# Prayer for the World Meeting of Families
*2015-09-21*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Matthew and leads a prayer for families worldwide as the World Meeting of Families approaches.

## Feast of St. Matthew

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Monday, September 21st, the feast day of St. Matthew. Matthew is well‑known as one of the twelve apostles, but before Jesus called him, he worked as a tax collector—a profession despised as sinful in his day. Jesus chose him anyway, showing that even those on the margins can become bearers of the Gospel.

## The World Meeting of Families

We are preparing for the World Meeting of Families, which will begin this Tuesday in the United States. Pope Francis will be traveling from Cuba, and the event is a wonderful opportunity for families around the globe to encounter the love of Christ together.

## A Prayer for Families Everywhere

Let us pray:

God, our Father, in Jesus your Son, our Savior, you have made us sons and daughters in the family of the Church. May your grace and love unite families everywhere, drawing them to fidelity to the Gospel. Through the example of the Holy Family and with the aid of your Holy Spirit, guide all families—especially those most troubled—so that they become homes of communion and prayer, always seeking truth and living in love. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

## Closing Blessing

May the peace of Christ be with you, and may the Holy Mother Mary intercede for all families as we journey together toward the World Meeting of Families.

*Even the most unlikely people can be called to share the Gospel, and families worldwide are invited to become homes of communion and love.*