World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
How many busy parents approach Lent thinking — how could I possibly do any more than I’m doing? Been there. Done that. Sometimes there just isn’t any more time, right? So here are some suggestions that are friendly to the busy parents' schedules. Friendly to the busy schedule, but not all are easy. Let’s not forget that Lent is for offering ourselves, along with some of our time and attention, to draw closer to God. Read on for tips on how to incorporate the pillars of Lent into your life this year.
Share
Family Activities | Gospel Reflection | family life | family prayer
Dad: "Kids, it’s time for bed." Kids: "Throw us in bed! Dad, throw us in bed!" (Dad picks a kid up in his arms.) Dad: "Did I ever tell you about the three men in the book of Daniel who were thrown into the fiery furnace?" Kids: "No!" Dad: "Their names were... Shadrach... Meshach... and ToBedYouGo!" We can sometimes feel as if we too have been cast into the furnace; just like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The fiery furnace is something we all come across in our lives. Not just once, but many times.
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 Gospel from Matthew, which featured the Parable of the Vineyard, was directed by Jesus to the chief priests and elders of the people, but it is also meant for us. Through the lens of the relationship of landowner and tenants, it raises the question “What do we owe God?” and, “Are we caring for those He has entrusted to us?”
Share
Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
I've got a question for you. After looking over Luke's Gospel, what's your window of opportunity? Hold that thought for a bit. You've got to love the Old Testament for its ability to get your attention with vibrant language and imagery. Likewise, today's gospel of Lazarus and the rich man should be a wake-up call to emulate Christ's love with those we see every day—while we have the chance.
Share
We were trying to organize storage space recently and found a box of photo albums of our oldest grandchildren when they were very young. Many photos were from summertime, and the kids were playfully exploring the perennial gardens we had planted. It was a consolation for us to revisit the memories of the kids’ early childhood surrounded by vibrant blossoms. We didn’t get very far with our organizing. We spent most of our time leisurely reminiscing over the pictures.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Today's scripture paints a powerful picture of leadership, unlike anything the world offers. It's not about titles, authority, or personal gain. It's about a radical shift in perspective—from seeking to be served to serving with love and truth. We, as families, are the foundation of society. It's within our homes that the seeds of leadership are first sown. We are the architects who shape the character and values of the next generation, but imagine if our leadership wasn't about controlling or dictating but about empowering and inspiring?
Share