x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Guardian Angels | Homily Video | Learn more about our faith
Some of you, when you were young, learned a simple prayer that began: “Angel of God, my guardian dear…to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen. We probably prayed it at bedtime without thinking too much about what we were saying. But today’s Gospel helps us understand just how beautiful that prayer really is. The disciples ask Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” They’re thinking about greatness in the way the world often thinks about it: Who is important? Who has power? Who gets recognized?
Share
Gospel Reflection | Jesus | Learn more about our faith
Back in East Africa people in the village always tease Holy Cross members, that you took the vow of poverty, but it is we ourselves who live it and not you. Why? You are driving a car, and you seem not to lack anything. Of course, the vow of poverty is a voluntary promise made to God by members of religious orders to renounce the independent ownership of material goods and live simply in imitation of Jesus Christ. It involves sharing everything within the religious community. In that sense, we do share one car with three to four members. They have the wrong assumption.
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.
Catholic Faith | Learn more about our faith
We know that many Saints are remembered because of their piety, virtue, and devotions they practiced. It is not the same for Saint Jerome. Saint Jerome whose memorial we celebrate today, is known to have had a very bad temper. He could turn that temper into a vitriolic pen. He could write strong criticism to those who taught or advocated erroneous teachings. This is because he loved Jesus Christ. For him, those who were erroneous were enemies of truth and God.
Share
Angels | Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
John writes in today's Gospel: And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." Bishop Stephen Rotluanga, C.S.C., shares a short reflection on the gift of the three archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, in our lives. He also encourages the faithful in living a life close to Christ and dedicated to prayer.
Share
Gospel Reflection | Jesus | Learn more about our faith
One great researcher, Brene Brown, in her book, Daring Greatly, poses some questions that I do feel are relevant to our reflection today. She asks; “Are we surrounded by narcissists? Have we turned into a culture of self-absorbed, grandiose people who are only interested in power, success, beauty, and being special? Are we so entitled that we actually believe that we’re superior even when we’re not really contributing or achieving anything of value?" We can also ask ourselves, “Are we surprised to see the disciples of Jesus arguing about who is the greatest among them?" Many times, we do the same thing. The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Some of us, if not all of us, have the ambition to be somebody whom others admire.
Share
Grandparenting | Strengthening family unity
Maria Morera Johnson shares how grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and godparents are part of the spiritual life of the family.
Share
