The following quote from John Barbara, president of the Sword of the Spirit, introduces the theme for this month’s issue – our ecumenical call and prayer for Christian Unity.
Ascending to Christian Unity
As we have done in years past, we as the Sword of the Spirit want to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity this January as a special time to focus on praying, “that they all may be one.” In praying for all our Christian brothers and sisters and for the various ecumenical efforts going on around the world, we are also hoping to raise awareness and appreciation for our ecumenical call within the Sword of the Spirit.
The Sword of the Spirit Assembly has adopted the following as one of our strategic priorities for this season in our life: “to deepen, broaden and renew our ecumenical call: to raise the profile, increase our conviction, and broaden the ownership by our members.” The ecumenical life and vision we share is one of our greatest gifts. At the same time, we recognize that we fall far short in living this fully and we are convinced that the Lord has more for us. This week we want to reflect on how we can move forward personally and corporately.
May this be a special time when the Lord works in our hearts and speaks to us about how he wants us to contribute to this work of unity!
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3
Sincerely in Christ,
Editor
Top image: Cross on a mountain with dramatic sunset, from bigstock.com, © by ragsac, Stock Photo ID: 3872872, quote from John 17 added. Used with permission.
Don Schwager is the editor of Living Bulwark and author of the Daily Scripture Reading and Meditation website. He is a lay religious brother and life-time member of the Servants of the Word.