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Introduction
to the Theme for the Year 2012
“We will all
be changed by the Victory of our Lord Jesus Christ”
(cf. 1 Cor
15:51-58)
The material
for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2012 was prepared by a working
group composed of representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox
Church and Old Catholic and Protestant Churches active in Poland.
Following extensive
discussions in which the representatives of various ecumenical circles
in Poland took part, it was decided to focus on a theme that is concerned
with the transformative power of faith in Christ, particularly in relation
to our praying for the visible unity of the Church, the Body of Christ.
This was based on St. Paul’s words to the Corinthian Church which speaks
of the temporary nature of our present lives (with all its apparent “victory”
and “defeat”) in comparison to what we receive through the victory of Christ
through the Paschal mystery.
Why such
a theme?
The history
of Poland has been marked by a series of defeats and victories. We can
mention the many times that Poland was invaded, the partitions, oppression
by foreign powers and hostile systems. The constant striving to overcome
all enslavement and the desire for freedom are a feature of Polish history
which have led to significant changes in the life of the nation. And yet
where there is victory there are also losers who do not share the joy and
triumph of the winners. This particular history of the Polish nation has
led the ecumenical group who have written this year’s material to reflect
more deeply on what it means to “win” and to “lose”, especially given the
way in which the language of “victory” is so often understood in triumphalist
terms. Yet Christ shows us a very different way!
In 2012 the
European Football Championship will be held in Poland and Ukraine. This
would never have been possible in years gone by. For many this is a sign
of another “national victory” as hundreds of millions of fans eagerly await
news of winning teams playing in this part of Europe. Thinking of this
example might lead us to consider the plight of those who do not win -
not only in sport but in their lives and communities: who will spare a
thought for the losers, those who constantly suffer defeats because they
are denied victory due to various conditions and circumstances? Rivalry
is a permanent feature not only in sport but also in political, business,
cultural and, even, church life.
When Jesus’
disciples disputed over “who was the greatest” (Mark 9:34) it was clear
that this impulse was strong. But Jesus’ reaction was very simple: “Whoever
wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
These words speak of victory through mutual service, helping, boosting
the self-esteem of those who are “last”, forgotten, excluded. For all Christians,
the best expression of such humble service is Jesus Christ, his victory
through death and his resurrection. It is in his life, action, teaching,
suffering, death and resurrection that we desire to seek inspiration for
a modern victorious life of faith which expresses itself in social commitment
in a spirit of humility, service and faithfulness to the Gospel. And as
he awaited the suffering and death that was to come, he prayed that his
disciples might be one so that world might believe. This “victory” is only
possible through spiritual transformation, conversion. That is why we consider
that the theme for our meditations should be those words of the Apostle
to the Nations. The point is to achieve a victory which integrates all
Christians around the service of God and one’s neighbour.
As we pray
for and strive towards the full visible unity of the church we - and the
traditions to which we belong - will be changed, transformed and conformed
to the likeness of Christ. The unity for which we pray may require the
renewal of forms of Church life with which we are familiar. This is an
exciting vision but it may fill us with some fear! The unity for which
we pray is not merely a “comfortable” notion of friendliness and co-operation.
It requires a willingness to dispense with competition between us. We need
to open ourselves to each other, to offer gifts to and receive gifts from
one another, so that we might truly enter into the new life in Christ,
which is the only true victory.
There is room
for everyone in God’s plan of salvation. Through his death and resurrection,
Christ embraces all irrespective of winning or loosing, “that whoever believes
in him may have eternal life” (John 3,15). We too can participate in his
victory! It is sufficient to believe in him, and we will find it easier
to overcome evil with good.
Eight Days
reflecting on our change in Christ
Over the coming
week we are invited to enter more deeply into our faith that we will all
be changed through the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The biblical readings,
commentaries, prayers and questions for reflection, all explore different
aspects of what this means for the lives of Christians and their unity
with one another, in and for today’s world. |
