Day 6 Theme: Witness through
Faithfulness to the Scriptures
Text - Were not our hearts burning within us while
he was talking to us on the
road, while he was opening the
scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32)
Readings
Isaiah 55:10-11 The word
that goes forth from my mouth does not return to me
empty
Psalm 119:17-40 Open my eyes that I am may see the
wonders of your Law
2 Timothy 3:14-17 All
scripture is inspired by God
Luke 24:28-35 Jesus opens the Scriptures to His
disciples
Commentary
Christians encounter God’s Word in a privileged way
through reading the Sacred Scriptures and
celebrating the sacraments. In faithfully
listening to the proclamation of Holy Scripture, and by
prayerfully reading the various books of the
Bible, they open their hearts and minds to receive the
very Word of God. Jesus promised His
disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to make
them understand the Word of God, and
to guide them in all truth.
Historically, Christians have been divided in
reading and understanding the Word of God. They
often used the Bible to emphasize
their disagreement rather than to find ways for reconciliation.
Fortunately, in recent times, in their search for
unity, Sacred Scripture has brought Christians
closer to one another. Shared Bible
study has become a major means of growing together among
them. The Christian journey that we
celebrate during this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is
one that is firmly rooted in our
shared listening to God’s Word, trying together to understand and
to live it.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that God’s Word
powerfully proclaimed is indeed effective and
operative. It does not return to God empty
but succeeds in the purpose for which He sent it. This
message is repeated in the words
addressed to Timothy, as he is directed to believe in the efficacy
of the Scriptures by which the
faithful are equipped for every good work.
Our psalm gives praise for God ‘s
words and statutes and implores God to give understanding,
that we may keep the Holy Law with
our whole heart.
During this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we
pray that all Christians may enter more deeply
into the mystery of God’s wonderful
revelation as it comes to us in Holy Scripture. We beseech
the Holy Spirit to help us better
comprehend the Word of God and to direct us on our common
journey of faith until we will all be
gathered again around the one table of the Lord.
Prayer
God, we praise and thank you for your saving Word as
it reaches out to us through the Sacred
Scriptures. We thank you too for the
brothers and sisters with whom we share your Word and
discover together the abundance of Your
love. We pray for the light of the Holy Spirit, so that
Your Word may lead and direct us in our quest for
greater unity.
Reflection Questions
1. What are the passages of Scripture that mean most
to you?
2. Who or what in your life makes your heart burn
with a passion for the gospel and a desire
to give witness to Christ?
3. Which passages from the Scriptures have helped
you to better understand the witness of
other Christians?
4. How may our churches use the Scripture more
effectively in their daily life and prayer?