In this month’s Word of Life Experiences, Deacon Bobby, Beatrice, and Father Pete reflect on Luke 24:29 — “Stay with us, because it is almost evening.”

Through moments of suffering, uncertainty, and unexpected encounters, each shares how God’s presence became clear—even when it wasn’t recognized at first. From serving the forgotten, to facing illness and loss, to healing within family struggles, their stories reveal a quiet but faithful God who never leaves us. Together, they remind us that even in discouragement, Jesus walks beside us. We are invited to trust Him and make this prayer our own: “Stay with us.”

This episode was made possible thanks to the generous support of the ACTA Foundation.

00:00 Intro 01:49 Reflection 02:48 Deacon Bobby – Recognizing God in unexpected places 09:52 Beatrice – Trusting God through illness and loss 17:20 Father Pete – Finding God in suffering and new life

In this Word of Life reflection, Fr. Tyler invites us to encounter Jesus at the heart of human suffering. He shares the story of a woman who had been away from the Church for years, yet in her final moments, she desired Jesus—and experienced the fullness of God’s mercy. This month’s Word of Life—“Stay with us, because it is almost evening” (Luke 24:29)—comes from the road to Emmaus, where the risen Jesus walks with discouraged disciples and transforms their darkness into hope. We are invited to make this prayer our own, especially in times of confusion and suffering: “Stay with us.”

In this April 2026 Word of Life, we reflect on the moving encounter on the road to Emmaus: “Stay with us, because it is almost evening” (Luke 24:29).

Two disciples, discouraged and disillusioned, walk away from Jerusalem—until a mysterious companion joins them, listens to their pain, and gradually rekindles hope in their hearts. In this powerful moment, we are invited to recognize our own journey: the times we feel lost, tempted to give up, or unable to see God’s presence beside us.

This reflection invites us to rediscover the Risen Jesus walking with us in everyday life, especially in moments of darkness, doubt, and uncertainty. When we open ourselves to love, dialogue, and communion, our eyes too can be opened—and our hearts set on fire once again. Let us make the disciples’ prayer our own:
“Stay with us, Lord…”

The Focolare Word of Life Podcast
"I Had Nothing to Give, So I Gave It to God"

In this month’s Word of Life Experiences, Karen, Deacon Erik, and Joyce reflect on Matthew 17:7 — “Get up and do not be afraid.” Karen shares how turning thirty brought unexpected fears about her future and vocation. Through a conversation with her father and a renewed trust in God, she learned to let go of expectations and walk forward with confidence, trusting that God was guiding her path. Deacon Erik recounts the anxiety he felt during his pastoral training in a hospital setting. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, he entrusted everything to God and discovered that simply being present with others can become a powerful encounter of love. Joyce reflects on how community helped transform fear and frustration in a difficult relationship at work. Through patience, dialogue, and the support of others, she discovered how choosing love can bring healing and deeper understanding.

This episode was made possible thanks to the generous support of the ACTA

Welcome to the March 2026 Word of Life reflection by Fr. Tyler Mattson.
This month’s scripture phrase is:

“Get up and do not be afraid." Matthew 17:7

March Word of Life: "Get up and do not be afraid." (Mt 17:7)

Welcome to the February 2026 Word of Life reflection by Fr. Tyler Mattson.
This month’s scripture phrase is:

“See, I am making all things new.” Rev 21:5

The Focolare Word of Life is a monthly Scripture phrase selected by the Focolare Movement that people around the world are invited to reflect on, live by, and put into practice in everyday life. It’s more than just reading a Bible verse — it’s about letting a specific word or sentence from Scripture shape how we act, relate to others, and grow in unity with God and one another. The phrase is shared globally in many languages, with commentary and reflection experiences to help people live it out in real life.