DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ss Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs (+ 1597). Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, and his twenty five companions were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. They were the first martyrs of East Asia to be canonized. They were killed simultaneously by being raised on crosses and then stabbed with spears. Their executioners were astounded upon seeing their joy at being associated to the Passion of Christ. Every Christian is to bear witness, in life and death, to the Faith.

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: Sirach 47:2–11

Gospel: Mark 6:14–29

Theme: Loving GOD beyond limit.

Reflection

Today’s table of the Word presents two songs woven together: a single of thanksgiving and a dirge. 

One of thanksgiving by David dancing before the Lord.

The other a singing of passion by John the Baptist dying for the truth.

One sings of praise. The other whispers of sacrifice. Yet both tell the same story: The two songs point to a life that belongs completely to God. Because whether in song or in suffering,

the true disciple remains faithful.

In the first reading, Ben Sira paints a beautiful portrait of David describing a heart that praised. Not first as a warrior, not as king, but as a worshipper. “With his whole being he loved his Maker and daily had His praises sung.”

Imagine that. A king… making time to sing. A leader… kneeling in gratitude (cf. (Sirach 47:2–11)

David understood something essential: Victory does not come from strength alone. It comes from remembering who God is. So he filled the Temple with music, instruments, and thanksgiving. Because praise protects the heart. Praise keeps pride away. Praise reminds us: Everything is a gift.

However, the Church’s liturgy flows from this same spirit daily with praise which sanctifies life. As St. Augustine one of the influential Fathers of the Church say, “He who sings prays twice.” A grateful heart rarely falls far from God.

A similar scenario is found in the Gospel pericope with in the passion of St. John the Baptist who bore witness to the truth (cf. Mark 6:14–29). It was inside an event where mood suddenly changes. Music becomes silence. Celebration becomes imprisonment.

John the Baptist appears.

Faithful. Fearless. Honest.

And what does he do wrong?

He tells the truth.

Nothing more.

“It is not lawful…”

Truth costs him everything.

Herod knows John is righteous, yet lacks courage.

So fear wins.

And a prophet dies.

His head is brought on a platter. It feels tragic.

- Unfair.

- Brutal.

But look deeper: John loses his life —

yet keeps his integrity. And in God’s Kingdom, that is victory.

Similarly, centuries later, the same Gospel is lived again in Paul Miki and his companions.

- Like John, they preached truth.

- Like John, they were arrested.

- Like John, they were executed.

And like Christ…

They forgave. Paul Miki even preached from the cross.

Imagine the peace of that heart.

He had nothing left, yet he still gave love.

This is what happens when someone belongs totally to God:

You cannot steal their joy.

You cannot silence their witness.

You cannot conquer their faith.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we continue our pilgrimage we are exhorted to imbibe the spirit of praises and thanksgiving as David, the courage of John the Baptist and the zeal of witnessing to the Gospel as St. Paul Miki and Companions. Then eschew every form of Herodian's promise. Let is wat what we say, the promise we make and the possibility of fulfilling such a promise. 

Peace, be with you!

© ARCHIVE 06022026

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration: St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (+ 251). She was martyred in  (Sicily) probably during the time of Decius. Her name appears in the Roman Canon. 

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: 1 Kings 2:1–4, 10–12

Gospel: Mark 6:7–13

Theme: Sent with Nothing, Yet Lacking Nothing.

Reflection

There is a beautiful paradox in today’s Word. Jesus sends His disciples out with no bag, no bread, no money. And yet… they lack nothing (cf. Mark 6:7–13).
The world says:

- “Carry more to be safe.”

Christ says:

- “Carry less to be free.”

Because the lighter the heart,
the farther the mission travels. This forms the centre of today's reflection.
"Take nothing for the journey”
This command almost feels unreasonable. Imagine sending men out with:

- No bread: the source of strength

- no bag: to carry toiletries, and other personal effects

- no money: in case of emergency need.

- no extra tunic: to change later

Who travels like that?
Only someone who trusts completely.
Jesus is teaching them something radical:

- Dependence on God is your greatest security. If they carried provisions, they might trust themselves. If they carried money, they might trust comfort.

So He strips them of everything,
except faith. Because missionaries are not meant to rely on possessions. They rely on Providence.

That is why the evangelical counsels of poverty and simplicity exist precisely for this freedom: to make the disciple light, available, and totally dependent on God (Vita Consecrata, 21).

In the course of today's celebration, the memeorialbof St. Agatha, we equally reflect on her life, which also displays this command of our Lord. St. Agatha: a young, consecrated, and courageous.
She owned nothing. But possessed everything. When threatened, tortured, and pressured to deny Christ, she did not bargain.
She did not compromise.
She simply remained faithful.
Her strength did not come from weapons or protection.
It came from belonging entirely to Christ.
She shows us what today’s Gospel looks like in flesh and blood:
A heart so free that nothing can enslave it. Even suffering could not take away her joy. Because when Christ is your treasure, nothing else can be stolen.

This assurance is captured beautifully in the first reading when David exhorts his son - Solomon stressing the need to to observe the detects and ordidances of God: "Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn;..." (see  1 Kings 2:1–4, 10–12). This also points to a call for dependency on the Lord, for without God we are absolutely nothing. David’s final words to
Solomon are;

- Not about power.

- Not about armies.

- Not about politics.

They are spiritual. “Keep the charge of the Lord… walk in His ways.”
Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are invited to imbibe with this spirit of faithfulness and dependency in God as the early disciples and Srm Agatha whom we celebrate today did. They were sent with Nothing, Yet Lacking Nothing. Let our trust and hope be be in the Lord for it is either "GOD" or "Nothing".

Peace, be with you!

© ARCHIVE 05022026

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration: Ferial 

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9–17

Gospel: Mark 6:1–6

Theme: Familiarity Blinds the Heart.

Reflection

There is a quiet tragedy in today’s Gospel.

- Not hatred.

- Not persecution.

- Not violence.

Just… familiarity. The kind that says:

- “We already know him.”

- “Nothing special.”

- “Just one of us.”

And because of that…They miss God. Thus, the bottom line of our reflection this morning: "Familiarity Blinds the Heart, " stems from the Gospel pericope and an extract from the trial and agony of King David as contained in the first reading. 

Sometimes, the greatest obstacle to grace is not sin but over-familiarity. In today's parlance, we felt "we don see God finish". This is absolutely untrue as God dwells in mystery. His essence cannot be fathomed by human intellect or caprice.

Obviously, the very day we come to know God in His entirety that same day God will ccease o become God, but since it is impossible to know Him in His essence apart from His attributes, then God remains God in aertenum (eternity).

This vice "contempt" which is the product of over-familiarity can aalsobe seen in the first reading of today, where David out of pride isolated himself from God, he felt it was all about hphysicalpower, and he exhibited high self-trust independent of God. There and then, before his very eyes his men were bowed down (cf. 2 Samuel 24:2, 9–17). Here we see pride of number, power in humans above God, when He (David) orders a census. It sounds harmless. But spiritually, it reveals something deeper. Instead of trusting God’s protection, David wants numbers, control, and security. And Scripture tells us: his heart was troubled. Because reliance shifted from God, to self.

How often we do the same? We count: achievements, savings, plans, influence, and quietly forget that: God is our true strength. Above all, the beauty comes after the fall. That is why David did not hide. He says simply: “I have sinned greatly.” That sentence saves him.

It is on this note that, the Church constantly teaches that repentance restores communion. Confession is not humiliation but  a healing (cf. CCC 1422–1424).

Today's Gospel pericope which is at the centre of reflection presents before us a deeper teaching, which we reflected on in the introduction (cf. Mark 6:1–6)

This Gospel story in Nazareth teaches us something uncomfortable: It is possible to be:

- near Jesus

- around holy things

- active in religious life, and still miss Him. Because we become used to Him.

- For routine replaces wonder.

- Habit replaces faith. We say: “I already know this.”

Meanwhile, God stands before us.

Unrecognized.

Finally, let faith directs our path but not over-familiarity, and let trust in God surmount our pride and power. For it is "GOD" or "Nothing". 

© ARCHIVE 04022026

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ferial 

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: 2 Samuel 18:9–10, 14b, 24–25a, 30—19:3

Gospel: Mark 5:21–43

Theme: If I touch even His garments...

Reflection

Today's table of the Word comes with such a tender spirit of emotion, passion and relief. It beautifully presents human challenging conditions in such a way that, our Lord was moved with mercy upon His people (cf. Mark 5:21–43).

The first reading and the Gospel capture something very human:

- A father weeping.

- A woman trembling.

- A child dying.

- A king brokenhearted.

And in the middle of all that pain.
God is still quietly at work, gently paddling the canoe, in silence handling the steering. Because grace often moves most deeply
not in noise,  but in tears.

The first reading presents the pathetic tale of Absalom's death and his father's pain (cf. 2 Samuel 18:9–10, 14b, 24–25a, 30—19:3)
Here King David wins the battle,
but loses his son. Absalom was rebellious. He betrayed his father. He caused war. Yet David does not say: “Justice is served.”
He cries: “O my son Absalom, my son, my son!” It is the cry of a father’s heart. Love does not calculate worthiness. It simply loves.

- Even when wounded.

- Even when rejected.

- Even when broken.

David here mirrors something divine.
Because this is how God loves us.

- Even when we run away.

- Even when we betray Him.

- Even when we sin.

- God does not stop calling us: “My child… my child…”

That is why the Church teaches that God’s love is “tender and merciful” (CCC 239).

- Not abstract.

- Not Personal.

- But Fatherly.

In the same scenario, today's Gospel pericope presents one of the most beautiful scenes in the Gospel.

- Two stories.

- Two sufferings.

- One Saviour.

- The woman

- Twelve years bleeding.

- Twelve years rejected.

- Twelve years unseen.

She doesn’t ask loudly. She simply touches His cloak. And power flows.
Because even timid faith touches God.

In the case of Jairus, a father desperate for his dying daughter.
Jesus delays. Imagine the agony.
Every minute feels like death.
Then the message comes: “Your daughter is dead.” It seems finished.
But Jesus says: “Do not fear, only believe.” And He walks into death’s room… and speaks life. “Little girl, arise.” And death obeys. Because when Jesus enters, nothing is truly lost.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, today's liturgy of the Word displays in clear terms the reality of human challenging conditions, where we are exhorted to hold on to God even:

- when life turns blue.

- when the going is tough.

- when the centre can no longer hold it.

- when we find ourselves at the crossroads of life.

Then a gentle touch of the fringe of His cloak can solve the situation. A persistent waiting upon the Lord even when our hope fails us, and the line has been crossed. God is still at work, "11.59" is never too late for Him. He will certainly speak life into us, He will restore the infirmed limbs and build up the brokenhearted.

Finally, let us as a family pray together:
Lord, when my heart aches like David’s, teach me to trust You like Jairus, to reach for You like the woman, and to believe even when hope seems gone.
Stay near me in every storm and sorrow.
Amen.

+ Peace be with you!

© ARCHIVE 03022026

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

MONDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: Malachi 3:1–4

Second Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18

Gospel: Luke 2:22–40

Theme: The Light that enlightens

Reflection

In the Church's liturgical life, some feasts feel loud and triumphant.
And there are feasts like today quiet, gentle, almost hidden. It is a feast that is characterised by utmost simplicity, no crowd, no noise but just a young mother and father
carrying a baby walking into the Temple like every other poor family.
And yet Heaven is holding its breath.
Because God Himself is being presented to God.

The first reading taken from the prophecy of Malachi 3:1–4 presents a tale of Israel expected power,
Trumpets, Fire, and Judgment.
Instead, a child in a very subtle manner, for God rarely comes the way we expect. Prophet Malachi says He will come like a refiner’s fire not to destroy, but to purify.
Because God’s presence burns away:

- pride

- fear

- attachments

- compromises

- Love purifies.

- Holiness refines.

When God draws near, something in us must change.

In the second reading, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews offers us one of the most consoling truths in Scripture. Here Jesus did not save us from a distance.

- He stepped inside our condition.

- He tasted:

- weakness

- suffering

- tears

- fear

- death

- and above all as a Light which enlightened the darkness of our path as contained in the Gospel pericope.

So that we would never say: “God does not understand me.” He understands. Completely.
He is not a distant rescuer.
He is Emmanuel - God with us.

Here comes the heart of the feast.
Simeon waits. An old, patient, and faithful man. Day after day he comes to the Temple. Nothing spectacular happens. Until one ordinary day. He sees the child. And immediately knows: “This is Him.”
Imagine that moment. Holding salvation in your arms. And he whispers the freat NUNC DIMITIS:
“My eyes have seen your salvation…
a light for revelation to the nations.”

- Light.

- Not noise.

- Not force.

- Light.

- Light does not argue. It simply shines. And darkness disappears. That is Christ.

Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord, as we gather as a family to celebrate this unique feast of the Lord let us therefore take a look at some of the salient moments surrounding this celebration:

1. Presentation is surrender

Mary and Joseph offer Jesus back to the Father. Love always gives back what it treasures most.

2. Waiting is holy

Simeon and Anna the Prophetess teach us: long faithfulness prepares us to recognize grace.

3. Smallness is God’s method

The Saviour enters history as a child.
Never underestimate humble beginnings.

4. Light must be carried

That is why today we bless candles.
We don’t just admire the Light we carry it. Every baptized person becomes a candle.

Finally, the Lord gently whispers: “Bring Me what you love most. Offer it. Trust Me. I will turn it into light.”

- Like Mary, present your life.

- Like Joseph, obey quietly.

- Like Simeon, wait patiently.

- Like Anna, pray faithfully.

And one day you too will say:
“My eyes have seen Your salvation.”
Therefore, let us go into the world with lighted candles, a symbolism of Christ's presence among us.

+ Peace be with you!

© ARCHIVE 02022026

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: St. John Bosco, Priest (1815-1888). He founded the Salesian Society, named in honour of St. Francis de Sales, and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth". He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator.

📖Table of the Word

First Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1–7a, 10–17

Gospel: Mark 4:35–41

Theme: Peace! Be still!

Reflection

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, as we continue on our spiritual pilgrimage with the reflection on the trial of David, a man after God's heart (cf. 2 Samuel 12:1–7a, 10–17). I wish to invite you to meditate with me o the theme: "Peace, be still!"

In the course of this reading, Nathan confronts David.

- Not gently.

- Not vaguely.

- But directly: “You are the man.”

David’s sin is exposed. And yet… something beautiful happens. He does not defend himself.

- He does not justify.

- He simply says: “I have sinned against the Lord.” That’s all. No excuses. Just truth. And mercy rushes in. This is the miracle of repentance: God never rejects a humble heart.

This scenario, actually presents the storm and raging images of life as we will see in today's Gospel. His acknowledgment of the fact that he has sinned brought about stillness of soul. Devoid of his royalty, fame, and recognition he was humble enough burying his head in shame, then asked for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Thus, the penitential psalm which he echoed: “Create in me a clean heart” (Psalm 51)

This psalm feels like tears turned into prayer.

- Not pride.

- Not performance.

- Just brokenness offered to God.

- And that is enough. Because God prefers:

- not perfect people,

- but honest hearts.

In the same spirit, that Evangelsist Mark who is being described as one with the Messianic secret of our Lord presents before us a touching account of the tale of the stormy sea, which caught up our Lord and his disciples. The disciples panic in the storm (cf.Mark 4:35–41).

- Waves crashing.

- Boat shaking.

- Fear rising.

Meanwhile… Jesus sleeps. What a contrast. They shout: “Master, don’t you care?!” And Jesus wakes and speaks only three words: “Peace. Be still.” Immediately — calm. But notice something deeper. The real storm wasn’t outside. It was inside.

- Fear. So Jesus asks: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” Because faith doesn’t mean there are no storms. It means trusting that Jesus is in the boat.

Relating it to the celebration of the day, the Memorial of St. John Bosco - the Apostle of the Youth. As Christ woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ And there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

St. John Bosco as a human also experienced the stormy part of life, which also prompted him to cry: “Lord, do you not care that we are perishing?” Because his life was rarely calm on the outside. But somehow… always calm on the inside. Don Bosco as fondly called lived in turbulent times: abandoned street children, poverty and hunger, political unrest in Italy and opposition from authorities.

Amidst this God spoke to this stormy situation. While others saw chaos, he saw Providence. While others saw problems, he saw souls. While others saw storms, he saw Jesus in the boat. So instead of shouting at the wind, he kept loving the boys.

- Feeding them.

- Teaching them.

- Playing with them.

-Hearing confessions, and then raying quietly at dawn.

Dearest friends in Christ, as we keep on pushing every now and then, let us not forget that God is handling the steering. He has never failed before, He is not failing and He will never fail in His promise. 

+ Peace be with you!

© ARCHIVE 31012026

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Celebration: Ferial

📖Table of the Word
First Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-4.5-10.13-17
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Theme: Face-to-Face with the shame of Sin.

Reflection
Psalm 51 remains the leading penitential prayer before the Lord. From today's table of the Word, David who first sang this song of lamentations before the Lord is seen in  in the first reading caught up with the sin of lust after Uriah's wife - Bathsheba (cf. 2 Samuel 11:1-4.5-10.13-17).
The reading opens quietly:
“In the spring, when kings go out to battle… David remained in Jerusalem.” That one line explains everything. David stays back.

- Comfort replaces duty.

- Ease replaces vigilance.

- And slowly… temptation enters.

Sin rarely explodes.

- It creeps in quietly when we stop watching.

- A glance becomes desire.

- Desire becomes action.

- Action becomes tragedy.

The fall of David teaches us something sobering:
Even the strongest can fall
when the heart grows careless.
Holiness requires watchfulness.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, how many times do we allow frivolities to overcome duty. In our usual parlance, we often say: "Business before pleasure". But why then do we subject ourselves to fun which does not last beyond a moment in place of virtues which will lead us beyond time?

However, when this occurs, then there is a need to go back for cleansing as David did (cf. Psalm 51) Here He echoed: “Have mercy on me, O God.” And yet this is not a story of despair. Because when David realises his sin, he runs back to God.
Not away.

- That’s the difference between Judas and Peter.

- Between despair and salvation.

- David doesn’t pretend.

- He doesn’t justify.

He simply prays: “Create in me a clean heart.” And that prayer has echoed through centuries. Because God never refuses a repentant heart.
Never.

- Failure is not the end.

- Only act of refusal to return is the end of the discussion.

On the other hand, the Gospel pericope taken from Mark's account 4:26–34, we see Seed that grows by itself. Then Jesus speaks of seeds again.

- Quiet growth.

- Hidden transformation.

“The seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how.”

- What a comfort.

- God works in secret places.

- Even when we don’t see progress.

- Even when we feel weak.

- Even after we fall.

- Grace is still working underground.

- The Kingdom is not built by noise, but by patient faithfulness.

Even the smallest mustard seed becomes shelter for many.
God loves small beginnings. He blesses every little beginning. Recalling the fact that: little things are little things but faithfulness in it makes them great.Let us not take anything for granted, even when we derail from the right path. Let us go back to the with a contrite heart, there and then He will forgive and restore.

+ Peace be with you!

© ARCHIVE 30012026