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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Faith | Learn more about our faith
Michael Cavanagh, in his book The Effective Minister, talks about different types of “self” that can either enhance or hinder a minister’s effectiveness in ministry—behaviors that can help or hinder the minister in reaching out and touching people in ways that really matter. And one of these hindrances is “the narcissistic self.” This is a quality in which seeking self-enhancement becomes the overriding goal in nearly all situations. Ministers self-aggrandize by wearing their virtues and successes on their sleeves to receive validation and compliments. “I did this, I built this, I am the one who organized that successful meeting,” you name it. They find security and fulfillment in galvanizing people to recognize how much they are performing, but not genuinely. I am sure you have encountered such individuals in your life, if not yourself.
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Gospel Reflection | Learn more about our faith | Video homily
Two statements are given to us today — one from Paul, one from Jesus — and together they offer a deep and abundant assurance of God’s love for us. Paul tells the Ephesians, and tells us, that we are chosen. God has set His heart upon us. We belong to Him. This is not something we earn; it is something God freely gives. We are His own. In the Gospel, Jesus strengthens that assurance even more. He says, “Do not be afraid.” He reminds us that the Father has counted the hairs on our heads. He sees the smallest sparrow fall and yet tells us that we are worth more than many sparrows. In other words, nothing about our lives escapes His loving attention.
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Catholic Faith | Gospel Reflection | Homily Video | Learn more about our faith | saints
Have you ever noticed how much we like to build memorials and put up signs honoring people? We put up monuments, dedicate buildings, and preserve the memories of those who have gone before us. And, there’s something good about honoring those who made a difference in our lives and those who came before us. In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges the scribes and scholars of the law, when He says, “You build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed.”
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Gospel Reflection | Learn more about our faith | prayer
Roy Bennette in his book “The Light in the Heart” states: “Don’t let things that matter least, get in the way of things that matter most.” What he is pointing out here is that it is important to consciously prioritize what truly matters. We should not allow ourselves to be consumed by less important tasks or distractions that hinder the pursuit of one’s most significant goals or aspirations. That is also the contention of Jesus in today’s Gospel when he criticizes the Pharisees for getting wrapped up into religious rituals while ignoring mercy and fairness to others.
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Gospel Reflection | Homily Video | Learn more about our faith
Most of us want to make a good impression. Before we leave the house, we might look in the mirror, comb our hair, or make sure we look presentable. We pay attention to what people see on the outside. But how often do we stop and take a good look at what’s going on inside us? That’s what Jesus is getting at in today’s Gospel. A Pharisee invites Jesus to dinner and is surprised that Jesus doesn’t wash before the meal. Jesus uses this opportunity to make an important point: “Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil.” In other words, Jesus is asking, “You’re paying a lot of attention to the outside, but what about the inside?” And that’s a question worth asking ourselves.
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Homily Video | Learn more about our faith
Today we reflect on a Gospel we have heard before about how “demons” or evil spirits operate. The Lord reminds that when God frees us from any bondage or oppression, we need to fill our hearts or lives with something new and positive. He warns us about the vulnerability of an “empty house” or heart.
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