On January 29th, Queen of Peace observed the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (click here to visit webpage) with a special prayer service led by our chaplain, Monsignor William Rodgers, and Rev. Dr. Dennison Richards, pastor of St. James the Less Episcopal Parish in Jamaica, New York. This year’s theme “Has Christ Been Divided?” is the provocative question St. Paul asks in 1 Corinthians. So much divides Christians around the world: doctrine, polity, and practice yet our pilgrimage towards unity continues under God’s guidance.
Rev. Richards gave a short reflection on the theme. He reminded us that as Christians, we should emphasize our commonalities rather than our differences. We are all part of the family of God. This notion runs even deeper than blood relations, because the one who really matters is Christ.
He also encouraged to reflect on our baptism, which calls us to live as Easter people. Easter stands for: E=Envision it; A=Affirm it; S=Seek it; T=Trust it; E=Embrace it; and R=Return it to others. To become one, as a united Christian family, means that we live together as disciples of Christ.
“that all may be one…” (Jn 17:11)