x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
An Italian newspaper featured a story about a young couple in Milan who appeared to be deeply devoted to their faith. The priest at a cathedral reported that the couple regularly spent an hour or more sitting before a statue of the Virgin Mary. However, it was later discovered that their intentions were not as they seemed. Instead of praying, the couple was using the electrical plug behind the statue of Mary to recharge their cell phone. Whenever their phones needed charging, they would come to the church to plug them in, using the time as an opportunity to be together in a peaceful setting while their phones recharged.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Why pray?
During a recent visit to India, I was deeply moved by the words of a Bishop who had chosen a life of solitude. His response to a question regarding his well-being was not just a personal sentiment but a profound lesson for all of us: "I am fine if all others are fine." This selfless love for all of God's creation resonates with the very essence of today's Gospel message, inviting us to reflect on our own lives and relationships.
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
As you might remember from Wednesday’s first reading, Elijah was the last prophet of God standing---when he challenged the people to choose between God and the pagan god Baal. Well, although he had faith, and God had rewarded it…things weren’t going so well, and today, he’s running for his life. How many times have we heard of prophets like Elijah or Jonah who’ve faced long odds and tried to outrun either the opposition or, at times, God’s mission for them?
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Today's Mass reading gets personal really fast. "If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there, go and reconcile with your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Reflecting on the gospel today, I imagine myself sitting and listening among the disciples, thinking I do well in keeping the commandments. The law seems straightforward, and I'm confident I will meet the challenge of abiding by it. Knowing that I have settled into a comfort zone, I imagine Jesus looking at me and saying, "No, not so fast." I can hear him telling me that it is not enough to merely adhere to the letter of the law; interpreting the commandments like a checklist is not going to cut it—there is more to it than that.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
I vaguely remember reading the story of a carpenter who helped build the Church and counselled others faced hardships - his wife's sudden death, financial troubles, and exploitation. Dejected, he attended Mass and was moved by the priest's sermon on God's love. Afterward, he spoke with the priest at length. The man felt immensely relieved, telling his neighbor, "When I went to his office, all hope was lost—but one by one, he restored my hope. I feel so much stronger and hopeful now!" Life's unfair experiences can drain us. When "the stars fall from our skies," we need encouragement and support to restore hope one by one, putting the stars back again. Today, the Church commemorates the Feast of St. Barnabas, a great source of encouragement that urges us to encourage others.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast is the titular feast of the Priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross. If you know any priests of the Congregation of Holy Cross, please wish them a good feast day! The founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau wrote, “To give one’s heart is to give love. Jesus speaks our language when he holds out his heart to us, which tells the story of his love for us. The primary purpose of the devotion to the Sacred Heart is to return love for love.”
Share
