We all know Venerable Patrick Peyton’s most famous sayings: “The family that prays together, stays together,” and “A world at prayer is a world at peace.” One of the blessings of working here at Holy Cross Family Ministries and getting to know Fr. Peyton better is learning some of his lesser known but no less profound quotes. For instance, on the wall of our conference room is this beautiful Patrick Peyton insight: “The Our Father raises the family circle to the highest level.”
Forgiveness is the Key
In today’s Gospel, our Lord not only teaches His disciples the Our Father, but also emphasizes one line in the prayer with further explanation. And in so doing, according to Fr. Peyton’s wisdom, Jesus thereby also teaches us what should be most emphasized in family life. So, what line does Jesus underline in His own divine prayer? “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Our Father, and so, forgiveness is meant to lie at the heart of family life.
The Need for Action
Too often, we as families can fall into the trap of imagining that, if we follow Fr. Peyton’s advice and pray together, then peace and harmony will reign uninterrupted in our homes. But then, when our families -- like all families -- continue to experience arguments and conflict, we can wonder, “What are we doing wrong? Why isn’t our prayer working??” But Jesus, in the Our Father, doesn’t teach us to pray, “Make us live in blissful harmony together.” And Fr. Peyton’s hope for families to “stay together” doesn’t mean a hope for a family without arguments or conflict. Instead, Jesus teaches us to pray to receive forgiveness, and in this very prayer, challenges us to look at our own habit of offering forgiveness.
Prayerful Forgiveness
Perhaps this, then, is the real standard that Fr. Peyton sets for families, by recognizing the Lord’s Prayer as the pinnacle of family life: what is the quality of forgiveness in my family? Do I offer forgiveness to my husband, my wife, my brothers, and my sisters without grudges and bitterness? Do I receive forgiveness from them without shame or suspicion? In prayerful forgiveness, our families fulfill their vocation as the Domestic Church; by prayerful forgiveness, our families receive the grace and mercy they need to stay together; through prayerful forgiveness, our families can discover the path to lasting peace.
- Today’s Readings
- Father Charlie's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join, too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
