The week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25. ChristLife joins with Christians around the world in Jesus' own fervent prayer "that they may all be one... so that the world may believe you have sent me" (Jn 17:21).

The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, reminds us that the task of evangelization is inseparably tied to the quest for Christian unity.

Pope St. Paul VI tells us, "The division among Christians in a serious reality which impedes the very work of Christ." In light of this sober reality, St. John Paul II encourages all Christians, especially evangelizers to work and pray for unity, "How indeed can we proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation without at the same time being committed to working for reconciliation among all Christians?" (Ut Unum Sint, 98).

This week as a staff we are praying for unity using a prayer guide jointly developed by the Catholic Church and the World Council of churches. In my own personal prayer, I recently felt inspired to pray daily for the unity of Christ's body. Consider adding this intention to your prayer list. For more inspiration on this topic, read the opening articles in this month's Word Among Us devotional on pioneers of Christian unity. The first article on a French priest named Fr. Paul Couturier can be viewed online without a subscription.

Throughout the 29-year history of ChristLife, we have been blessed by the witness of many Christians of various backgrounds.

Their love for Jesus Christ has spurred us on and encouraged our mission to evangelize in so many ways. We have also been privileged to accompany many Christians in their journey towards full communion with the Catholic Church. They enrich the Catholic Church in so many ways! (My wife, Ally, being one of them).

May the Lord in his mercy continue to bring about reconciliation and full unity among all Christians.