June 7. Day 7. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.   Baptism into the Death and Resurrection of the Lord.

Scripture Readings:  Micah 7:18-19. Psalm 51:1, 7, 10, 12. Matthew 28:16-20

Patristic Readings: From the Greek tradition.   Such is the power of faith in Christ, such the excess of his grace: As the element of fire, when it meets with ore from the mine, straightway of earth makes it gold, even so and much more baptism makes those who are washed to be of gold instead of clay. The Spirit at that time falling like fire into our souls, burning up the “image of the earthy”, and producing “the image of the heavenly,” fresh coined, bright and glittering, as from the furnace-mould. John Chrysostom [c. 350-407], Homily on the Gospel of John, X:2

For reflection:

  1. Christians are baptised into the death and resurrection of Christ. What does your baptism mean to you today?
  2. Sin disfigures us in various ways. Through baptism, God liberates us from this humiliation.
  3. In spite of different church traditions and practices, how does confessing “one Lord, one faith, one

God our Father, we praise you and bless your name. baptism” (Eph. 4:5) affect our relationships with other Christians?

Let us pray.

Accept our thanksgiving for the unity Christians already enjoy in   the confession of Jesus the Lord. Hasten the day, we beg you, of the full mutual recognition of our churches in the communion that you desire, and for which your Son prayed. . We ask this in the power of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.