Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2017نموونە

Live no longer for themselves (2 Corinthians 5:15)

Commentary

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been freed from the need to create our own meaning and from living only out of our own strength. Rather, we live in the life-giving power of Christ, who lived, died, and rose again for us. When we 'lose' our life for his sake, we gain it.

The prophets were constantly faced with questions concerning the right way to live before God. The prophet Micah found a very clear answer to this question: "To do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." The author of Psalm 25 knew that we cannot do this by ourselves and cried out to God for guidance and strength.

In recent years, social isolation and increasing loneliness have become important issues in Germany as in many contemporary societies. Christians are called to develop new forms of community life in which we share our means of livelihood with others and nurture support between generations. The Gospel call to live not for ourselves but for Christ is also a call to reach out to others and to break down the barriers of isolation.

Questions

• How does our culture tempt us to live only for ourselves rather than for others?
• In what ways can we live for others in our daily life?
• What are the ecumenical implications of the call to live no longer for ourselves?

Prayer

God our Father, in Jesus Christ you have freed us for a life that goes beyond ourselves. Guide us with your Spirit and help us to orient our lives as sisters and brothers in Christ, who lived, suffered, died, and rose again for us, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.