x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Today, known as "Spy Wednesday," commemorates the day of betrayal when Judas agreed to hand Jesus over to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver (the price of a slave at that time). The Gospel of Matthew narrates this event. We learn that Judas was seeking an opportunity to betray his master. We also learn how Jesus planned to celebrate His last Passover supper with his disciples in a house prearranged by Him. During the meal, Jesus declared that one of his disciples would betray him and hinted that it was Judas.
Share
In his article, "The Fragrance of the Ointment," J.R. Miller says that the fragrance of Mary of Bethany's ointment that filled the house is a beautiful symbol of Mary's life. "She was not an active follower of Christ, except in her home and quiet daily life. She did not leave all and go with Him, as some other women and men did. Her name is not connected, even in tradition, with anything startling or great. Our first glimpse of her is her sitting at the Master's feet as a learner. Into her heart, she received the words of the Master, which were life to her. Like a handful of spices, they fell into her heart and transformed her life into radiant beauty."
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.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the story of three young men whom the king wanted to be burned but who were delivered from the furnace, is a story of faithfulness. These men refused to bow down and worship an idol. They were threatened with death, but they stood by their principles. As a result, God rescued them for their faithfulness.
Share
There’s a striking parallel with the incidents in the readings from the Book of Daniel and from the Gospel of John. In both stories, a woman, threatened by a crowd, is saved because one person intervenes and alters things. The stories, however, end very differently: one in peace and the other in violence.
Share
We are in a new phase of Lent. There is no longer a focus on penance but on promise. The Prophet Isaiah describes God's promise to Israel. During the Babylonian exile, Israel felt that God had forgotten them because of their grievous sin. They believed God had "kicked them to the curb" or "thrown them under the bus." God uses colorful figures of speech to reassure them of His love despite the discipline He had enforced.
Share
Today, we turn to the story in John 4, where Jesus encounters a desperate nobleman. This man's world is crumbling–his son lies deathly ill at Capernaum while Jesus remains in Cana. The nobleman pleads, "Sir, come down before my son dies!" These words, "come down," become a powerful refrain in this story.
Share
