May 21.   Ascension  (Easter 7A). In Southern Africa Ascension can be celebrated on this Sunday. 

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY & LAUDATO SI WEEK, Day 1.  “Learning to do the right thing.”   Scripture:  Isaiah 1:17. “Learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”   

From CUW. God wants us not just to care for the oppressed, orphans and widoweds but always to do what is right and good for them and anyone marginalised by society. The Hebrew word for good 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.

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?

Pray the Christian Unity prayer and the Laudato si’ prayer, for the African Independent churches.   

 SA CHRISTIAN UNITY PRAYER. ENGLISH

Righteous and merciful God; we come to you in repentant hearts, teach us to do good, give us courage to seek justice for all and to seek a meaningful unity of the church, so that:  the oppressed may be liberated, the orphan and the widow may know justice so that:  peace, justice and love may prevail; through the one who is love, Jesus our redeemer, and in the power of the one whose fruit is love, the enabling Holy Spirit.  Amen.

LAUDATO SI WEEK 21-28 MAY 2023.    theme:  HOPE FOR THE EARTH. HOPE FOR HUMANITY

For logos, social media templates, prayers, events – screening of the film “The Letter” and links to organisations and for other materials.  https://laudatosiweek.org/laudato-si-week-resources-2023/   and  www.laudatosiactionplatform.org

Daily Prayer for Creation.

Creator, Redeemer, Holy Spirit,
thank you for the gift of Laudato Si’, which teaches us that “The Creator does not abandon us;
he never forsakes his loving plan or repents of having created us.
Humanity still has the ability to work together

in building  and caring for the common home of all creation.
Creator, you give us life.
Help us to honor you as we care for your precious creation.
Redeemer, you give us hope.
Help us see new ways of living as we turn from the path of destruction.
Holy Spirit, you give us unity.
Help us find strength in the love between us as we seek healing for the Earth.  Amen.