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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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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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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
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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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
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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Today's Mass readings offer a profound message of hope and reassurance, especially for our families. They remind us of a fundamental truth: God's love for us is unwavering and unconditional. It's a love that never falters, even when we stumble or stray. God's mercy remains steadfast, always inviting us back into His loving embrace.
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Matthew 13:47-53 is depicted in a compelling scene in the series “The Chosen.” In it, Jesus teaches his disciples along the shore, with Simon Peter, a fisherman, in his boat. Peter listens and realizes that one day, he, like the fish, will be judged by God. You can see the look on Peter’s face as he reflects on his life, and how it is not where it should be in relation to God and others.
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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
The story is told of an unbeliever who died after willing his farm to the devil. The next of kin sued to have the will voided on the ground that this was a case in which the will of the deceased could not be carried out. After much legal research and judicial pondering, the Court decision read as follows: “It is decided that every effort should be made to carry out the deceased’s wish. And the best way to carry out the deceased's wish is to allow the farm to grow weeds, soil to erode, the well to run dry, and the house, barn, and fences to rot. In the opinion of the Court, the best way to leave something to the devil is to do nothing.”
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