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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith | Transfiguration of the Lord
If you've ever had, or heard someone describe, a "mountaintop experience," that expression finds its roots in Matthew 17:1-9, the Gospel passage proclaimed on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In this powerful moment, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where His divine glory is revealed before them. We refer to an uplifting or revelatory spiritual experience with God in this way because it is what Peter, James, and John experienced on Mt. Tabor when they saw Christ’s Divine glory radiating: His face shone like the sun, His clothes became dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him.
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I’m certain that Venerable Patrick Peyton would see it as fitting that the Church now celebrates Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus together as a family. It was in 2021, Pope Francis expanded this memorial to honor the entire family of Bethany, reminding us that together they reveal the beauty of Christian family life—faith in Christ, loving service, attentive prayer, and the hope of the Resurrection all lived under one roof.
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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.
One of Bruce Springsteen's most recognizable songs is Hungry Heart. The song tells the story of a man searching for happiness, belonging, and fulfillment. Beyond Bruces musical talent, it became popular because it touches something universal: every human being has a hungry heart. We all long for love, purpose, peace, and someone who truly knows us. The question is not whether we are hungry—but where we go to satisfy that hunger.
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Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Bonaventure, a brilliant theologian, Franciscan, bishop, and Doctor of the Church. He is remembered as the "Seraphic Doctor." I had to look up that first part! The term “seraphic” refers to the seraphim, the highest order of angels, symbolizing a pure and burning love for God. And, this is combined with the term “doctor,” which is a title given to saints recognized for their eminent learning and contribution to theology.
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Today’s first reading from Hosea brings into focus the need for harmony between our internal and external relationships with God. This is a theme that we often hear about in both the Old and New Testament readings. When I read about the Israelites building more altars and more sacred pillars as they became more successful…I couldn’t help but think back to seminary when Father, now Bishop Chris Coyne, taught us about the different types of Church architecture.
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As Fr. Boby preached about yesterday…relationships matter. In many ways, our lives are shaped by the relationships we cultivate—with God, with spouses, children, parents, friends…and even with the things we use every day. In fact, I'd like to talk about a relationship that almost every one of us has. One with this little…but powerful device. A marvel that helps us communicate, learn, work, pray, stay connected, and, my favorite, not get lost! Yet many of us spend hours each day fixed on a screen. Whether we realize it or not, we’ve formed a relationship with our phones.
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