!
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