Most Christians are familiar with Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones, which were restored - by God's life-giving Spirit - from death to life. Yet, while in Babylon, the prophet had another vision depicting two pieces of wood, a symbol of the two kingdoms into which Israel of old had been divided. In the vision, Ezekiel learned of God's promise to bring the two together into one (Ezek 37: 15-28).
This is the theme of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which started on Sunday. This annual event in the life of the Christian Churches and communities is an "ecumenical week" consisting mainly of a reminder to Christians all over the world to pray for Christian unity.
The Christian fold has experienced several divisions, especially since the mid-11th century. These divisions, arising for various reasons (doctrinal, cultural, political), are the cause of scandal and a counter-testimony to the Christian message of love and reconciliation.
Many positive encounters have taken place, especially in the last 50 years, in particular between Catholic and Orthodox Christians, as well as with other Christian denominations.
Reaching out to one another in sincerity and humility - through familiarisation meetings, shared doctrinal study and, above all, through common initiatives organised on an inter-denominational level - is part of the ecumenical commitment of Christians today.
This year's theme was proposed by the Christian Churches in Korea. Before their involvement in the process, an international committee, which included representatives from the Catholic Church and from the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches, met in Marseille, France, in September 2007. Eventually, this year's theme was prepared by an ecumenical group in South Korea, composed of Catholic and Protestant representatives.
It is interesting to note that for the Korean Christians who chose the often-forgotten text by Ezekiel - "that they may become one in your hand" (Ezek 37: 17) - the prophet's vision offers hope to the citizens of a country that has been separated in two since the early 1950s. Praying for an end to the painful division between North and South Korea, Christians - not only in Korea but worldwide - are inspired and encouraged to pray for an end to the divisions that have tarnished the unity which should characterise the followers of Christ.
Catholic parishes, as well as other Christian communities in Malta and Gozo, are holding special prayers this week for the cause of Christian unity. Christians are encouraged to walk closer to one another as they journey together towards the Father's house.
The climax of these activities will be reached tomorrow in an ecumenical service - intended to be on a national level - in Valletta.
This year's activity has a special Pauline golden thread running through it on account of the year dedicated to St Paul. The service starts at St Paul's Shipwreck Catholic parish church, Valletta, at 6.45 p.m. After an initial salutation and hymn, those assembled will walk together through the streets of Valletta, via Our Lady of Damascus Greek Catholic church, and then proceed to St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral where the service will continue.
This year's homily will be delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Tommaso Caputo.
Members of the Catholic Church and other Christian Churches and communities will join together and bear witness to their common faith and renew their firm commitment to seek authentic paths leading to Christian unity.
The author is president of the Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, a member of the Malta Ecumenical Council and head of the Diocesan Theological Commission.