Scripture
Exodus 17:1-4,Why?
Psalms 1, Yield fruit in its season.
1 Thessalonians 5:12a, 13b-18, Be patient with all of them.
Luke 18:9-14, A humble prayer.
Meditation
We cannot be complacent about the divisions between Christians and we are
rightly impatient for the day of our reconciliation to come about. But we must
also be conscious that ecumenical effort is not sustained at the same rhythm
everywhere. Some go forward in leaps and bounds. Others are more prudent. As
Paul exhorts, we must be patient with everybody.
Like the Pharisee in prayer, we can easily come before God with the arrogance of those who do all things well: “I am not like other people.” If we are sometimes tempted to denounce the slowness or rashness of the members of our church or those of our ecumenical dialogue partners, the invitation to be patient sounds an important and timely warning.
Sometimes it is toward God that we show our impatience. Like the people in the desert, we sometimes question him: why do we have to continue this painful journey if it is all to no use? Let us stay confident. God responds to our prayers, in his own way and his own time. He will create new ways, to meet today's needs, of bringing Christians together.
Prayer
Lord, make us your disciples, attentive to your Word, day and night. On our
journey toward unity, give us hope for fruit in due season. When prejudices and
suspicion seem to dominate, we pray you, give us the humble patience necessary
for reconciliation. Amen.