x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
The three main pillars of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Today’s first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah teaches us about the kind of fasting that the Lord honors. In the reading, the Lord speaking through the Prophet Isaiah says that if you fast yet at the same time go on and mistreat your workers, underpay them, quarrel, gossip about others, fight other people – what kind of fast is that? How do you expect Me to honor your fast?
Share
One of our grandsons is preparing for First Communion and recently practiced for first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. With just a little humor, I asked his parent if the young one had been “repentant” during the practice. I was told that it was “just practice.” I wonder what a seven-year-old understands by repentance and reconciliation. At seven, we all knew what it was to hurt, feel guilt, be alone, or wish we hadn’t done or said something. We understood the need for healing and to have friendship restored.
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.
Learn more about our faith | Seasonal Reflections
Moses' message to the Israelites and us reaches a decision point when he says, "I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse….choose life." What led up to that dichotomous choice was the promise that if the Israelites obeyed God's commandments and walked with God lovingly, they would prosper, as would their future generations.
Share
Love thy Neighbor | Seasonal Reflections
I don’t remember the last time that Valentine’s Day fell on Ash Wednesday, but when you think about it, both have to do with matters of the heart. Valentine’s Day is known for the romantic type of love with its gifts, flowers, and dinners, all of which somehow cost more right before and on February 14th! Still, it is a reminder that God has made us man and woman, each in His image, to come together in marriage and to share the love of God as husband and wife.
Share
Ash Wednesday | Lent activities | family prayer
Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR, discusses the meaning of Ash Wednesday, the practice of fasting, and how our Lenten practices are intended to lead us to the resurrection—Jesus’s resurrection and our own. We pray, fast, and mark our foreheads with ashes because we are made for heaven.
Share
Learn more about our faith | Lenten practices | family prayer
This week, we begin Lent with Ash Wednesday. A week or two ago, I was speaking with someone who was saying, “I’m not ready for Lent…”. Winter is dragging on, I’m ready for spring, and now we have this season of penance. But I encouraged them to make Lent their favorite season — lean into it — ask God for a love for Lent.
Share
