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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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Can you remember the last time you needed courage to either do or not do something? It might take some thinking or it could come to right away…because you just faced it. I thought about this question in light of our two young heroes…David from the first reading and St. Agnes, virgin and martyr who despite their young ages overcame natural fear through their faith in God. In today’s gospel, Jesus, also displays the courage of his convictions when he teaches and heals the man with a withered hand. Jesus doesn’t let the Pharisees who were the key religious watchdogs enforcing Sabbath observance and who wielded significant popular influence deter Him from doing the will of His Father.
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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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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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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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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
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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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
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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Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
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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