x Close
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
“When you face rejection, remember you are more than your setbacks.” This quotation simply spells out for us that our worth is not defined by how others see us or how often we may be rejected. It inspires us to maintain our self-esteem and confidence, knowing that our true value comes from within. When we understand this, we can face rejection with grace and resilience, allowing it not to define us. This is what is happening to Jesus who has returned to his home of Nazareth where people knew him so well as the son of Mary and Joseph. He had left Nazareth as a carpenter but now he comes as a great teacher and a miracle worker. For his village-mates this was too much for them. Someone they had known so well now displaying great wisdom in the words he spoke and the great power of his deeds. He is able to heal and chase demons from people. It was to much for the simple people of Nazareth to grasp, leave alone to wrap themselves around it. Jesus was too ordinary, too much like them to be taken seriously. While Jesus could not do any miracle or preach there, this did not deter him from continuing to preach in other places.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Normally on the day of ordination, parents or guardians walk the person to be ordained up to the bishop, they do a ritual of handing him over. Simple as that may appear, but it has great significance in both the life of the one to be ordained as well as his parents. He leaves his family of origin and surrenders to the authority of the bishop a representative of the wider spiritual family; to serve all as he shares in Jesus’ priesthood. For the parents, it’s an act of letting go and not holding on, much less the generosity of offering their child to God.
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
Rigidity is something that can be problematic in many ways in every aspect of our lives. It creates social isolation and loneliness, not to mention physical and psychological problems. Rigidity thrives on “It is my way or the highways”, thus one becoming too controlling and judgmental. In the long run, it pushes others away because there is no space for flexibility or adaptability. I am not suggesting that there aren't certain boundaries and principles and values to hold. But excessive adherence to strict rules can stifle creativity and prevent personal growth that comes from experiencing new perspectives and venturing out of one’s comfort zones.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
In Africa we have a saying that “it takes a whole village to raise a child” everyone in the community has a responsibility to make sure that a child grows into a responsible, respectful, well integrated person. A neighbor can offer discipline to a neighbor's child. In our faith as Catholics or believers there is also what we refer to as “interdependence of faith” which implies that as believers we rely on each other as parts of a larger whole, the Body of Christ” to grow, find strength, and live out our beliefs. As Christians we can move beyond our individualism to mutual support, shared burdens and collective witness to Christ’s teaching of mercy and love.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Pope Francis in one of his writings tells us; "The Holy Spirit makes us look to the horizon and drive us to the very outskirts of existence in order to proclaim life in Jesus Christ” What Pope Francis is portraying here is a belief in the transformative power or authority of Jesus in the world. In today’s gospel we have Jesus who teaches with authority unlike the scribes who simply relied on previous interpretations and traditions. He taught with divine authority. And as he is preaching, there is a sporadic outburst of a person disturbed by the evil Spirit. “What do you want with us Jesus of Nazareth....” This was an aggressive reaction directed at Jesus.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
Thomas Merton, a great Trappist monk, is one of those people whose life exemplifies how a seemingly isolated monastic existence could still become powerful for global connection and spiritual insight. He embodied the idea that deep contemplation could lead to profound engagement with the world’s struggles, rather than withdrawal from them. Through his spiritual insights, shared from his monastic setting, he influenced many spiritual seekers worldwide. He highlighted that true spiritual life involves connecting with God through our daily experiences, rather than separating from the world. In today’s Gospel reading, we have Jesus who had spent time preaching and feeding the crowds, sending his disciples off across the Lake while he took some time to pray, to be in communion with God the Father. No sooner had the disciples set off than a turbulent storm struck the sea of Galilee. They were gripped with fear for their lives despite being experienced fishermen. For Jesus, although he was not with them in the boat, he nonetheless was aware of their struggles. Prayer did not remove him from the disciples. While in prayer, he perceived their trouble and decided to come to their rescue.
Share
