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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
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Right now, in the United States, the news of the presidential campaign is a constant: what one candidate says about the other, questions about the vice-presidential candidates, and what all of this will mean for the next four years of our lives. Today’s saint is a good reminder of what is possible when we unite faith in God with our works here on earth, including family life and our civic duties.
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Imagine for a moment that you’ve had a major disagreement with someone, and then unfortunately you both get arrested and taken to prison. That’s part of the life story of today’s two saints, Hippolytus and Pontian. The first, Hippolytus, was a priest and prominent theologian in the second and third centuries. He is credited with writing a prayer that became part of the Eucharistic prayer used at most daily Masses. Hippolytus also often disagreed theologically and pastorally with popes. In fact, he would do battle with four popes who would become saints; that’s quite a track record. It was the final one of his life, Pope Pontian with who Hippolytus was arrested with and banished to Sardinia by the Emperor Maximus.
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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.
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An older man collapsed on Brooklyn Street and was taken to Kings County Hospital. From a faded address in the man's wallet, the hospital authorities tried deciphering the name and address of a marine, who appeared to be his son. They then made an emergency call for the marine. When the marine arrived, the older man reached out his hand feebly. The marine took it and held it tenderly for the next four hours until the older man died. After the man had passed away, the marine asked, " Who was that old man?" The nurse said, "Wasn't that your father?" "No," said the marine, "but I saw he needed a son, so I stayed."
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Today’s readings are remarkable. First, there is the majestic and supernatural imagery of the first reading from Daniel, which prefigures Jesus’ Transfiguration. Then there’s Saint Peter’s eyewitness account of the majesty of God revealed in Jesus in our second reading and described in the Gospel of Mark.
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If you have ever visited Rome and had a Catholic tour guide, you most likely were taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, whose dedication we celebrate today. If you haven’t been, I’d highly recommend it. It is a beautiful and grand basilica dedicated to honor our Blessed Mother. The original basilica was built in the fourth century under Pope Liberius and was named after him. However, after the council of Ephesus proclaimed Mary, the Mother of God, the basilica was repaired and reconsecrated to honor the Blessed Mother. It is called “major”…is because it is the oldest and largest church in Rome dedicated to Our Lady.
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In the Gospel of Matthew we hear, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
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