World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Holy lives of inspiration | Strengthening family unity
The question echoes through time, "Who do you say that I am?" It's a question posed not just to the disciples then, but to each of us today. Who is Jesus for you?
Share
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson: it's not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart. He warns us about the "evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness" that can lurk within (Mark 7:21-23). This message is a challenge for all of us, but especially for families.
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.
It's often said that familiarity breeds contempt. We witness this firsthand in the Gospel of Mark as Jesus returns to His hometown, only to be met with skepticism. The locals question, "Isn't this the carpenter's son?" Their familiarity blinds them to the divine presence among them. This narrative mirrors our own tendencies to judge others based on superficial perceptions, overlooking the unique gifts God has bestowed upon each individual.
Share
Dr. Deepak Chopra, in his book Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, states that for our bodies to thrive, they must “live on the wings of change.” Science tells us that our bodies are in a constant state of renewal—our skin replaces itself every month, our liver every six weeks, and our skeleton every three months. By the end of the year, 98% of the atoms in our bodies will have been exchanged for new ones.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
As Advent draws to a close, today’s readings share two deeply moving stories—those of Manoah and his wife, and Zechariah and Elizabeth. Both couples endured the profound heartache of being without children, a struggle that brought cultural stigma, personal pain, and perhaps moments of silent questioning. Their journeys invite us to reflect on the power of faith, patience, and endurance.
Share
Healing the family | Return to the Church
Brothers and sisters, those of you who have gathered here today and those joining online, look around you. Each one carries its own joys and sorrows, its own triumphs and struggles. Perhaps this week, you've argued with your teenager, worried about a sick child, or felt the strain of making ends meet. In these moments, it's easy to feel alone. But today, on this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we remember that we are not.
Share