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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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Rigidity is something that can be problematic in many ways in every aspect of our lives. It creates social isolation and loneliness, not to mention physical and psychological problems. Rigidity thrives on “It is my way or the highways”, thus one becoming too controlling and judgmental. In the long run, it pushes others away because there is no space for flexibility or adaptability. I am not suggesting that there aren't certain boundaries and principles and values to hold. But excessive adherence to strict rules can stifle creativity and prevent personal growth that comes from experiencing new perspectives and venturing out of one’s comfort zones.
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In Africa we have a saying that “it takes a whole village to raise a child” everyone in the community has a responsibility to make sure that a child grows into a responsible, respectful, well integrated person. A neighbor can offer discipline to a neighbor's child. In our faith as Catholics or believers there is also what we refer to as “interdependence of faith” which implies that as believers we rely on each other as parts of a larger whole, the Body of Christ” to grow, find strength, and live out our beliefs. As Christians we can move beyond our individualism to mutual support, shared burdens and collective witness to Christ’s teaching of mercy and love.
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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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When you plan an appointment with someone, you prepare for it. This depends on the matter of discussion, the weight, urgency, and the required outcome. If something is of great importance, like a job interview or career decision, one needs to prepare thoroughly. That is why you select what to put on, what kind of make up if you use any, and even some may change the walking style, seating posture and how you are going to speak. You can imagine all these matters greatly even if they are for a short time until the meeting is finished.
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One of my new favorite commercials involves a young woman talking to her friend, pouring out her concerns about her relationship with her boyfriend. Her friend, who sits across the table from her, is engrossed with her cell phone and whatever’s on the screen. She’s barely listening and gives the occasional uh-huh type of reply. That’s when the narrator calls for Tedy Bridgewater, a professional athlete, to take the friend’s place. Tedy immediately sits down and locks in, maintaining eye contact and using the type of affirmation that shows he’s really listening and cares.
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Pope Francis in one of his writings tells us; "The Holy Spirit makes us look to the horizon and drive us to the very outskirts of existence in order to proclaim life in Jesus Christ” What Pope Francis is portraying here is a belief in the transformative power or authority of Jesus in the world. In today’s gospel we have Jesus who teaches with authority unlike the scribes who simply relied on previous interpretations and traditions. He taught with divine authority. And as he is preaching, there is a sporadic outburst of a person disturbed by the evil Spirit. “What do you want with us Jesus of Nazareth....” This was an aggressive reaction directed at Jesus.
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On this first day following the Advent days of Hope and assurance, the Christmas season of wonderment and new birth, the manifestation of the Light that shown for the whole world to see, we meet Hannah, a woman who is barren, heartbroken and carrying a sorrow she could hardly speak aloud. But standing beside her is Elkanah, her husband, who sees her pain and refuses to let her suffer alone. He doesn’t dismiss her grief. He stands by her and offers something that could appear to be inconsequential but isn’t. He offered her a listening heart, compassion and his presence. “Why do you weep? Am I not more to you than ten sons? His words may have fallen short, but no human comfort ever fully fills the deepest ache, but it can reveal a heart that wants to lift the burden from someone who is loved.
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