World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Daily Family Prayer | power of prayer | pray the rosary
In 1942, a young Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, founded Family Rosary with a profound desire to spread devotion to Our Lady, to strengthen families, and to sanctify homes in his adopted land. He took to the airwaves to spread this message as far and wide as he could using the most modern means of technology then available. We could look at his early success and praise his ingenuity and perseverance, but in fact, the roots of his mission went far deeper, and were strong enough to carry him through a lifetime in service to this unique call from God.
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In today’s gospel, Jesus appears to be in a sort of foul mood. He had preached and performed many miracles in different cities, but these cities did not take his message seriously. He says that if the message he had preached had been preached in some other cities, those cities would have undergone a conversion and reordered how they lived. His tone sounds a little tired, like when a mother has repeated the same warning over and over, and the kid isn’t listening. It is one of those moments when a mother says to the child, “Jimmy, listen to me. Listen to me.”
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Love thy Neighbor | Strengthening family unity
Today's reading from Luke's Gospel paints a vivid picture of a profound message that resonates deeply in our current times. We read about the sending of the seventy-two disciples in Luke's Gospel. As we delve into this passage, I thought I could reflect on several things, such as the idea of being sent "like lambs into the midst of wolves" in the trials of our present time. Indeed, following Christ is challenging when there is so much division and social discord all around us. Or I could reflect on Jesus telling his disciples to "carry no purse, no bag, no sandals." Their lack of material support would force them to trust God completely!
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Joyful Mysteries | Praying with images | family prayer | pray the rosary
Images often tell an entire story — one intended or the one only our hearts can see. The artist pours imagination, emotion, and a peek into a particular moment into the masterpiece. Artful depictions of the life of Christ offer families a unique opportunity to participate in discussions of faith that can engage all generations. From the youngest member of one's family to the oldest, everyone can look upon the beauty of art and share what they see and how it makes them feel.
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Healing the family | Strengthening family unity
Today's readings invite us to reflect on the theme of rebuilding and revitalizing the Church. But let us begin by recognizing that each family is, in and of itself, a masterpiece of God and a Domestic Church. Within the walls of our homes, we have the power to renew and strengthen the foundation of the whole Church.
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The words from Zechariah, “God is with us,” are a great reminder of the reality of God’s presence, making me think of Saturday’s veneration of St. Andre Bessette’s heart, a poignant meditation by Father Jomon during Eucharistic Adoration, and culminating with a beautiful Healing Mass. From where I stood, it was an amazing sight. People of all ages, nationalities, and parishes united in heart-felt prayer for their loved ones and themselves.
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