World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Today, we turn to the story in John 4, where Jesus encounters a desperate nobleman. This man's world is crumbling–his son lies deathly ill at Capernaum while Jesus remains in Cana. The nobleman pleads, "Sir, come down before my son dies!" These words, "come down," become a powerful refrain in this story.
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Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
“If today, you hear His voice harden not your hearts.” Psalm 95 speaks to the human condition of how we react to God’s “voice.” In the times that are cited in the Psalm, the people had heard the voice of God through Moses, and they, like we at times, had complained and thought they knew better than God.
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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
Today’s Gospel from Matthew, which featured the Parable of the Vineyard, was directed by Jesus to the chief priests and elders of the people, but it is also meant for us. Through the lens of the relationship of landowner and tenants, it raises the question “What do we owe God?” and, “Are we caring for those He has entrusted to us?”
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Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
I've got a question for you. After looking over Luke's Gospel, what's your window of opportunity? Hold that thought for a bit. You've got to love the Old Testament for its ability to get your attention with vibrant language and imagery. Likewise, today's gospel of Lazarus and the rich man should be a wake-up call to emulate Christ's love with those we see every day—while we have the chance.
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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Today's scripture paints a powerful picture of leadership, unlike anything the world offers. It's not about titles, authority, or personal gain. It's about a radical shift in perspective—from seeking to be served to serving with love and truth. We, as families, are the foundation of society. It's within our homes that the seeds of leadership are first sown. We are the architects who shape the character and values of the next generation, but imagine if our leadership wasn't about controlling or dictating but about empowering and inspiring?
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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
When Pope Pius IX died in 1878 after 32 years, he would be the longest papal reign since Saint Peter himself. It appears the cardinal electors wanted to choose a relatively older person to succeed him. They elected 68-year-old Cardinal Pecci, thinking he would only last a few years. However, on his 90th birthday, when a nun toasted Pope Leo XIII by shouting, “Holy Father, may you live to be 100,” the pope exclaimed, “Why put limits on God?” When he returned to the Father’s House in 1903, he celebrated 25 years as pope. This feast of the Chair of St. Peter is our family celebration.
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