One in Christ

“You shall love the Lord your God… and your neighbor as yourself.” – Luke 10:27

In this week dedicated to fostering unity in Christianity, our collective efforts resonate. From January 18 to January 25, ecumenical prayers have reverberated within the Christian Churches across Davao City. On the sixth day, one of the spiritual gatherings found solace at the San Pedro Cathedral, where a devoted few gathered to pray for unity in Christ.

The Gospel from Luke which is the central theme for the 8-day prayer, underscores the profound reality that we are all embraced under the benevolent cloak of Jesus Christ, who selflessly shed his blood for each of us. Consequently, we are called to extend our hands in service to our brothers and sisters, especially those in need.

In one of the moments of reflection, Fr. Michael Ondras threw a compelling challenge – to transform every Christian community into inns that, much like the Gospel narrative, warmly welcome those in need.

After the prayer, everyone was invited to go to the Dormitium de San Pedro to visit and pray at the tomb of the late Archbishop Fernando Capalla who was a towering figure for Christian Unity and Peace in Mindanao. A short prayer was offered by Fr. Pedro Lamata for the repose of his soul.

The prayer for this gathering could be: “Lord, may the significance of being one and united extend beyond this week. As we move forward, may the importance of Christian unity continue to echo in the hearts of believers, and in the coming years, may more Christians join in celebrating with their leaders, embodying the spirit of unity and love.”

(Photo credits: DCH and Doming Alob)