DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF ORDINRAY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Saint of the day:

Blessed William Carter

William Carter was a married printer and book seller. He was born in 1548 to father John Carter and mother Agnes in London, England. He died a martyr, on January 11, 1584. He was arrested for printing a new edition of Dr. Gregory Martin’s book titled 'A Treatise of Schisme' in 1580. He was charged on January 10, 1584 in the Central Criminal Court in England for an objectionable paragraph in the said book. The objectionable paragraph in the book said that the 'Catholic Hope' would triumph and Pious Judith would slay Holofernes. This was interpreted as inciting to kill the Queen of England. At that time expressing catholic faith in England was considered as taking side with Spain and punished severely. This situation was due to the tension prevailing between Queen Elizabeth-I of England and king Philip-II of Spain. The offense is a treason and William Carter was sentenced to death on January 10, 1584. He was executed on January 11, 1584. He was venerated on Novemner 10, 1984 and beatified on November 22, 1987.

Today's Reflection

Theme: The power in the Word

 Accept the word of God, not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

There is nothing as powerful as the Word of God, even God Himself acknowledged the supremacy of His Word over every other creatures in creation. Thus, all creatures in creation spring from the Word.

In the creation account, God gave man the unction to function through word, by dominating every other creatures (cf. Genesis 1:28). This mandate gave man the impetus to act in relation to God. 

In another place man was called to a life of prayer with golden rule to ask (using the word) and it will be given to him (cf. Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9ff.)

It is on this note that we see the power in the Word manifested in the first reading of today, where Hannah wept bitterly before the Lord, and in the midst of her excruciating pains she utters:

"O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your maidservant, and remember me, and not forget your maidservant, but will give to your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, ..." (I Samuel 1:11)

These words of Hannah was respected, because she spoke with authority as the daughter of Abraham. 

In view of this, dearest friend(s) in Christ, what is that situation which bothers you, your family, business or area of daily task? And you have put in your best yet it not good enough to scale through the hurdle. 

Now, we are being reminded of the "power of tongue" God gave to us to ask and we will receive. Hannah did same and she returned to the temple with testimony, others in the past, even today and the nearest future will continue to lead the rejoicing crowd into the Church with thanksgiving, for they called on God and they were answered.

Therefore, put on your spiritual mantle this season of spiritual renewal and make your cares and worries known to Him in prayers and groaning. Then wait and see the marvellous works He will do. Remember, He did it before, He is doing it and will continue to do it. May His words be fruitful in our hearts.

Peace, be with you.

Let us pray 🙏 

Merciful Lord, kindly accept the homage of our lips, we pray Thee. We acknowledge the power of Your Word among us right form the moment creation began, sustain these Words in our hearts and give us the grace to speak it in relation to Your will for us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

©The ARCHIVE          11012022