DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR (1)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Saint of the day:

St. Gregory of Nyssa

He was a son of two saints namely Basil and Emmilia and born in 330 A.D. He was brought up by his elder brother St. Basil the Great and educated in the beginning by his mother Emmelia and sister Macrina. He went to study for priesthood after his marriage since celibacy was not required for priests, then. He was elected Bishop of Nyssa in 372 A.D but was deposed in 376 by the Synod of Nyssa due to certain allegation against him. But he regained his See in 378 probably due to the reason of the amnesty promulgated by the new Emperor Gratian. He wrote effectively against a Christian sect called Arian Christians (a sect founded by a priest named Arius of Alexandria), which denied divinity for Jesus Christ. He gained the reputation as a defender of orthodoxy. He was given a prominent position in the Council of Constantinople. He died in 395.

Today's Reflection

And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:17-18)

On this first day in the ordinary time of the liturgical season, we are being invited to a "service of followership". This solemn invitation calls for detachment to attachment. That is leaving personal comfort to the service of others. In the Old Testament era, many were called to detachment from comfort zone to attach themselves to the Divine. Though uncertainty engulfed human hearts, but God was there to lead them to the greener pasture.

And today, according to Evangelist Mark a call is placed on us, to follow Christ. Just like the apostles who left what they were doing and gladly followed him. 

And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men." And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:17-18)

Therefore, let us detach ourselves from where we think is a comfort zone, and then give a positive response to this clarion. 

Consequently, let be aware that our response will yield us fruitfulness this season of hope, where the mystery of Christ's public ministry will be revealed in its totality. 

May the peace of Christ dwells in our hearts so that we may accept this call not minding how rigorous the path may seems; for Jesus has the way through which we sail. 

Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and ever living God, we are grateful to You for yet another spring season of our faith. We pray Thee O! Lord for the grace to be quick and positively respond to Your call to followership with sincerity of heart. That we may continue to bear fruit in abundance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.