Jerusalem, January 24, 2013
Jerusalem, the Mother Church, the privileged place where the different Christian denominations converge. Where the celebration of the Week of Christian Unity is not limited to this octave, but is a daily event, throughout the entire year, as we strive to live the commandment of the Lord to be “One with Him!”
The faithful of all denominations gather each day from January 19 through January 27, to participate in the liturgy of the Word, which takes place according to the rite of each Church of the different traditions. Yesterday, the prayer was in the Franciscan Church of Saint Saviour, celebrating the fourth day of the Week of Christian Unity.
The Custos of the Holy Land, Fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa, presided over the Liturgy, which was attended by leaders and brethren of the various denominations.
The text chosen as the theme for the week was from the prophet Micah 6:6-8 “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” In his homily, inspired by this passage, the Custos pointed out that the living of Ecumenism in Jerusalem is a daily commitment, but despite the difficulties and obstacles encountered, each day must be one of renewed dialog, mutual knowledge and understanding.
The ways of collaboration here are many: common initiatives in favour of justice and reconciliation, aid to the poor. The fact that the Churches can gather together in prayer is already a concreter witness to our Jewish and Moslem brothers and sisters.
The path to Unity for all Christians requires each one of us to make room for the action of the Spirit, who calls us together to hear the Word of he Lord, to forgive us as children of the one Father and to meet as brothers, well-aware that the unity of Christians is not the result of our efforts alone, but the gift of God for us.
At the time of the recitation of the “Our Father” everyone turned to the One God in his own language, a symphony of voices, a sign of persistent intercession to become one in Him.
Text by Internet office
Photos by Nadim Asfour
You will find below, the homily of Fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land
Jerusalem, the Mother Church, the privileged place where the different Christian denominations converge. Where the celebration of the Week of Christian Unity is not limited to this octave, but is a daily event, throughout the entire year, as we strive to live the commandment of the Lord to be “One with Him!”
The faithful of all denominations gather each day from January 19 through January 27, to participate in the liturgy of the Word, which takes place according to the rite of each Church of the different traditions. Yesterday, the prayer was in the Franciscan Church of Saint Saviour, celebrating the fourth day of the Week of Christian Unity.
The Custos of the Holy Land, Fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa, presided over the Liturgy, which was attended by leaders and brethren of the various denominations.
The text chosen as the theme for the week was from the prophet Micah 6:6-8 “You have been told, O mortal, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” In his homily, inspired by this passage, the Custos pointed out that the living of Ecumenism in Jerusalem is a daily commitment, but despite the difficulties and obstacles encountered, each day must be one of renewed dialog, mutual knowledge and understanding.
The ways of collaboration here are many: common initiatives in favour of justice and reconciliation, aid to the poor. The fact that the Churches can gather together in prayer is already a concreter witness to our Jewish and Moslem brothers and sisters.
The path to Unity for all Christians requires each one of us to make room for the action of the Spirit, who calls us together to hear the Word of he Lord, to forgive us as children of the one Father and to meet as brothers, well-aware that the unity of Christians is not the result of our efforts alone, but the gift of God for us.
At the time of the recitation of the “Our Father” everyone turned to the One God in his own language, a symphony of voices, a sign of persistent intercession to become one in Him.
Text by Internet office
Photos by Nadim Asfour
You will find below, the homily of Fra Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Custos of the Holy Land