family prayer | Faith Reflection | A World at Prayer is a World at Peace
Living in this world can be difficult at times; however, the mission of working towards the kingdom of God is calling us forth as a Church, as the body of Christ, to respond. Before we ask, "What can I do?", we need only look at the efforts of those individuals who have taken that step to make a difference and the power of a "Yes!"
Words of Wisdom
Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.
(St. Catherine of Siena)
St. Catherine of Siena knew the intimate connection between contemplation and action, between our baptism and living out of our discipleship. Renowned for her care for the poor and diseased and the conversion of sinners, she used her insight and conviction to influence both pope and city-state leaders alike in a call for peace and unity of the church.
Ora et labora
(St. Benedict)
For St. Benedict, prayer and work were the basis of monastic life, and they were directed towards the commitment to further “seek after peace and pursue it.”
Praying with my feet
(Rabbi Adam Joshua Heschel)
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel first gave this response when asked why he, a renowned Hebrew scholar, chose to march with Martin Luther King in Selma. For when prayer is centered on God, there is an invitation both to piety and praise, as well as to commit our actions towards that love of God. Whether or not you feel represented, led, or inspired by either candidate in this election, the majority of us can agree that there remain many steps to be taken ahead.
May prayer and action always be deeply united. A prayer that does not lead you to practical action for your brother.. is a sterile and incomplete prayer. But, in the same way, when ecclesial service is attentive only to doing, things gain in importance, functions, structures, and we forget the centrality of Christ.
(Pope Francis, Angelus 7/21/13)
Pope Francis is setting a beautiful model that we can all emulate in calling us to reach out as a community to meet those who are suffering and in need ... to embrace, heal, provide reconciliation and be a means of hope. He articulates the necessity to be aware of the intimate presence of God within, to seek moments of contemplation in our everyday world, work for the common good, and encourage others to do the same. It is here that I see my place currently within the community of faith in working towards these initial steps, and in enacting my faith albeit locally towards new paths. Each step is a prayer, and a hopeful course of action. Each life encountered, an opportunity to see and meet Christ in one another.
Reflection
What shape does "costly discipleship" take in my own life today and in the years ahead? Am I engaged in active discipleship and willing to "pray with my feet"?