Thursday, Laudato si’ Week and Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 21 May 2026

Acts 22: 30; 23:6-11; Jn 17: 20-26. One body and One in Spirit

Laudato Si’ 221.  God created the world, writing into it an order and dynamism that human beings have no right to ignore… How can we possibly mistreat them or cause them harm? I ask all Christians to recognize and to live fully this dimension of their conversion. In this way we will help to nurture that sublime fraternity with all creation which Saint Francis of Assisi so radiantly embodied. The Spirit of God has filled the universe with possibilities and therefore from the very heart of things, something new can always emerge. Nature is nothing other than a certain kind of art, namely God’s art.

Reflection: When Paul was brought before the council, he perceived that they were divided and stirred dissension among the Pharisees and Sadducees; “Brethren, I am Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee; with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead….” Jesus prays that all people of goodwill may become perfectly one, in him and with all creation. St Francis of Assisi recognized this and inspired action towards unity of creation in the Canticle of the Creatures.

As we approach Pentecost, may we be “multiplied and spread from one nation into every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek God, in hope that they might seek after him and find him” Acts 17:26,  Baptism creates the collective identity of the Church since we are one in the Body of the Lord. This sacrament serves as a powerful reminder that, while members may come from varied backgrounds, their unity in faith and baptism transcends all divisions. By focusing on these unifying elements, the Church can celebrate its diversity while remaining steadfastly united. This challenges us to prioritize our shared identity in Christ over our differences, reinforcing the bond that unites all Christians.

It is this forgotten unity we must pray and seek, to re-inculcate the values of moral living and behavior. It is in the family that we can best recognize and treat each member with respect and dignity.

A question to consider:What collaborative initiatives can our various communities undertake to celebrate our shared faith in Jesus Christ and the unity established through baptism?  

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

Prayer for Families and Ecological Life: Lord God, who searches every human heart, your will is that we should be a family in creation. Lead us with your Spirit to recognize and respect the dignity of each human child and all the young of creation begotten by your Word. May we learn to always embrace the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi and Mary, Mother of Jesus, and in humility surrender in all things to your will. Let us, as families, rooted in faith and love. be seeds of hope, and signs of hope and first fruits in the world, Amen.