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?
Can you imagine sitting in a small closet-like space for twelve to seventeen hours per day in all types of weather while listening to people’s struggles? That’s what today’s saint, Saint John Vianney, did day after day, helping scores of people reconcile with God - and each other - through the sacrament of Confession.
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Holy lives of inspiration | Return to the Church
"Whoever has ears ought to hear." When I hear Jesus' statement, I think back to all the times I heard from a coach, scoutmaster, and others: "Listen up!"
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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.
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
The other day I got a text from a childhood friend. He’s done very well in the start-up I.T. world and yet he was reminiscing about playing whiffle ball in my driveway when we were kids. He ended the message with, "I miss those summer days." I thought about this as reflected on Jesus’ words, "...you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike."
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Return to the Church | Strengthening family unity | Why pray?
Every once and a while we celebrate a memorial that includes a Saint, like today’s, and that also includes their companions. This group of 120 martyrs included 33 European missionaries and 87 Chinese laypeople, who ranged from 9 to 76 years old, and who gave their life for love of God.
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Holy lives of inspiration | Love thy Neighbor
When I was a kid, we used to love watching the "The Three Stooges." It's a special genre, the old vaudevillian, exaggerated physical comedy; "The Three Stooges" featuring Moe, Larry, and Curley. The question from today’s gospel, "Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye", always makes me smile and think about that classic show - but also the reality of how I'm doing when it comes to "measuring" my own faults.
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Today’s readings caused me to think about being vigilant in our faith life and at times regaining our spiritual balance. They also brought me back to last week when my Mom and I were walking our dog and came upon a neighbor who lost her balance and suddenly hopped out of her sandals. I offered to help and as she steadied herself using my arm as a support, our dog, Erin, gave a warning bark.
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