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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
If you have ever visited Rome and had a Catholic tour guide, you most likely were taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, whose dedication we celebrate today. If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend it. It is a beautiful and grand basilica dedicated to honor our Blessed Mother. The original basilica was built in the fourth century under Pope Liberius and was named after him. However, after the council of Ephesus proclaimed Mary, the Mother of God, the basilica was repaired and reconsecrated to honor the Blessed Mother. It is called “major”…is because it is the oldest and largest church in Rome dedicated to Our Lady.
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Matthew 13:47-53 is depicted in a compelling scene in the series “The Chosen.” In it, Jesus teaches his disciples along the shore, with Simon Peter, a fisherman, in his boat. Peter listens and realizes that one day, he, like the fish, will be judged by God. You can see the look on Peter’s face as he reflects on his life, and how it is not where it should be in relation to God and others.
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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 | Learn more about our faith
In the Book of Jeremiah (13:1-11) we find a reminder to listen to God so that we stay close to Him in our lives. In contrast to the people of Judah who chose to disobey God, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus chose to listen and learn from God, even when they didn’t understand God’s ways. This holy family of two sisters and a brother became close friends of Jesus and naturally when Lazarus became seriously ill sent for Jesus to heal him. Jesus responds by saying, “This illness is not to end in death, but it is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” And instead of leaving immediately, surprisingly he remained in place.
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Celebrating family life | Learn more about our faith
Today, we hear the prophet Jeremiah’s response to God building him up to go out on mission. Jeremiah says, “Ah, Lord God! I know not how to speak; I am too young.” Those last words, “I am too young,” are what most of us have said when we didn’t think we could do something, whether we were referring to chronological age, or experience, or even talent level.
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In her profound grief, outside of Jesus' tomb, Mary Magdalene is asked by the two angels why she is weeping. She tells them, and then suddenly, she turns and sees Jesus standing there, but doesn’t recognize him.
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Can you remember your last life-wake-up call? They come in all forms: it could be a failing grade in math class; a conversation with your boss, husband, or wife; or a close call on the road, to name a few. But then there are the wake-up calls like King Hezekiah received.
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