‘21 - 28 May 2023
“Do good; seek justice.” (Isaiah 1:17)
We encourage you to use the reflection and prayer material prepared for the eight days of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. There is a reflection each day on the theme presented along with biblical readings and a daily challenge.
The resources have been adapted for use in Australia by the NCCA Faith and Unity Commission in collaboration with the Faith and Order Commission of the Victorian Council of Churches
Download: BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE EIGHT DAYS
Sample: DAY ONE - 21 MAY 2023
Learning to do the right thing.
Readings
Is 1:12-18 Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan; plead for the widow
Lk 10:25-36 He asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”
Reflection
According to Isaiah, God wants Judah not only to practice justice but to embrace the principle of always doing the right thing. God wants us not only to care for orphans and widows but to do what is right and good for them and anyone marginalised by society. The Hebrew word for good is yaw-tab' and it means to be glad, joyful, pleasing, to do well, to make something beautiful.
To be Christian means to be a disciple. All Christians sit under the Word of God, learning together what it is to do good, and who it is that stands in need of this solidarity. As society becomes more indifferent to the needs of others, we, as the children of God, must learn to take up the cause of our oppressed brothers and sisters by speaking truth to power and if necessary, plead their case so that they may live in peace with justice. In doing this we will always do the right thing!
Our commitment to eradicate and to be healed of the sin of racism requires us to be prepared and willing to be in relationship with our Christian sisters and brothers.
Christian Unity
A lawyer asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus’ response asks us to see beyond the divisions of religion, tribe and nationality to recognise our neighbour in need. Christians likewise must see beyond these divides and the divisions within the Christian family to recognise and love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Challenge
Who are the marginalised or oppressed in your society? How might churches together walk with these brothers and sisters, respond to their need and speak up on their behalf?
Prayer
Lord, you called your people from slavery into freedom. Give us strength and courage to seek out those who are standing in need of justice. Allow us to see this need and provide help, and through your Holy Spirit gather us into the one-fold of Jesus Christ, our Shepherd. Amen.
Download: BIBLICAL REFLECTIONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE EIGHT DAYS
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