DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Friday OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Saint of the day:

St. Thomas Aquinas 

Thomas Aquinas was born on January 28, 1225. He has joined the Dominicans in the year 1243. His mother disliked this action of Thomas Aquinas and asked her another son to catch Aquinas and to bring him home. He was kept in the house for about a year. After freeing from his house, Aquinas completed his studies and directed the Dominican schools at Rome and Viterloo. He also lived in the court of Pope Urban-IV. When studying in Naples he was attracted to Aristotle’s philosophy. His writings are a great asset to catholic Christianity. He was offered the posting of Arch-Bishop of Naples by Pope Clement-IV but he refused. Thomas Aquinas died on March 7, 1274.

Thomas Aquinas was canonized by Pope John-XXII at Avignon on July 18,1323. He was also declared as Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius-V.

Reflection for the day

Theme: The docility of a Hero

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom." (Matthew 11:25)

The sacred mysteries of God is most often hidden, but revealed to those who are eager and willing to understand it. It does not entails becoming a giant, hero, King or occupying any exalted office, but it requires docility of heart, a heart of a child and openness before God. 

In the light of this, that Evangelist Matthew on this day from the table of the Lord in the Gospel acclamation reminded us thus:

"Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom." (Matthew 11:25)

We are therefore exhort to learn form the fig tree, be humble and childlike; not minding our status, whims and caprices, for God knows it all. He remains the author and finisher of our lives. For there is nothing that we have, or the status we occupy that was not given to us.

Finally, as we join the universal Church today in celebrating "the Angelic Doctor" - St. Thomas Aquinas let us recalled his humility and then ask the good Lord to give us the grace of docility in our daily living. 

Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we bless Your name for the wonders of Your creation. Grant us we pray the spirit of docility as St. Thomas Aquinas, that we may decipher the secret of Your kingdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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