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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Imagine what Lazarus is experiencing, brought back to life by Jesus from four days in the tomb. What overflowing gratitude must have filled his whole being. Now, with Jesus in their home in Bethany, what is he thinking as he sees how the presence of Jesus fill not only his heart, but Mary’s heart, filled with joy and gratitude for restoring her brother to life, as well as restoring her soul to grace.
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One sunny day in September 1972, a plainly dressed man stood on a street corner in downtown Chicago. As pedestrians hurried by, he would solemnly lift his right arm, point to a passing stranger nearby, and loudly repeat one single word: GUILTY! Then he stood quietly for a minute. Then again, he raised his arm, pointed to another stranger, and again pronounced the one word: GUILTY!
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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.
Friends, all Lent is divided into two parts. The message running throughout the first three-and one-half weeks is a call to Gospel conversion, through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, through mutual forgiveness, love of enemies, a call to lead holy lives. The emphasis is on the ethical and moral. The failure of the workers in the vineyard, the call to treat others as we would like to be treated, are central. The Gospel readings are from Matthew, Mark, and Luke. By the midpoint of Lent, we all realize that we can not do this alone.
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In 1973, Tony Orlando recorded the song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Old Oak Tree.” It became the number one hit record for the year, became Tony Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming. We have used it (and its yellow ribbon symbol) to welcome home soldiers, POW’s, MIA’s, Iran hostages, and lost children.
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O Mary, Mother of God, and our Mother, in this hour of violence and war we come to implore your help. You are truly our Mother, you love us, and you know us: nothing that we care about is hidden from you. Mother of mercy, often we have experienced your maternal tenderness along with your warm presence filling us with peace. We beg you to guide us always to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
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One of the great blessings of my childhood was attending our parochial school, which was run by dedicated religious sisters. At least once a month they paraded the entire student body over to church to confess our sins to one of the parish priests. One pastor had a reputation among us children for being severe, and doling out penances to match his reputation.
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