x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
From the 4th century, St. Ambrose gave the Blessed Mother the title of “Mother of the Church,” underscoring her profound role in our spiritual journey. It was also proclaimed by St. Paul VI in 1964 at the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council’s third session. Finally, after centuries of thought and devotion, Pope Francis brought this teaching and title to the General Roman Calendar so that we might better remember that Our Blessed Mother provides a maternal care that began from the moment that Jesus spoke from the Cross the words, “Behold your mother.”
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
“Do you love me more than these…?” This question from Jesus to Peter has always been there, but it's only recently that its significance has dawned on me in a new way. What, or who, was Jesus referring to when he said the phrase “…more than these?” Logically, it would seem that Jesus was asking Peter if he loved Him more than the other apostles. If that is true, what was the significance of Jesus asking Peter this question before He ascended to Heaven?
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 | Learn more about our faith
Today’s saint, Isidore of Spain, was born to poor farm laborers who, like Father Peyton’s parents, were rich in faith. Their example helped shape this future saint, who, along with his wife, St. Maria de la Cabeza, would become renowned for their piety and charity as they worked on an estate for their entire lives.
Share
Ascension | Celebrating family life | Learn more about our faith
The Ascension of Jesus must have been the final evidence the disciples needed from Him. In addition to the fulfillment of the Father’s plan of salvation, it was the catalyst for the passing of the torch to Jesus’ disciples. At the beginning of today’s gospel from Mark, Jesus issues a profound and challenging command: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” This command is not a mere suggestion or a limited directive. It is a call to action to share the good news of salvation with every person, and creature, in every corner of the world. Jesus didn’t say, “Remember what I told you, take care of yourself, and one day you will see me again.” And likewise, He didn’t say, “Proclaim the gospel to some people, people you like—within the town where you live.”
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
The Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, was clearly guiding St. Paul as he made his way through Athens and then confidently stood up and spoke in the Areopagus, the main stage. Just to set the scene, Paul had entered a city that contained the greatest minds of Greece—men and women who were not Jewish or Christian, but pagan. And he, Paul, was not a man of learning, but a tentmaker by trade. Paul stood there without the benefit of rhetorical training and addressed eminent rulers, mathematicians, philosophers, scientists, and writers in a courtroom-like setting.
Share
Locally and nationally, there are some high-profile trials going on that some of us follow day to day. In each trial, there is the question about the reliability of the witnesses for both the prosecution and the defense. If you’re the defendant, all you need to do is have the jury believe that there is reasonable doubt that you didn’t commit the crime you are accused of, and that doubt could arise from the credibility of the witnesses.
Share
