Laudato si’ Week and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Saturday, 23 May 2026

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31  and John  21: 20- 25.  Earth is God’s city.

Laudato Si’ 100.  “The New Testament does not only tell us of the earthly Jesus and his tangible and loving relationship with the world. It also shows him risen and glorious, present throughout creation by his universal Lordship…This leads us to direct our gaze to the end of time, when the Son will deliver all things to the Father, so that “God may be everything to everyone” (1 Cor 15:28). Thus, the creatures of this world no longer appear to us under merely natural guise because the risen One is mysteriously holding them to himself and directing them towards fullness as their end. The very flowers of the field and the birds which his human eyes contemplated and admired are now imbued with his radiant presence.”

Reflection: The wonder of creation bears the footprints of God. St Francis of Assisi recognized this fact. But we find ourselves like Peter, turning and looking at others with the question; What about this man or woman? Yet, our mission is to take responsibility and make the world a better place for all. Like Paul, it involves setting free the captives of mind and stereotypes. St Francis, in the Canticle for Creation broke into song in recognition of the freedom of creation. Through faith, hope and love, we must resist allowing power, greed, pride, corruption and pollution to steal our joy of unity, causing many to suffer, knowing hunger and thirst even for a drop of fresh water, and leading to permanent sorrow.

The churches and all local communities are diverse in their God-given unity, with grace given according to the gift of Christ for building up God’s kingdom. These spiritual gifts are granted by one Lord, in one baptism, for one purpose. Diversity in unity: this is the unique Christ-centered richness and power of the Church in the movement of the Holy Spirit.  We are heirs and coheirs with Christ in the responsibility over creation.

A question to consider: How will our relationships change if we accept that diversity of gifts is not a reason for opposition and competition but for mutual strengthening and sharing?   

The power is not in perfection. The power is in participation.

Prayer for Families and Ecological Life:  God our father, by sending into the world the Word of Truth and the Spirit of sanctification  you made known to the human race your wondrous mystery.  May the wondrous mystery of creation inspire us as families on our journey to become seeds  and signs of hope in your world.  Grant us we pray that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore You in your unity, power and majesty. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.  Amen

PRAYER FOR THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.”