The week from January 18 to 25 marked the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a significant observance within the Christian calendar. This week is bracketed by the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter on January 18 and the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul on January 25. Established in 1908 by Father Paul Wattson, an Episcopal priest and Franciscan friar, the week aims to highlight the relationship between Peter and Paul as a symbol of Christian unity. Their partnership serves as a reminder that unity can exist even amidst profound disagreement.
At Christ Episcopal Church in Eureka, leaders from various Christian traditions participated in the observance. The congregation welcomed preachers from Lutheran, Presbyterian, Disciples of Christ, Baptist, and Anglo-Catholic backgrounds. Each leader contributed to the week’s teachings: an Episcopal priest spoke on St. Peter, a Lutheran pastor discussed St. Paul, and a pastor from the Disciples of Christ led a Bible study.
Reflecting on these key figures, Rev. Daniel DeForest London, the rector of Christ Episcopal Church and the Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, drew inspiration from the work of French philosopher René Girard. Girard’s insights connect the experiences of both apostles, particularly regarding the pivotal moment when Peter denied Jesus three times. Following this denial, the Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus turned to Peter, eliciting a profound emotional response. Girard interprets this look as a penetrating question: “Why do you persecute me?”
This same question resonates with Paul, who encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus while intending to detain Jewish followers of Christ. The experience knocked Paul to the ground and transformed his understanding of his actions, which he initially believed to be righteous. The realization that he had been violently opposing Christ marked a significant turning point in his life.
The narratives of Peter and Paul emphasize a crucial lesson for all Christians: a call to introspection regarding the nature of one’s actions. Rev. London highlighted that Paul’s conversion serves as a reminder for Christians to assess whether they are genuinely serving God or inadvertently contributing to the oppression of vulnerable communities. The foundational story of Paul illustrates that whenever individuals or groups persecute the vulnerable, they act in direct opposition to the God revealed in Christ.
Interestingly, Rev. London pointed out that many churches that preach teachings attributed to Paul often overlook this critical aspect of his identity. Girard asserts that “Christian conversion” is encapsulated in the question Christ poses: “Why do you persecute me?” This inquiry serves as a caution against creating a false sense of unity that is built on the suffering of others.
The observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity encourages a deeper reflection on how Christians can strive for authentic unity. It underscores the importance of peace and justice for all people, suggesting that true unity must be rooted in compassion rather than oppression.
As Christians around the world participate in this week of prayer each January, the teachings of St. Peter and St. Paul provide a powerful context for understanding the complexities of faith, unity, and the moral implications of one’s actions. The question posed by Christ remains poignant: it challenges believers to consider their role in promoting justice and supporting those who are marginalized.
By engaging in such reflections, congregations can work towards a more inclusive and compassionate expression of faith, embodying the true spirit of Christian unity.
