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Standing Firm: Family Reflection Video

By: Father David Marcham on October 29th, 2020

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Standing Firm: Family Reflection Video

Why pray?  |  Strengthening family unity

When St. Paul tells us to put on the “armor of God … to stand firm against the tactics of the devil,” I thought about what it’s like wear ice hockey equipment: the helmet, shoulder and elbow pads, shin guards, and gloves. By the time you’re finished gearing up, you feel invincible!

Today, in his letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul is encouraging and instructing us to draw strength from the Lord and his mighty power. He’s writing to the Ephesian people from prison.

Although St. Paul talks about armor that includes a breastplate and shield, these really represent an internal strength that is needed for where the battle is really taking place.

What is most important is what we carry in our hearts, minds, and souls—God’s indelible and lifegiving imprint that came through our baptism. St. Paul is correct when he states that we need the protection of God to resist evil and to stand firm.

We need to help each other prepare to meet the challenges of the day and night. Father Peyton was right when he observed that it was through the family Rosary, that he was prepared and strengthened wherever he went. May we prepare our families to meet the world in the same way through praying together; especially the Rosary.

May God bless you and your families this holy day!


  •  Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 
  • To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)  

About Father David Marcham

Reverend David S. Marcham is the Vice Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Patrick Peyton, and Director of the Father Peyton Guild, whose members pray for Father Peyton’s beatification and spread his message of the importance of Family Prayer. Prior to becoming a seminarian, Father David was a physical therapist and clinical instructor, serving hospital inpatients and outpatients throughout the greater Boston area for eleven years. In 1998 he heard the call to priesthood and was ordained in the Archdiocese of Boston in 2005. Father David grew up in Quincy, MA, and has fond memories of playing soccer, tennis and running track. You’re never without a friend when Father David is around, as he welcomes everyone into his circle with a smile on his face!