THE PLACE OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IN THE ECONOMY SALVATION OF MAN: - FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG,SMMM piusralphe@gmail.com

THE PLACE OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY IN THE ECONOMY SALVATION OF MAN

PROLEGOMENA: The doctrine of Mary as the co-redemptrix, Mediatrix and advocate in the economy of   man’s salvation right from time immemorial has been a protracted enigma that has raised dust among our separated brethren; who neither wish to ask questions nor bend down to read about the mystified co-participation of this second Eve in the salvation history of man. Following the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Mary’s role in the salvation history of man is tripartite in nature. Thus: a Co-redemptrix, a Mediatrix, and an Advocate (cf. Catechism, no. 969). These multilateral roles played by our lady, is part of the constant teachings of the Church. Saint Paul teaches us that “there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Tim. 2:5).  However, Mary’s participation in the salvation history of man as Mother of Christ and Mother of Christians does not diminish the unique mediation of Christ; rather it points to Christ’s unique mediation and reveals its power (Lumen Gentium 60). It is on this note that this insightive work built on the scripture, documents of the church fathers and lessons from the sacred magisterium have set out to take a circumspective look into this age long controversial issue.  For the sake of clarity and understanding it is pertinent to explicate the three major concepts involved in this work: co-redemptrix, Mediatrix and advocate.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK:

The concept of Mary as Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix, and Advocate for the People of God is an ancient dogma in the church's teaching. The early Church manifested her heartfelt belief in the intercessory power of Mary, to whom she called for help and protection in the midst of dangers and trials. The Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen), composed in the eleventh century, includes this venerable title. Vatican II continues this ancient practice of invoking Mary under the title that conveys her role as intercessory helper for the People of God in times of peril: “Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under these titles....” (Lumen Gentium 62).

 Consequently, we can boldly proclaim that the Co-redemptrix, Mediatrix and advocate roles of our lady, who uniquely participated with the one Redeemer in obtaining the graces of redemption, continues her participation by distributing the graces of redemption with the one Mediator, Jesus Christ, and the Sanctifier, the Holy Spirit. Part of this mediating role of Mary in God’s plan of salvation includes the providential task of being the Advocate for the People of God, that is, a mother pleading on behalf of her children. Thus, Mary not only mediates the graces of God to humanity as Mediatrix, but she also mediates the petitions of the human family back to God as our Advocate. The title “Co-redemptrix” is a term that refers to Mary’s unique and intimate co-operation with her divine Son in redeeming the human family. The title is rooted in Genesis 3:15, where Mary is “prophetically foreshadowed in the promise of victory over the serpent” (Lumen Gentium 55). This passage foreshadows the divine work of redemption brought about by Jesus as the Savior of the world, with the Mother of the Redeemer’s intimate cooperation. The prefix “co” in the title “Co-redemptrix” does not imply equality with the one Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who alone could reconcile humanity with the Father in His divinity and humanity. The prefix “co” is derived from the Latin word cum, which means “with,” and not “equal to.” Jesus as true God and true man redeems the human family, and Mary as “Co-redemptrix” participates with the divine Redeemer in a completely subordinate and dependent way. Nonetheless, though subordinate and dependent, Mary’s human participation remains a uniquely privileged and exalted one, one that was entirely contingent upon her free and meritorious “yes” in her words, “Let it be to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38).

THE MYSTERIOUS ROLES: DYSMISTIFIED  

Blessed Pope John Paul II in his apostolic letter Tertio Millenio Adveniente (The Coming Third Millennium), he stated that Mary’s co-redemptive role in the salvation of man is in fact constantly points to her Divine Son and she is proposed to all believers as the model of faith which is put into practice. (N. 43) 

Perusing through the pages of both Old and New Testaments of the sacred scripture, as well as the ancient writings of our Patriarchs, there is a clear indication of Mary’s role in the economy salvation of man. The books of the Old Testament described the history of man's salvation, by which the coming of Christ into the world was slowly prepared. According to the earliest documents of our fathers in faith, we come to understand in the light of a further and full revelation, bringing the figure of the woman, Mother of the Redeemer, into a clearer light.  When it is looked at in this way, she is already prophetically foreshadowed in the promise of victory over the serpent which was given to our first parents after their fall into sin. (Document of Vatican Council N.284) Likewise she is the Virgin who shall conceive and bear a son, whose name will be called Emmanuel. (Document of Vatican Council N . 285)

 She stands out among the poor and humble of the Lord, who confidently hope for and receives salvation from Him. With her, the exalted Daughter of Zion, and after a long expectation of the promise, the times are fulfilled and the new economy established when the Son of God took a human nature from her that He might in the mysteries of His flesh free man from sin. The Father of mercies willed that the incarnation should be preceded by the acceptance of her who was predestined to be the mother of His Son, so that just as a woman contributed to death, so also a woman should contribute to life. That is true in outstanding fashion of the mother of Jesus and thus designating her with the tittle the “second Eve”, who gave to the world Him who is Life itself and who renews all things, and who was enriched by God with the gifts which befit such a role.

In view of this, the fathers of the church see her as used by God not merely in a passive way, but as freely co-operating or co-participating in the work of human salvation through faith and obedience. For, as St. Irenaeus says, she "being obedient, became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race" Hence, not a few of the early Fathers gladly assert in their preaching, "The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosened by her faith"  Comparing Mary with Eve, they call her "the Mother of the living," and still more often they say: "death through Eve, life through Mary." This union of the Mother with the Son in the work of salvation is made manifest from the time of Christ's virginal conception up to His death it is shown first of all when Mary, arising in haste to go to visit Elizabeth, is greeted by her as blessed because of her belief in the promise of salvation and the precursor leaped with joy in the womb of his mother. 

EPILEGOMENA: Mary’s tripartite role in economy salvation of man is a constant reminder to the faithful that we must all work alongside the Redeemer in bringing the saving Gospel of Christ into the world; to offer our meritorious sufferings for the glory of God and the salvation of souls in the order of the priesthood of the laity, as well as in the ministerial priesthood; to participate through acts of charity and Christian works of mercy in the application of the graces of Calvary to the world today, a world that remains in such grave need of the Redeemer’s spiritual and social liberation; to realize the sublime ecclesial dignity of freely and personally co-operating and co-participating with grace for our own salvation and the salvation  of all humanity; and  to be incarnate witnesses after the model of Mary’s co-redemptrix nature to the fundamental truth that human suffering can be redemptive. Our role as “co-redeemers in Christ” provides a concrete reminder to today’s faithful that the Cross of the Redeemer must again be implanted in the midst of the world and carried by every beloved disciple for the salvation and sanctification of contemporary society.

Reflection for Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Wednesday 8th July, 2020.

14th week in Ordinary Time – Year II

1st Reading = Hosea 10:1-3.7-8.12                                                                                                                                           Resp. Psalm = Ps 105:2-7                                                                                                                                                        Gospel = Matthew 10:1-7

Jesus in today’s gospel calls twelve of His disciples by name to be His apostles. He sent them to be go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He gave them power and authority over demons and unclean spirits. This only goes to show the closeness Jesus had with them. The word ‘apostle’ is from the Greek word ‘apostolos’ which means ‘one who is sent.’ Put differently, an apostle is an official representative charged with a commission and a mission, and he empowered by the authorization of the sender rather than the content of the commission and mission.

We too, by our baptism and confirmation, are apostles in a broad sense because we are sent by Jesus to proclaim His good news of salvation and God’s Kingdom. We have been empowered by being confirmed in Christ, to be His soldiers everywhere we are. We as Christians, we should know how to communicate the message of Christ to the different people who are part of our daily living, especially those who have abandoned the right path; they are the lost sheep of the house of Israel. We may not be far better but we must not wait for us to become saints before we offer help.

Dear friends, how often do we pray for those whose lives we would love to see given to Christ? How do we treat such a person who is adamant to change, who may even have gone out of control? Do we abandon them to themselves and say ‘I hand you over to God’ or ‘May the Holy Spirit touch you’ ? But we forget that we are the instruments the Holy Spirit will use to transform such a one. Do we discuss our faith, the doctrine and teachings pf the Church or even the Gospel of the day with our friends? Do we much as make any reference to it in our discussions? If we don’t, how does the person get transformed or at least inspired? What ways do we use for evangelization on such people, if at all we do? Are we patient with them or do we expect transformation to be immediate? Do we carry out evangelization because we just want to get people into our Churches or because we really care about the person’ life? Remember, salvation is partly rooted in morals and worship in the true faith stemming from the ‘Apostles’.

Dear people of God let us not abandon the mission handed to us to the priests and religious around us, but let’s do our own part of the job, for we are all sent and apostles in our little ways. May St Killian (Apostle of Franconia), St Adrian III and the Martyrs of Shanxi, help us to be better apostles beginning from our families and then to the entire world. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Have a great day.

Fr Kevin N. Lereh, M.Ss.Cc                                                                                                                                                    Together in Prayer

The AGNES' PALLIUM - FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Eureka! The ARCHIVE is here again at your door step to bring to you yet another insight into the Church's history: The AGNES PALLIUM. This is one of the insignias of the office of the Metropolitan archbishops and Patriarchs.

The AGNES’ PALLIUM

June 29 every year marks the solemnity of two great Apostles – Peter and Paul. St. Peter was chosen by the Lord to be the leader of the Church and given the task to preach the Gospel especially among the Jewish communities; while Apostle Paul became the chosen instrument of God to bring the Good news to the whole world. In the process of conversion, both apostles experienced the gratuitous compassion and forgiveness of the Lord. Today, these great men are considered in the Christian history as ancestors in the faith. Besides the solemn celebration of these great men of faith in the Catholic Church globally, there is one particular event that takes place on this same day that has to be given a special mention.

It is on this fateful day that the Pope gives out Pallium (which is attributed to St. Agnes) to the Metropolitan Archbishops and Patriarchs appointed within the year. To some, this term ‘pallium’ sounds so strange in their ears, while others do not need an interpretation. But one thing is significant about “the Pallium,” that is the connection between the Pallium and St. Agnes. In a bit to explain the cordial relationship existing between this virtuous Virgin and Pallium, it is out of necessity to give an account of the life of St. Agnes. The little we know about St. Agnes is that she was only 13 years old when she dedicated her maidenhood to Christ, much to the outrage of her many suitors. When she refused to change her mind, Agnes was handed to the authorities. According to one story told about her, she was put in a brothel, but any man who made advances on her was blinded and paralyzed. They then tried to burn her at the stake, but the wood would not ignite. Finally, she was decapitated on the Via Nomentana outside of Rome. Agnes went to her execution, St. Ambrose tells us, “more cheerful than others go to their wedding” Later on in history, the Emperor Constantine erected a basilica over her tomb. The basilica is known today as St. Agnes Outside the Walls, where her mortal body is preserved, while her skull is in the side chapel in the Church of St. Agnes of Agony in Piazza Navonma in Rome.

Today, it is also noted that the Trappist monastery of Tre Fontane (Three fountains) on the outskirt of Rome has something in common with this virgin and martyr. The monastery has raised two lambs in her honour that are involved in a charming and ancient tradition, (recalling the fact that Agnes’ name is derived from agnus, the Latin word for Lamb, and it evokes the Greek word agnos, meaning pure). It is worthy to note that, on the day before her feast, the lambs are taken to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, where they groomed and coddled. The next morning the lambs are decorated with roses and a mantle that reads S. A. V. (St. Agnes Virgin) and the other wears a red mantle that reads S. A. M. (St. Agnes Martyr). The sisters have had the privilege of tending these lambs since 1884AD, when they inherited it from neighbouring convent closed down.

Once the lambs are ready, they are picked up by members of the Order of Lateran Canons Regular, who serve Sant’ Agnese fuori le Mura, and taken to the basilica. A morning Mass is celebrated, and the abbot of the Order blesses the lambs on the altar. From there, they are taken to the Vatican, where the pope himself receives and blesses them. The lambs are later shorn on Tuesday of Holy week, and their wool used by the nuns of the Benedictine convent of St. Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome, to make Palliums. When they are ready, the Palliums are placed in a bronze urn next to the chair of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica. There they stay until the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul on June 29, when it will be given out to the newly appointed Metropolitan Archbishops.

 According to Dom Gueranger, this simple woolen ornament worn by the Supreme Pontiff and the Archbishops “carries to the very ends of the world the sublime union of… two sentiments – the vigour and power of the Prince of Apostles, and the gentleness of Agnes the Virgin.” (Quoted in Michael P. Foley’s Agnes’ Pallium, Messenger of St. Anthony, January 2012). It is now clear to an extent why and how this unique symbol of authority is called the ‘Agnes’ Pallium’.

However, the Pallium which Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI wore and now put on by the present Supreme Pontiff, Francis I has five crosses which symbolizes the five wounds of Christ and is fastened with three pins called aciculae signifying three nails of crucifixion. The wool, out of which the pallium is made, on the other hand, recalls the lost sheep that the Good Shepherd carried on His shoulders. When the pallium is worn by the pope, it is a symbol of his authority and jurisdiction; when it is given to the Patriarchs and Metropolitans it is a symbol of their authority and their union with the bishop of Rome.  The modern pallium is a circular band about two inches wide, worn around the neck, breast, and shoulders, and having two pendants, one hanging down in front and one behind. The pendants are about two inches wide and twelve inches long, and are weighted with small pieces of lead covered with black silk. And this is worn over the chasuble.

There are many different opinions concerning the origin of the pallium. Some traced it to an investiture by Constantine the Great (or one of his successors); others consider it an imitation of the Hebrew ephod, the humeral garment of the high priest. Others again, declare that its origin is traceable to a mantle of St. Peter, which was symbolical of his office as supreme pastor. A fourth hypothesis finds its origin in a liturgical mantle, which, they assert, was used by the early popes, and which in the course of time was folded in the shape of a band; a fifth says its origin dates from the custom of folding the ordinary mantle-pallium, an outer garment in use in imperial times; a sixth declares that it was introduced immediately as a papal liturgical garment, which, however, was not at first a narrow strip of cloth, but, as the name suggests, a broad, oblong, and folded cloth. To trace it to an investiture of the emperor, to the ephod of the Jewish high-priest, or to a fabled mantle of St. Peter, is entirely inadmissible. The correct view may well be that the pallium was introduced as a liturgical badge of the pope, and it does not seem improbable that it was adopted in imitation of its counterpart, the pontifical omophorion, already in vogue in the Eastern Church.

The use of the pallium is reserved to the pope and the archbishops, but the latter may not use it until, on petition they have received the permission of the Holy See. Bishops sometimes receive the pallium as a mark of special favour, but it does not increase their powers or jurisdiction nor give them precedence. The pope may use the pallium at any time. Others, even archbishops, may use it only in their respective dioceses, and there only on the days and occasions designated in the "Pontificate" (Christmas, the Ascension, and other specified great feasts; during the conferring of Holy orders, the consecration of abbots, etc.), unless its use is extended by a special privilege. Worn by the pope, the pallium symbolizes the plenitudo pontificalis officii (i.e. the plenitude of pontifical office); worn by archbishops, it typifies their participation in the supreme pastoral power of the pope, who concedes it to them for their proper church provinces or Metropolitan Sees. An archbishop therefore, who has not received the pallium may not exercise any of his functions as metropolitan, nor any metropolitan prerogatives whatever; he is even forbidden to perform any Episcopal act until invested with the pallium. Similarly, after his resignation, he may not use the pallium, should he be transferred to another archdiocese. He must again request the Holy Father for the pallium. In the case of bishops, its use is purely ornamental. The new palliums are solemnly blessed after the Second Vespers on the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. The pallium is conferred in Rome by a cardinal-deacon, and outside of Rome by a bishop; in both cases the ceremony takes place after the celebration of Mass and the administration of the oath of allegiance. (cf. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen). 

As early as the sixth century the pallium was considered a liturgical vestment to be used only in the church, and indeed only during Mass, unless a special privilege determined otherwise. This is proved conclusively by the agreement between Gregory the Great and John of Ravenna concerning the use of the pallium. The rules regulating the original use of the pallium cannot be determined with certainty but its use, even before the sixth century, seems to have had a definite liturgical character. From the early times, more or less extensive restrictions limited the use of the pallium to certain days. Its indiscriminate use, permitted to Hincmar of Reims by Leo IV (851) and to Bruno of Cologne by Agapetus II (954) was contrary to the general custom. In the tenth and eleventh centuries, just as today, the general rule was to limit the use of the pallium to a few festivals and some other extraordinary occasions. The symbolic character now attached to the pallium dates back to the time when it was made an obligation for all metropolitans to request the Holy See for permission to use it. The evolution of this character was complete about the end of the eleventh century; hence the pallium is always designated in the papal Bulls as the symbol of plenitudo pontificalis officii (the plenitude of pontifical office). In the sixth century the pallium was the symbol of the papal office and the papal power, and for this reason Pope Felix transmitted his pallium to his archdeacon, when, contrary to custom, he nominated him his successor. On the other hand, when used by metropolitans, the pallium originally signified simply union with the Apostolic See, and was the symbol of the ornaments of virtue which should adorn the life of the wearer. 

Finally, the Pallium in actual sense transcends a mere ornament as people may see it, and assumed a unique function of dignity of office and gentleness of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr.

Rev. Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

piusralphe@gmail.com

The POPE and the SWISS GUARD by PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THE POPE AND THE SWISS GUARD

- PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM -

piusralphe@gmail.com

Overture: The Pontifical Swiss Guard or the world’s smallest army as often called is one of the most attractive sights one could find while visiting the ancient city of Vatican for the first time. While some posed for a photograph in the front of these men who are on guard at the gate of Vatican, others looked with awe the great and gigantic men whose statures threaten even the devil. Their responsibility goes beyond mounting sentry at the Vatican City’s gate, its environs and the Pontifical Villa of Castel Gandolfo, but also focus on personal security of the Holy Father. 

In our series this week on “The ARCHIVE” we mount our camera facing the ancient city of Rome, the Vatican City or the Papal State. Where we will take a cursory look into her security service - the Pontifical Swiss Guard. They serve the Holy Father exclusively as personal protectors, and all of Swiss origin. One may be prompted to ask, why all Swiss? The answer is not far-fetched as we journey together around the walls of this city which serves as the headquarters of the worldwide Catholic Church.

The Historical Lane: The uniqueness of the Swiss Mercenaries cannot be over emphasized right from antiquity. That is why Tacitus one of the leading great historians once said, "The Helvetians are a people of warriors, famous for the valour of their soldiers." So are the Swiss guard in all ramifications, to the extent of making a remarkable impact in the history of European politics. Due to their outstanding roles played during this epoch in history, that the evening of January 22, 1506 saw them within the Vatican City on invitation by Pope Julius II, with Captain Kasparvon Silenen, of Canton Uri leading the troop through the Porta del Popolo and entered for the first time the Vatican. They were blessed by Pope Julius II, with the prelate Johann Burchard of Strasbourg, Master of Pontifical Ceremonies at that time, and author of a famous chronicle, noted the event in his diary. 

According to record, it was Pope Sixtus IV who made a previous alliance in 1497 with the Confederates, which for saw the possibility of recruiting mercenaries, and he had barracks built for them near where there is, still today, the small Church of St. Pellegrino, in Via Pellegrino in Vatican City. Later, renewing the old pact, Innocent VIII (1484-1492) also desired to make use of them against the Duke of Milan. And Alexander VI also engaged Confederate soldiers during the time of the alliance between the Borgia family and the King of France. While the Borgias were so powerful the so called Italian Wars began in which the Swiss soldiers were always present, in the front line, at times for France, and at others to support the Holy See or the Holy Roman Empire ruled by a German sovereign. When the Swiss mercenaries heard that Charles VIII, King of France, was planning a great expedition against Naples, they flocked to enlist. Towards the end of the year 1494, thousands of them were in Rome, passing through with the French army, which in February of the following year, occupied Naples. Among the participants in that expedition against Naples, there was also Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere, future Pope Julius II, who under Pope Alexander VI had left Italy and gone to France. He was well acquainted with the Swiss, because some twenty years earlier he had been granted as one of many benefices, the Bishopric of Lausanne. A few months later however, Charles VIII was forced to abandon Naples in all haste and he barely succeeded in forcing a blockade and escaping to France. In fact, Pope Alexander VI had connected Milan, Venice, the Germanic Empire and Ferdinand the Catholic to form a barrier against the French. With the full knowledge of this Guards, that the Holy Father Pope Julius II invited them into the Vatican City, and they arrived that fateful day January 22, 1506. Since then, the Pontifical Swiss Guard as we come to know now has serve the various Popes across centuries.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard: Is also referred to as Papal Swiss Guard, or just Swiss Guard; Pontificia Cohors Helvetica or Cohors Pedestris Helvetiorum a Sacra Custodia Pontificis in Latin; In Italian they are known as Guardia Svizzera Pontificia; while in German it is Päpstliche Schweizergarde; and Garde suisse pontificale in French. They serve de facto military of Vatican City.  These men undergone military training in the Swiss army, and has their barracks close to the papal apartment. The guards, who are independent of the Swiss armed forces, are employed by the Holy Father – the Pope, to whom they swear loyalty in a ceremony at Belvedere Court. As is common with any elite military corps, competition is intense for inclusion in the Swiss Guards. New recruits must be unmarried Roman Catholic males with Swiss citizenship, between 19 and 30 years of age, and at least 5 feet 8 inches (1.74 metres) tall; they must have a professional diploma or high school degree and must complete basic training with the Swiss military. (Historically, new recruits also had to prove they were free of physical deformities, and commanding officers were traditionally of noble lineage.) The guards normally wear blue doublets and blue berets, but on ceremonial occasions they don the colourful Renaissance-era uniforms for which they are famous. They are among the oldest uniforms in continuous use. The tunics are striped in the colours of the Medici family: red, dark blue, and yellow. White ruffs and high plumed helmets (with ostrich feathers coloured to reflect different ranks) are also worn, as, on occasion, is armour. While in traditional dress, the guards carry pikes and swords, but they are also trained in the use of modern weaponry and counterterrorism techniques. The tailors of the Swiss Guard work inside the Vatican barracks. There the uniform for each guardsman is tailor-made individually. The total set of Renaissance style clothing weighs 8 pounds (3.6 kg), and may be the heaviest and most complicated uniform in use by any standing army today. A single uniform requires 154 pieces

and takes nearly 32 hours and 3 to fittings to complete. (cf. "The Pontifical Swiss Guard – Uniforms". The Vatican. Retrieved August 19, 2017.)

While both Michelangelo and a painting of the Pontifical Swiss Guard bearing Pope Julius II on a litter (by Raphael) are often cited as inspiration for the Pontifical Swiss Guard uniform, the actual uniforms worn by those soldiers included a flaring skirt; a common feature in male clothing during the Renaissance. A clear expression of the modern Pontifical Swiss Guard uniform can be seen in a 1577 fresco by Jacopo Coppi of the Empress Eudoxia conversing with Pope Sixtus III. It shows the precursor of today's recognizable three-colored uniform with boot covers, white gloves, a high or ruff collar, and either a black beret or a black Comb morion (silver for high occasions). Sergeants wear a black top with crimson leggings, while other officers wear an all-crimson uniform. The colours blue and yellow were in use from the 16th century, said to be chosen to represent the Della Rovere coat of arms of Julius II, with the colour red added to represent the Medici coat of arms of Leo X. (cf. "The Swiss Guard - The Uniform of the Swiss Guards". vatican.va. Retrieved August 19, 2017.)

At the moment the Swiss Guards’ residential quarters is located at the eastern edge of the city, north of St. Peter's Square and beside the Vatican palace. Their chapel is that of Saints Martino and Sebastiano, and the Campo Santo Teutonico, near St. Peter's Basilica, is designated their cemetery. Swiss mercenaries were long renowned as the best soldiers in the world. Further reorganizations of this Guards were made in 1959 and 1976, and in 1979 their number was fixed at 100 (a commandant, 3 other high officers, a chaplain, 23 lesser officers, 2 drummers, and 70 pikemen). In 1981 Swiss Guards helped protect John Paul II during an assassination attempt in St. Peter's Square. In fact, the plainclothes guardsman who rushed to the pope's aid became a hero and was named commandant of the Swiss Guards in 1998. Within hours of his promotion, however, he and his wife were shot and killed by a disgruntled lower-ranking guard, who then committed suicide; these were the first murders known to have taken place in Vatican City since the mid-19th century. (cf. "Swiss Guards." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite.  Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2014.)

Conclusion: Huldrych Zwingli, a Swiss Catholic who later became a Protestant reformer once said, "The Swiss see the sad situation of the Church of God, Mother of Christianity, and realize how grave and dangerous it is that any tyrant, avid for wealth, can assault with impunity, the common Mother of Christianity." This observation summarizes the pains and gory states the Holy Mother Church went through. And this formed the foundation of their invitation to the Vatican City. With their service and commitment, the Holy Father, Pope Julius II granted them the title “Defenders of the Church’s freedom.” They hold their swearing-in ceremony May 6 each year to mark the day in 1527 when 147 members of their corps gave their lives in a desperate rear-guard action that allowed Pope Clement VII to reach the safety Castel Sant’Angelo while the soldiers of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V sacked the eternal city – Rome. The pontifical Swiss Guards being foot guards with a close protection of the Holy Father as their primary role has a capacity of 100 men. Ss. Ignatius of Antioch, Martin of Tours, Sebastian and Nicholas of Flue are their patron saints. Acriter et Fidelter (Fiercely and Faithfully) remains their motto. So far they have recorded a total of three major war engagements: War of Urbino in 1517, Sack of Rome in 1527 and Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The Pontifical Swiss Guard at present has Pope Francis I as the Ceremonial Chief, Christopher Graf – the Commander and Philippe Morard as the Vice Commander.

EDITORIAL

                 

GRATITUDE

Dearest in the Lord, greetings! On behalf of the Board of the Editors of The ARCHIVE - your one-stop E-Catholic platform, the publisher of your favourite daily reflection: DIVINE WHISPER wishes to thank you all for your patronage and support. 

Interestingly, by God's grace and mercy we will clock THREE this year September 23, (the feast day of our principal patron - St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padrepio). Within this few years we are grateful to God for His benevolence despite our shortcomings and weaknesses.

Meanwhile, the platform will move to the next level of it's mission on INSIGHT INTO PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENT IN CHRUCH'S HISTORY.

Kindly, stay Click on us and get refreshed.

Finally, we pray for you and with you for Divine favour, connection and protection through the intercession of Our Mother, the Undoer of Knots and St. Pius of Pietrelcina (Padrepio) our principal patroness and patron, that your heart desires may be granted through Christ our Lord.

I remain your servant in Christ,

Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

(General Editor)

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER

 with

FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

"I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Dearest in the Lord, today is Wednesday in the second week of Lent. Gradually, we are facing Jerusalem in anticipation of the great Festival of Palm Sunday in few weeks time.

In the light of this, Evangelist John in tiday's gospel acclamation reminded us of one of the outstanding attributes of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He (Christ) used the image  "light" to explain himself. No one ever walk in the light and fear grips him or her. That is to say with Christ, darkness in our paths shall be dispelled. 

Christ remains the foundation of our being. As we are watching and waiting with fasting, prayer and almsgiving let us not be afraid for Christ is the light unto our paths. Prophet Jeremiah in the first reading gives us instace of attack on him, but his enemies could not harm him because God was there with him. (cf. Jeremiah 18:18-20)

Why are we getting so worried? Why allowing fear to grip us? Why troubling ourselves unnecessarily? Fear not! Lets cheer up for he (Christ) is always there and will continue to be there as light for us, as long as we walk with Him. Peace be with you! Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

Let us pray

Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER

with

FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:20)

Prophet Isaiah pronounced God's intention on us, inviting us to true repentance. We are weak and short-lived, but God is ever willing and ready to assist us in our frailty. In the same vein prophet Ezekiel invites us to cast away all our transgressions which we have committed, and get ourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (cf. Ezekiel 18:31).
Dearest in the Lord, we need to redress our steps and move ahead with vigour. For God is ever willing and ready to firgive us. For the psalmist says: "To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God"  (Psalm 50:23bc). Peace be with you!

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

Let us pray
Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy, and since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall, may we kept by your cobstant help from all harm and directed to all that brings salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

LENTEN SEASON: A Moment of God’s Invitation to Return to Him

LENTEN SEASON: A Moment of God’s Invitation to Return to Him

REV. FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

+2348 0668 90324 

piusralphe@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
The service of Ash Wednesday has come and gone. The ashes have been washed off, but the spirit of the event continues with a forty day of Lenten walk with the Lord through prayer, fasting and alms-giving. The annual observance of Lent is a special season for each and every one of us. It is a moment of sober reflection and response to God’s invitation for repentance. This period goes beyond public show of piety, but interior self-examination. Which ignite in us the thirst to approach God with humility and self-emptiness and not with the pharisaic attitude. Our repentance must come from the heart as Prophet Joel exclaimed (cf. Joel 2:12-13). Through its twofold themes of repentance and baptism, the season of Lent disposes both the catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery. Catechumens are led to the sacraments of initiation by means of the rite of election, the scrutinies, and catechesis. While the faithful on the other hand, listening more intently to the word of God and devot­ing themselves to prayer, and are prepared through a spirit of repentance to renew their baptismal promises. (cf. Ceremonial of Bishops no. 249). No wonder Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in one of his Lenten homilies avers: "Lent is like a long 'retreat' during which we can turn back into ourselves and listen to the voice of God, in order to defeat the temptations of the Evil One. It is a period of spiritual 'combat' which we must experience alongside Jesus, not with pride and presumption, but using the arms of faith: prayer, listening to the word of God and penance. In this way we will be able to celebrate Easter in truth, ready to renew the promises of our Baptism."

Bearing this in mind that we are going to reflect with you as we journey with the Lord within these forty days of spiritual exercise. Before we proceed let us dig deep a bit into the threshold of the tradition and custom behind this season of Lent and its significance, then God’s invitation for repentance and Church’s teaching on the Lenten observances.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LENTEN SEASON

The term “Lent” which we employ to denote the forty days of fasting, prayer and almsgiving preceding Easter festival of our redemption, originally meant no more than the spring season. Still it has been used from the Anglo-Saxon period to translate the more significant Latin term Quadragesima, Quaresima in Italian, and Tessarakosti in Greek, meaning the “forty days”, or more literally the “fortieth day”. This therefore is an imitation of the Greek name for Lent tessarakoste (fortieth), a word formed on the analogy of Pentecost (pentecoste), which last was use for the Jewish festival before New Testament times. (​www.newadvent.org​). The custom of this period is dated to the Apostolic era. That is why some theologians are of the opinion that the season of Lent was established by the apostles themselves or in the immediate post-apostolic era at the latest. They assumed this season of fasting was closely connected with preparation for Easter baptisms - a practice likewise considered to be of apostolic foundation (cf. Romans 6), and observed everywhere throughout the Church since its earliest days. Also some of the fathers of the Church supported this view, for instance St. Leo exhorts his hearers to abstain that they may “fulfill with their fasts the apostolic institution of the forty days”. Taking a closer look into most of the ancient sources on the custom of Lenten season, it reveals a more gradual historical development. While fasting before Easter seems to have been ancient and widespread, the length of the fast varied significantly from place to place and across generations. Towards the latter half of the 2nd century for instance, In Gaul, Irenaeus of Lyons and there in the North Africa Tertullian tell us that the preparatory fast lasted one or two days, or forty hours—commemorating what was believed to be the exact duration of Christ’s time in the tomb. By the mid-third century, Dionysius of Alexandria speaks of a fast of up to six days practiced by the devout in his See; and the Byzantine historian Socrates relates that the Christians of Rome at some point kept a fast of three weeks. Only following the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. (cf. Peter Gunning, The Paschal or Lent Fast: Apostolic and Perpetual (Oxford, UK: John Henry Parker, 1845, pp. 82-85).

In the light of this, we find in the early years of the fourth century the first mention of the term tessarakoste which means “fortieth”. This term occurs in the fifth canon of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. Soon after the Council of Nicaea, the theory speculates, this fast would have been moved from its original position after Theophany and joined to Easter creating the Lent we know today.

Notably, St. Athanasius in his festal letter enjoined his flock to observe a forty day fast. And in 339 AD, while returning from Rome still re-emphasized the obligation to fast. Despite this justified suspicion, there are other indicators revealing that the post-Theophany fast may be something more than a late fabricated legend. As early as the mid-third century, we begin to find references to a forty-day fasting period that is not specifically connected to Easter. The earliest of these is found in a series of Homilies on Leviticus composed by Origen, a third-century

theologian from Alexandria, Egypt. To dissuade Christians from observing the Jewish Day of Atonement, Origen argues that “we [Christians] have forty days dedicated to fasting; we have the fourth [Wednesday] and sixth day [Friday] of the week on which we regularly fast.” (Homilies on Leviticus 10.2:5-6; English translation in Gary Wayne Barkley, Origen: Homilies on Leviticus: 1-16, Fathers of the Church 83 Washington, DC: Catholic University of America Press, 1990), pp. 206-207).

However, how this period came to be forty days duration is believed to be a predominant influence from the episode of Israelites experience in the Wilderness (cf. Deut 8:2-5; Ps 95:10), forty days Moses was in the Mount and received the law of God, (cf. Ex 24:18), forty days that Moses was in the mount after the sin of the Golden Calf, (cf. Deut 9:18, 25), forty days of Elijah in Horeb, (cf. 1Kgs 19:8), forty days of Jonah and Nineveh, (cf. Jonah 3:4); and in the Christian Testament (New Testament), Christ fasted for forty days and forty nights (cf. Matt 4:2), for forty days after resurrection Christ was on the earth with His disciples. The number “forty” is mentioned 143 times in the scripture to symbolize trial, testing or probation.

It is so believed that on account of this historic events and its importance in the salvation history of man that the Lenten season is being designated with forty days of prayer, fasting and alms-giving.

GOD’S INVITATION TO REPENTANCE

God’s unfathomable mercy upon humanity cannot be measured. Beginning from creation He has been in constant communication with man and later in history through the prophets. God created all and saw that it was beautiful and left the first man – Adam with an instruction which he could not keep (cf. Gen 3:1-13). Thus bringing about the beginning of man’s suffering and death. Just as St. Paul’s epistle to the Romans will say: that through one man sin and death entered the world, and through Christ life was given back to humanity by the redemptive power of His paschal mystery. (cf. Rom 5:12-15). That is why at the appointed time God sent His only begotten that whosoever believed in Him may have eternal life. (cf. Jn 3:16).

In allusion to God’s invitation to repentance, prophet Ezekiel earlier prophesized, “If a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps all God’s decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will not die. None of his offences will be remembered against him. Because of the righteous things he has done he will live.” (Ezekiel 18:21-22). Prophet Joel further cried out: … return to the Lord with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning. (cf. Joel 2:12-13). This same proclamation was made by Christ in the New Testament inviting you and I to repent of our sins for the kingdom of God is at hand. (cf. Matt 4:17). God in any way does not desire the death of a sinner rather He often give him or her an opportunity to make amends. The time is here before us to say a total “yes” to Him who is ever ready to receive us no matter the gravity of our offences as in the parable of the prodigal son. (cf. Lk 15:11-32). That is why the public ministry of Christ had the message of repentance at the centre. The act of repentance is not a matter of season or time, it is a continuous spiritual exercise which demands an interior self-examination. It is an acknowledgement that we are sinners and that we need a Saviour. One of the clearest pictures of this message came in the person of John the Baptist, forerunner of the Messiah. His message was simply, “Repent and be baptized.” He simply told the people that they were lost and in need of repentance. This message has not changed since that time. This same invitation is what the Holy Mother Church presents before us during this solemn season of Lent, with an invitation to grab it with sincere observance of the spiritual exercise behind to it.

CHURCH’S TEACHING ON LENTEN OBSERVANCES

The Season of Lent remains a period for the preparation for the great festival of Easter, an event which reminds us of the salvation brought about through Christ’s paschal mystery of passion, death and resurrection. According to the Liturgical Year General Norms (LYGN) no. 27, the liturgy of this Season prepares both the catechumens and faithful for the celebration of the paschal mystery by the various stages of Christian initiation, and recalling of the baptism promises as well as doing penance in preparation for Easter respectively.

Within this season in the Church’s liturgical year, Gloria is omitted in all Masses with Alleluia and in the Divine Office as well, the Te Deum is as well omitted during the Office. The weekdays of Lent from Ash Wednesday to Saturday before Palm Sunday take precedence over the memorials of a saint occurring on a particular day. (cf. Instructions on the Liturgy of the Hours no. 237 – 239, pp. xiv-xv). During this period except for some genuine need or pastoral advantage Votive Masses and daily Masses for the Dead are not permitted. Altar is not decorated with flowers during Lent, while musical instruments are not used except on Laetare Sunday and for Solemnities and feasts or to sustain singing.

In addition to these stipulated guidelines, the Church urges us to try as much as we could to avoid every occasion of sin, to repent and return to God by  a good sacramental confession and do appropriate penance both those imposed at confession and other voluntary acts of penance. Regular attendance at Stations of the Cross every Wednesday and Friday is highly encouraged. The universal Church law also stipulates fasting and abstinence from meat, or from some other food as determined by the Bishop’s conference on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. (cf. Canon 1251). The Canon further states that the law of abstinence binds those who have completed their fourteenth year of age, while the law for fasting binds those who have completed their sixteenth year of age and have not reached sixty years of age. Above all the pastors of souls and parents are to ensure that even those who by reason of their age are not bound by the law of fasting and abstinence, are taught the true meaning of penance. (cf. Canon 1252). Following the Church’s teaching on the Lenten observances, penance and abstinence exercising within this moment in the liturgical life of the Church point to: recalling the memory of the passion and death of the Lord, sharing in Christ’s suffering, as an expression of inner conversion and as a form of reparation for sin.

CONCLUSION

The code of Canon law states clearly that all Christ’s faithful are obliged by divine law, each in his or her own way, to do penance. However, so that all may be joined together in a certain common practice of penance…. On these days Christ’s faithful are in special manner to devote themselves to prayer, to engage in works of piety and charity, and to deny themselves, by fulfilling their obligations more faithfully and especially by observing the fast and abstinence which the canons prescribe. (Canon 1249). With this ecclesiastical injunction in mind, we are bound by conscience for our spiritual growth and sanctification of our souls to keep to this rules, not for the sake of keeping but reflecting soberly over the mysteries surrounding them.

 As we journey with the universal Church within these forty days of prayer, fasting and abstinence let us prayerfully remind God of our weakness with the words of St. Gregory the Great: “Remember, Lord, though frail we be, by your own kind hand were we made; and help us, lest our frailty cause your great name to be betrayed”. (An Extract from a Hymn composed by him, used for the Season of Lent, Divine Office Vol. II p. 572*).

Finally, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, let us once more pause, ponder and remind ourselves of these words by Fulton J. Sheen, "Lenten practices of giving up pleasures are good reminders that the purpose of life is not pleasure. The purpose of life is to attain to perfect life, all truth and undying ecstatic love – which is the definition of God. In pursuing that goal we find happiness. Pleasure is not the purpose of anything; pleasure is a by-product resulting from doing something that is good. One of the best ways to get happiness and pleasure out of life is to ask ourselves, 'How can I please God?' and, 'Why am I not better?' It is the pleasure-seeker who is bored, for all pleasures diminish with repetition." Wishing you all a spirit-filled Lenten Season.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER

with 

FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

... and you will not die.

"As I live, says the Lord, I do not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he turn back and live" Ezekiel 33:11

Beloved friends in Christ,  the love of God upon us is beyond measure and human telling. He desires not our death and total damnation, but we have to "repent and believe the gospel"  if we desire the salvation. For God is ever merciful and slow to anger, only if we are ready to welcome Him into our lives. 

On another note, Evangelist Matthew in today's gospel pericope announced Christ's injunction of true repentance saying: "Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of  heaven" (Matthew 5:20). 

As we move on in this solemn season let us "tore our hearts and not our gaments" for if the Lord should mark our iniquities, no one will survive. (cf. Psalm 130:3). Pray always, detach from what gives you temporal joy and then show kindness. Peace be with you!

FADA PIUSRALPH prays for you.

Let us pray

Grant that Your faithful, O Lord, we pray, may be so confirmed to the Paschal observances, that the bodily discipline now solemnly begun may bear fruit in the souls of all. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER

 with

 FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, S

DIVINE WHISPER

 with

 FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT 

THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

"Every one who asks receives.” (Matthew 7:7)

In moment where life seems to be blue, difficulties and challenges set in from all angles, one thing gives meaning and hope and that is "God". Man right from creation has been fragile and always dependent upon God. And God on the other hand has never abadoned him to the whims and caprises of evil one. 

On this note that, Evangelist Matthew in today's gospel pericope reminded us of the God's continuous promise to be there for us. Now here Evangelist Matthew reporting:

"At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. " (Matthew 7:7ff.)

Dearest in the Lord, as Queen Esther cried and the Lord heard her. (cf. Esther 14;1ff.) God will not pay deaf ear to our cries for help. Let us be rest assured of God's love always as the psalmist proclaimed today: "On the day I called, You answered me, O God" (Psalm 138:3a). Peace be with you!

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

Let us pray

Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering on what is right and of hastening to carry it out, and since without you we cannot exist , may we be enabled to live according to Your will, through Christ our Lord, Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER

 with 

Fr. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

"If you repent of your sin,  I will forgive you." (cf. Jonah 3:10)

God is merciful and loving. It is out of His love that He sent prophet Jonah to the land of Nineveh to preach for repentance. And Ninevites heard and repented. However, "When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God repented of the evil which he had said he would do to them; and he did not do it." (Jonah 3:10). This word is being addressed to us on this day as we continue our Lenten observance. We need a U-Turn in our way of life, there should be some elements of detacment. If we do this, He will not inflict the pain on us, closed doors will  be opened, barren womb will conceive, desert will have water flowing out of it, our lands shall be fertile and yield in hundreds and thousands. 

Dearest friends in Christ, what then are we waiting for? Let us join the psalmist today in prayer: "Create a pure heart for me, O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). Peace be with you!

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

Let us pray

Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those, who by self-denial are restrained in body, may by the fruit of good works be renewed in mind. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER

 with 

Fr. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

"If you repent of your sin,  I will forgive you." (cf. Jonah 3:10)

God is merciful and loving. It is out of His love that He sent prophet Jonah to the land of Nineveh to preach for repentance. And Ninevites heard and repented. However, "When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God repented of the evil which he had said he would do to them; and he did not do it." (Jonah 3:10). This word is being addressed to us on this day as we continue our Lenten observance. We need a U-Turn in our way of life, there should be some elements of detacment. If we do this, He will not inflict the pain on us, closed doors will  be opened, barren womb will conceive, desert will have water flowing out of it, our lands shall be fertile and yield in hundreds and thousands. 

Dearest friends in Christ, what then are we waiting for? Let us join the psalmist today in prayer: "Create a pure heart for me, O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). Peace be with you!

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

Let us pray

Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those, who by self-denial are restrained in body, may by the fruit of good works be renewed in mind. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER 

with 

FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

The Power in His "Word" (cf. Isaiah 55:10-11)

From the table of the word today, prophet Isaiah reminded us of the power in God's word saying:

Thus says the LORD: "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I intend, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Dearest in the Lord, God's word remains alive and active. In moment of challenge and cares of life, let us not forget His promise towards us all as His children. Evangelist Matthew following today's gospel pericope gave us modus of prayer as the Lord taught His discples. ( cf. Matthew 6:7-15) Using the Lord's word to pray makes our prayers more active than ever.

As we continue to journey with the Church for these forty days of intense prayer, self-denial (fasting) and active charity. Let us keep in mind that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Peace be with you!  Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

Let us pray

Look upon your family, Lord, that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline, our minds may be radiant in your presence with the strength of our yearning for you. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER 

with 

Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM

 MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT

Be HOLY for I am HOLY

"... you shall be holy; for I the Lord your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:1-2).

God's love upon humanity has been beyond measure right from time immemorial. His desire to bring man closer to Himself was one His pririoties and remains same till date (cf. Genesis 1:26). Today, He instructed Moses what to tell us, so that we can be like Him, a recap of the great decalogue which the book of Exodus 20:1ff. has the full detail. These caveats (cf. Leviticus 19: 11ff.) given by God point toward our relationship with our neighbours. For if we don't love our neighbour whom we have seen, we can't claim in anyway love for God whom we have not seen. For it is in loving one another that we can claim that we love God.

Beloved in Christ, we have all given ample opportunity this solemn season by the Church to reflect daily on the Word, and put this word into action by being faithful to our Lenten observances. Let our works speak for us and not the word that comes from our mouth. Match every bit of it with action, else our righteousness is that of scribes and Pharisees.

Peace of Christ be with you! Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!

LET US PRAY

Enlighten the minds of Your people, Lord God, we pray, with Your glory, that they may see what must be done and have the strength to do what is right. Through Christ our Lord, Amen

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER 

with 

Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM

 SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

And the Lord will guide you...

Thus says the LORD: "If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Is.58: 9ff.)

Today's prophecy by Isaiah goes with a caveat, which must be fulfilled. A call to upright life, sincerity and a true witness of the gospel not minding whose "ox" gored or "feather" hemmed. As the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in her letter which had "Prayer and penance for peace and security in our country"  as the theme and read during the year's Service of Ash Wednesday in all Nigerian Churches obliged us to be true Christians even in our most difficult moment. This will therefore give us true identity of members of the Christ's body - the Church. The show of faith must not always be in comfort zone, we must detach from something to attach with God. We must also deny ourselves some kind of comfort and pleasure for others, if truly we want our desires to be satisfied by God.  Peace be with you!

Fada PiusRalph prays for you.

Let us pray

God of Mercy and compassion, teach us Your way so that we may walk in your path. May our daily Lenten observance (s) be carried out in sincerity of heart, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

                 DIVINE WHISPER 

  

                           with 

Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM

 FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

Seek GOOD and not EVIL 

"Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord will be with you." (Amos 5:14).

Today, the first Friday after Ash Wednesday, prophet Amos in the Gospel acclamation admonished us with these words: 
"Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord will be with you." (Amos 5:14). This of course is an invitation to holiness. In our daily struggle, communication, relationship, etc. What and what are our interest? Why do we seek the fall of others? Why thinking that the love of God shoud be restricted only to ourselves? Why always "I" before others? These pertinent questions demand personal answer in our reflection today. The questions posed before us are all gearing toward the evil that prophet Amos warned against today. 
Dearest in the Lord, let us seek after all that is good so that our Lenten walk with the Lord may be fruitful,  and God may be all in all among us. Peace of Christ be with you!
Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you!


LET US PRAY
Eternal God, Yours is the earth and its fullness, grant we pray the grace to see good in every event of life. May our daily Lenten struggle be pleasing to you through Christ our Lord, Amen