x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Who doesn’t like fireworks? Seeing those lights shooting through the dark sky, exploding into a multi-colored ball of gigantic sparks, is always fascinating. It seems that many Christians would like Christianity to be as full of surprises and as entertaining as a fireworks show. Many people desire dramatic events to occur in order to raise awareness about developments in the Christian community. However, it often seems as though not much is happening—at least nothing that would make headlines in newspapers. This leaves people asking in dismay, "Why not?"
Share
Return to the Church | Why pray?
Imagine you planned what you thought would be a lovely garden party. You planned a variety of fruits, vegetables, small sandwiches, dips and delicacies, making sure you had considered food allergies and diets. Calculated what you would need in the way of furniture. Persuaded some grandchildren to help set up, serve and clean up. You knew the kids and your friends would enjoy each other. The weather forecast was a lovely spring afternoon. You anticipated it would be a perfect gathering of friends, family, and neighbors.
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.
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
Most people delight in a garden full of flowers, which consists of various flowers, each with different colors, sizes, and shapes. Some flowers capture our attention more than others, while some escape our notice. However, this in no way diminishes their relevance or importance. Each flower has its own unique beauty and attraction. Similarly, Jesus, in His ministry, chose twelve apostles. Just like the flowers in a garden, some apostles are more well-known, while others tend to escape our attention. However, their significance remains equal. Each apostle has their specialty and contribution to the mission of Christ.
Share
A story is told of a new prime minister of a country who, while addressing a group of journalists, harshly criticized his predecessor—a dictator known for committing many atrocities. During his speech, someone from the audience passed him a note that read, “What were you doing when the dictator committed all these atrocities, for you were in a position of influence even then?"
Share
Saint Paul talks about his call: “God called me, the least of all his people”. The Melrose Suspension Bridge on the Niagara links the United States to Canada. The bridge was reportedly built in 1848 by engineer Theodore Elliot, in this fashion. First, a kite with a thread attached to it was flown across the Niagara River. Next, a cord was attached to the thread and pulled across. Then, a rope was attached to the cord. Finally, a cable was attached to the rope. The larger cables and the rest of the bridge were moved into place from the cable. Had Paul lived in our modern times, he might have used this story to make the point he stressed in today's reading. He, "the least of all God's people," was the tiny, fragile thread by which God began the conversion of the Gentile world. "I'm only a spark, / Make me a fire, I'm only a string, / Make me a lyre" said the poet, Amado Nervo.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray? | family prayer
After hearing the sermon "Let your light shine," little Jane only fully grasped its meaning when her mother explained that it meant being good, obedient, and cheerful. Later that day, after misbehaving with her friends, Jane returned to her mother and said, "Ma, sorry I have blown myself out! Can you light me again?" This heartfelt request serves as a reminder that every Christian is called to be a beacon of light in the world, shining a light on the darkness around them. Jane's simple yet profound question encourages us to contemplate the Light of Christ that we receive at Baptism. We are not only called to preserve this light, but also to nurture it and keep it burning brightly throughout our lives.
Share
