DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)

Liturgical Colour: White

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29

Gospel: Matthew 9:14–17

Theme: New Wine - Fresh Wineskins

Reflection 

The text: 

“Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved”  (Matthew 9:17). 

This forms the basis of our reflection this morning. According to Evangelist Matthew Jesus gives this teaching in response to a question from the disciples of John the Baptist about why His disciples do not fast. Jesus answers with three short parables:

- The bridegroom and the wedding guests (Matthew 9:15)

- The patch on an old garment (Matthew 9:16)

- The new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:17)

The third response is at the centre of our thoughts, where we will take a critical look into what it means to be either old wineskins or new wineskins. In reaction  to this, one of the Church Fathers - St. Augustine in his Sermon avers: “The new wine is the fervor of the faith, the heat of grace... The old wineskin is the heart stiffened in the oldness of the law.” (Sermon 74).

These are metaphors to illustrate the newness of His mission and the incompatibility of the Gospel with old, rigid religious systems.

In furtherance of our discourse, what is "an Old Wineskins": In ancient times, wine was stored in goatskins. New wine ferments and expands, and old wineskins, already stretched and brittle, would burst if reused. Metaphorically, Jesus employed the concept of "old wineskins" to represent the old religious structures, such as: Pharisaic legalism, a tradition that resisted transformation symbolizing a mindset unwilling to change or receive new revelation. While New wine on the other hand refers to the new life, teachings, and spiritual power Jesus brings through His ministry, particularly: The message of grace and mercy that transcends the legalism of the Pharisees (cf. Luke 22:20).

Beloved in Christ Jesus, this invitation called to mind a renewed relationship with God through Christ, internal transformation, not just external compliance.

Finally, we as the community of Christ faithful we are being called to let go of the old wineskins: legalism, pride, complacency and allow the new wine of Christ’s love and mercy to renew us. Like Jacob in the first reading (cf.Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29), we may stumble, but God can still bless us and make us instruments of His covenant. Like the disciples of John, we must move from custom to communion, from ritual to relationship. Let us allow Christ, the Bridegroom, to fill us with the new wine of His Spirit, making our lives vessels of His grace; so that wherever we find ourselves we may spread this fragrance of newness to every heart. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        05072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)

Liturgical Colour: White

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29

Gospel: Matthew 9:14–17

Theme: New Wine - Fresh Wineskins

Reflection 

The text: 

“Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved”  (Matthew 9:17). 

This forms the basis of our reflection this morning. According to Evangelist Matthew Jesus gives this teaching in response to a question from the disciples of John the Baptist about why His disciples do not fast. Jesus answers with three short parables:

- The bridegroom and the wedding guests (Matthew 9:15)

- The patch on an old garment (Matthew 9:16)

- The new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:17)

The third response is at the centre of our thoughts, where we will take a critical look into what it means to be either old wineskins or new wineskins. In reaction  to this, one of the Church Fathers - St. Augustine in his Sermon avers: “The new wine is the fervor of the faith, the heat of grace... The old wineskin is the heart stiffened in the oldness of the law.” (Sermon 74).

These are metaphors to illustrate the newness of His mission and the incompatibility of the Gospel with old, rigid religious systems.

In furtherance of our discourse, what is "an Old Wineskins": In ancient times, wine was stored in goatskins. New wine ferments and expands, and old wineskins, already stretched and brittle, would burst if reused. Metaphorically, Jesus employed the concept of "old wineskins" to represent the old religious structures, such as: Pharisaic legalism, a tradition that resisted transformation symbolizing a mindset unwilling to change or receive new revelation. While New wine on the other hand refers to the new life, teachings, and spiritual power Jesus brings through His ministry, particularly: The message of grace and mercy that transcends the legalism of the Pharisees (cf. Luke 22:20).

Beloved in Christ Jesus, this invitation called to mind a renewed relationship with God through Christ, internal transformation, not just external compliance.

Finally, we as the community of Christ faithful we are being called to let go of the old wineskins: legalism, pride, complacency and allow the new wine of Christ’s love and mercy to renew us. Like Jacob in the first reading (cf.Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29), we may stumble, but God can still bless us and make us instruments of His covenant. Like the disciples of John, we must move from custom to communion, from ritual to relationship. Let us allow Christ, the Bridegroom, to fill us with the new wine of His Spirit, making our lives vessels of His grace; so that wherever we find ourselves we may spread this fragrance of newness to every heart. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        05072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67

Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Theme: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.

Reflection 

Today being Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year,  the summary of the Liturgy of the Word could rightly be extracted from the gospel pericope, as it captures some elements from the first reading. 

In the light of this, that I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." a theme which has a penitential character and an invitation borne out of God's unfathomable love and mercy. That is why the two readings offer a profound meditation on God’s providence, human response, and divine mercy. From the quiet faith of Abraham seeking a burial place and a bride for his son - an extract from the first reading (cf. Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67); to the shocking call of Matthew the tax collector (cf. Matthew 9:9–13), we are therefore  invited to reflect on God’s ongoing mission to redeem, call, and transform even the most unlikely people.

In our day-to-day living experience,  we encounter set backs, pains and all sorts of  challenging situations; amidst this God's hand is always ready to hold us provided we make sincere effort. The effort here is the acknowledgment of God's working power among us, like Matthew the tax collector who having acknowledging Christ as a Messiah who can redeem him opened his door to Him. We too ought to open the door of our hearts to Him not considering our shortcomings for He has said it all: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." He called Matthew not out of holiness but in his imperfection to perfect the defect in him. 

On another note, the Psalmist presents before us a plea for help from God: “Remember me, O Lord, as you favour your people.” This cry for mercy echoes the Gospel message where God's mercy reaches the sinner like Matthew following human calculation not just the righteous. In answer to this plea, Christ calls him with a simple but life-changing invitation: “Follow me.” And he gets up and follows Him with a radical break from his former life.

 Today, this invitation is being delivered  at the door of our hearts, for God sees us different from human perspective. No wonder 

St. Bede the Venerable one of the patristics comments: “Jesus saw Matthew not merely in the flesh, but with eyes of mercy.” (cf. Homily on the Gospel). 

To buttress this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:

Jesus' call to conversion continues in the life of the Church: “It is a continuing task for the whole Church... to call sinners to conversion and to celebrate God’s mercy” (CCC 1429).

Finally, the mercy, love and peace were at the centre of Christ's public ministry.  Thus, coming with an invitation for us to embrace same  and spread it to wherever man is found. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to hear His voice and follow. Matthew the tax collector becomes Matthew the Apostle. The same call reaches us today: “Follow Me.” Let us respond with generous hearts, embracing a life of conversion, mercy, and mission.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        04072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67

Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Theme: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.

Reflection 

Today being Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year,  the summary of the Liturgy of the Word could rightly be extracted from the gospel pericope, as it captures some elements from the first reading. 

In the light of this, that I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." a theme which has a penitential character and an invitation borne out of God's unfathomable love and mercy. That is why the two readings offer a profound meditation on God’s providence, human response, and divine mercy. From the quiet faith of Abraham seeking a burial place and a bride for his son - an extract from the first reading (cf. Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67); to the shocking call of Matthew the tax collector (cf. Matthew 9:9–13), we are therefore  invited to reflect on God’s ongoing mission to redeem, call, and transform even the most unlikely people.

In our day-to-day living experience,  we encounter set backs, pains and all sorts of  challenging situations; amidst this God's hand is always ready to hold us provided we make sincere effort. The effort here is the acknowledgment of God's working power among us, like Matthew the tax collector who having acknowledging Christ as a Messiah who can redeem him opened his door to Him. We too ought to open the door of our hearts to Him not considering our shortcomings for He has said it all: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." He called Matthew not out of holiness but in his imperfection to perfect the defect in him. 

On another note, the Psalmist presents before us a plea for help from God: “Remember me, O Lord, as you favour your people.” This cry for mercy echoes the Gospel message where God's mercy reaches the sinner like Matthew following human calculation not just the righteous. In answer to this plea, Christ calls him with a simple but life-changing invitation: “Follow me.” And he gets up and follows Him with a radical break from his former life.

 Today, this invitation is being delivered  at the door of our hearts, for God sees us different from human perspective. No wonder 

St. Bede the Venerable one of the patristics comments: “Jesus saw Matthew not merely in the flesh, but with eyes of mercy.” (cf. Homily on the Gospel). 

To buttress this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:

Jesus' call to conversion continues in the life of the Church: “It is a continuing task for the whole Church... to call sinners to conversion and to celebrate God’s mercy” (CCC 1429).

Finally, the mercy, love and peace were at the centre of Christ's public ministry.  Thus, coming with an invitation for us to embrace same  and spread it to wherever man is found. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to hear His voice and follow. Matthew the tax collector becomes Matthew the Apostle. The same call reaches us today: “Follow Me.” Let us respond with generous hearts, embracing a life of conversion, mercy, and mission.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        04072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration: St. Thomas , Apostle

Among the apostles, Thomas is remembered mainly because of his doubts about the resurrection of Christ. He did not want to admit anything that went beyond the bounds of his experience and reason. Eight days later he made up for that unbelief with a profession of faith, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). According to tradition, he preached the gospel in India, where he suffered martyrdom.

Liturgical Colour: Red

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19–22

Gospel: John 20:24–29

Theme: My Lord and my God.

Reflection

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, famously known as “Doubting Thomas.” But this feast is not merely about doubt; it is a celebration of faith born from encounter, witness, and mission. It is through this enounter that the Lord teaches us that even our moments of doubt can become the doorway to deeper faith and powerful witness.

As Pope St. Gregory the Great in his homily on the Gospels said that Thomas absence was not by chance rather the working mercy of God to strengthen the faith of the believers. 

The first reading taken from the Pauline's epistle to the Church in Ephesus reminds us that we are no longer strangers or aliens but are part of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone (cf. Ephesians 2:19–22). By implication the apostolicity character of the Church means that her teaching is rooted in the witnessses of the apostles which we celebrate one of them today. 

Moreover, we too are invited to be witnesses to this Gospel values as Evangelist John in today's Gospel pericope account for (cf. John 20:24–29).  Here he presents a powerful scene that took place after Jesus’ resurrection: the absence of Thomas, his doubt, his believe, and the profession of faith - "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). 

Biblically, Thomas had three major encounters with our Lord, in his usual manner each of the event left us with a deeper message. 

- Once when Jesus spoke of the mansions in His Father’s house, Thomas, in his simplicity, asked: “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” 

- The second time, when Jesus turned to go toward Bethany to the grave of Lazarus, the desponding apostle at once feared the worst for his beloved Lord, yet cried out bravely to the rest: “Let us also go and die with him.” 

- The third time, after the Resurrection, incredulity again prevailed, and while the wounds of the crucifixion were imprinted vividly on his affectionate mind, he would not credit the report that Christ had indeed risen. But at the actual sight of the pierced hands and side, and the gentle rebuke of his Saviour, unbelief was gone forever; and his faith and ours has ever triumphed in the joyous utterance: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).

In the light of this, Thomas' action did not left us with deeper faith but transcend to the koment wherebour Lord imparted blessings upon believers in the future: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29).

Finally, today's celebration reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but can be the beginning of a deep and lasting relationship with Christ. Let us therefore, hearken to the exhortation of our Lord in moment of despair and doubt; to be hopeful and believe even all seems to be impossible. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        03072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8–20a

Gospel: Matthew 8:28–34

Theme: The saving God

Reflection 

God’s mercy, justice, and liberating power form the basis of today's reflection.  In the two readings: Genesis 21:5, 8–20a and Matthew 8:28–34, we encounter two dramatic stories: the abandonment of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, and the healing of two demon-possessed men. Here God revealed Himself as the One who hears the cry of the distressed and delivers the oppressed. These readings challenge us to deepen our trust in God’s providence, even when life seems unjust or chaotic.

Taking cognizance of the first reading, the author narrates the painful episode of Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's household at the insistence of Sarah. Though Abraham is troubled, God assures him to follow Sarah’s request, promising that Ishmael too shall become a great nation (cf. Gen 21:13). This moment of despair in the wilderness experienced by Hagar and her baby evokes the image of countless forgotten people in history; where life tasted sour with no hope. But God who is all merciful and compassionate heard the boy’s cry and responded with provision, promise, and peace.

In a nut shell, this scene reveals God’s universal care not only for the chosen people (through Isaac), but also for the marginalized and outsiders (through Ishmael) as accounted for in the first reading. 

However, the Gospel pericope gives us an account of our Lord's healing of the two men possessed by demons in the region of the Gadarenes. These men are described as so violent that no one could pass by their way. The demons immediately recognized Jesus: “What have you to do with us, Son of God?”

At this point, Jesus commanded the demon out, a demonstration of His Supreme authority over the spiritual realm and His mission to bring healing beyond the boundaries of Israel. Yet, it also raises a sobering truth: People sometimes fear the change Jesus brings more than the evil they endure.

Finally, the summary of today's liturgy of the Word brings about three simple truth about God: viz.

God sees. God hears. God saves. That is to say: He sees us in our situation, listens to our cries and always ready to save us. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        02072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 19:15–29

Gospel: Matthew 8:23–27

Theme: Peace be still.

Reflection 

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, with joy I welcome you to the first day in the 7th month in the year of our Lord - 2025. Today is Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year. In the course of today's Liturgical celebration the Table of the Word presents us with contrasting scenes: the destruction of Sodom in the first reading (cf. Genesis 19:15–29); and the calming of the storm in the Gospel by our Lord (cf.Matthew 8:23–27). Yet, a unifying thread binds them; God's saving power for the faithful and His call to trust in His providence even amidst chaos, doom and judgment.

In the first reading we  see the angels hastening Lot and his family to flee Sodom before destruction falls. Even though Lot lingers, divine mercy persists. The angelic command, “Flee for your life, do not look back,” shows God's unfathomablelove and mercy upon His people. Amidst this, Lot’s wife lingered on the past by looking back. This however becomes a sign of what happens when we look back with attachment to a sinful past.

In the light of this, when life spells blue, we seems to lost out or meet ourselves at the crossroad, there is always an unseen power of stillness and restoration.  This act of God's gratuitousnes is seen in today’s Gospel pericope where Jesus lord over the storm (cf.Matthew 8:23–27).

The Gospel takes us into the boat with Jesus and His disciples. As the storm rages, the disciples panic, forgetting that the Lord of the universe is with them. They cry out: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” — a prayer of a man in need, trouble or despair. And God whose ear is always open look down with mercy and speak to the raging sea of life: "Be still" and indeed there comes calmness.

This miracle reveals not just His divine power but His presence amid life’s storms. The Fathers of the Church often interpret the boat as the Church, tossed by the tempests of persecution, sin, or trials, yet safely navigated by Christ.

On this, St. Augustine reflects: “When you have Christ in your boat, fear not the waves; for though He may seem to sleep, He is with you.” (Sermon 63). This is an invitation to faith that overcomes fear, trusting that Jesus is always present, even when He seems silent.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, whether we are caught in a literal storm or battling an interior one, let us remember that God’s mercy still rescues, and Christ still commands the winds. Let us cry out with faith, “Lord, save us!”, and move forward without looking back — for He who calls us is faithful and true; with a hand ready to lift us up from the dust.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        01072025