INTRODUCTION TO THE THEME
"We will all be changed"
(cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58)
The material for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2012 was prepared by a working group composed of representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, the Old Catholic Church, and Protestant Churches active in Poland.
Following extensive discussions involving the representatives of various ecumenical circles in Poland, it was decided to focus on a theme that is concerned with the transformative power of faith in Christ, particularly in relation to our praying for the visible unity of the Church, the Body of Christ. This theme is based on St. Paul’s words to the Corinthian Church, where he compares the temporary nature of our present lives (with all their apparent “victories” and “defeats”) to what we receive through the victory of Christ through the Paschal mystery.
Why such a theme?
The history of Poland has been marked by a series of defeats and victories. We recall the many times that Poland has been invaded, the partitions, oppression by foreign powers and hostile systems. The constant striving to overcome all enslavement and the desire for freedom are features of Polish history that have led to significant changes in the life of the nation. And yet where there is victory there are also losers who do not share the joy and triumph of the winners.
This particular history of the Polish nation has led the ecumenical group that wrote this year’s material to reflect more deeply on what it means to win and to lose, especially given the way in which the language of victory is so often understood in triumphalist terms. Yet Christ shows us a different way!
In 2012 the European Football Championship will be held in Poland and Ukraine. The hosting of such an event would never have been possible in years gone by. For many Polish people, this is a sign of another national victory, as hundreds of millions of fans eagerly await news of winning teams playing in this part of Europe. Thinking of this example might lead us to consider the plight of those who do not win – not only in sport, but in their lives and communities. Who will spare a thought for the losers, those who constantly suffer defeats because they are denied victory due to various conditions and circumstances? Rivalry is a permanent feature in sport but also in political, business, cultural and even church life.
When Jesus’ disciples disputed over “who was the greatest” (Mark 9:34), it was clear that this impulse was strong. But Jesus’ reaction was very simple: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35). These words speak of victory through mutual service, helping, boosting the self-esteem of those who are “last”: forgotten, excluded. For all Christians, the best expression of such humble service is Jesus Christ, his victory through death and his resurrection. It is in his life, action, teaching, suffering, death and resurrection that we desire to seek inspiration for a modern victorious life of faith that expresses itself in social commitment in a spirit of humility, service and faithfulness to the Gospel. And as he awaited the suffering and death that were to come, he prayed that his disciples might be one so that the world might believe. This victory is possible only through spiritual transformation, through conversion. The point is to achieve a victory that integrates all Christians around the service of God and our neighbour.
As we pray for, and strive towards, the full visible unity of the Church, we – and the traditions to which we belong – will be changed, transformed and conformed to the likeness of Christ. The unity we pray for may require the transformation of some familiar forms of Church life. This is an exciting vision, but it may fill us with some fear! The unity we pray for is not merely a comfortable notion of friendliness and co-operation. This unity requires a willingness to dispense with competition between us. We need to open ourselves to each other, to offer gifts to and receive gifts from one another, so we might truly enter into the new life in Christ, which is the only true victory.
There is room for everyone in God’s plan of salvation. Through his death and resurrection, Christ embraces all people, “that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:15). We, too, can participate in his victory!
Sign of peace and the sharing of the opłatek
This year’s worship service includes the particular Polish custom of sharing a special wafer, the opłatek (plural: opłatki), with one another as a sign of peace. In Poland, opłatki are shared in people’s homes before the Christmas Eve meal, and also over Christmas in meetings in churches and even at work. This custom is so precious to Poles, living at home and abroad, that it is practised not only by people of different confessions, but also by non-believers. Each person is given a wafer. People then share this wafer by breaking off a piece of another person’s wafer and eating it. In doing so they convey their best wishes to each other. This sharing of the wafer expresses unity, love and forgiveness between people to whom the Saviour came. Although it is not the Eucharist, the opłatek nevertheless resembles it and symbolizes the presence of the One who was born in a House of Bread (Bethlehem) and who himself became the bread of life – Jesus Christ.
If no opłatek or wafer is available, bread may be used for this ritual. Of course, this exchange of the “sign of peace” may be done according to local custom if preferred.
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