x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
“Why?” That’s one question asked when today’s gospel appears at Mass. Why do we proclaim and listen to three sets of 14 generations of a family? Couldn’t we just cover the highlights or do what every kid has considered and use the Cliff Notes version? Well, since it’s Sacred Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit, there must be a good reason. And here is one: it is the story of a family from Abraham to Jesus, a reminder of how God’s plan for our salvation required generations of a family and centuries of time.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
We all know what a dilemma is. It is a perplexing situation in which a choice has to be made between two or more desirable or undesirable alternatives. Going by that definition, it may be said that it is a choice of the best among the better or worse. Facing dilemmas is like going to a restaurant with an enormous menu. You spend ages deciding between two dishes, only to blurt out “I’ll have the usual” when the waiter or waitress takes your orders! In Matthew's Gospel, the chief priests and the elders find themselves in that exact type of situation. They challenge Jesus’ authority but, in turn, find themselves challenged and in a dilemma about how to answer that question of Jesus. So, they end up choosing the worst of the worst alternatives with that reply: We do not know. Or, in simple terms, no comment.
Share
Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the Lord expresses frustration about the behavior of the people to whom he was trying to bring the Good News. They found fault in the way he tried to talk to them and in the way he behaved.
Share
Healing the family | Return to the Church
Brothers and sisters, those of you who have gathered here today and those joining online, look around you. Each one carries its own joys and sorrows, its own triumphs and struggles. Perhaps this week, you've argued with your teenager, worried about a sick child, or felt the strain of making ends meet. In these moments, it's easy to feel alone. But today, on this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we remember that we are not.
Share
Healing the family | Return to the Church
Many of us have encountered the acronym "RSVP" countless times in invitations for various social or religious events such as marriages, baptisms, birthdays, and wedding anniversaries. RSVP is an abbreviation for "Répondez S'il Vous Plaît," in French, which translates to "Reply if you please." The purpose of RSVP is to let the person sending the invitation know whether you accept or decline the invitation. Today, Jesus, the King of all Hearts, offers us a powerful and comforting invitation: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened..." (Mt 11:28). Every invitation contains essential elements: who it is from, who it is to, what it entails, and when it is offered. Let us examine these aspects of the Lord's invitation.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
“Blessed be God forever!” That’s a prayer you and I have probably said hundreds, if not thousands of times at Mass. And, yet, yesterday I heard it in a different way. A little girl sitting with her Mom and Grandfather, caught our attention, as she heard our prayer responses and then would repeat what she had been taught and heard us say. The little girl’s sincerity of faith and desire to join in the celebration of the Mass, came through in those four powerful words, “Blessed be God forever.”
Share
