DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TOME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Saint of the day

St. Claude la Colombière

He was born in a noble family on February 2, 1641 at a place called Saint-Symphorien-d’ Ozon on the way to Vienne from Lyon. He joined in the Society of Jesus in the year 1659 and became a priest. He was later made the superior of the Jesuit House at Paray-le-Monial. There he became the spiritual director of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. In 1676 he went to England and preached Mary of Modena, the Duchess of York, who later became the Queen of Great Britain. When living in the Court of St. James, the official residence of the British Monarchy, he lived a very pious and religious life. But later in England he was arrested and sent to jail on the allegation that he conspired against the English Monarchy. Due to his position as the preacher of the Duchess of York and also by the protection of the French King Louis-XIV, he escaped death but was exiled from England in 1679. He spent his last years in Lyon as the spiritual director to the young Jesuits. He died on February 15, 1682 at Paray-le-Monial.

He was beatified by pope Pius-XI on June 16, 1929 and canonized by Pope John Paul-II on May 31, 1992.

Reflection for the day

Theme: Faithfulness in the Lord

"Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

The greatest joy of being a Christian is being steadfast or firm in every situation, bearing in mind that God is at work every now and then.

This believe borne out of trust in God, as we find ourselves in our day-to-day struggle, striving to meet our needs. Sometimes we return with smile, other times with regret. Yes! All these go together to make us total men. 

That is why St. James in his letter today re-awakened our consciousness to trust in God no matter the difficulty we may face daily:

"Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)

He then called for firmness in God amidst every challenge. 

Therefore, dearest friend(s) in Christ Jesus, as we sojourn in this ephemeral abode, let us not loose sight of God in every event. As I often say in my thoughtful reflection: "In solitude, we find the finger of God in every event."

Let our thoughts, words and actions gear toward resignation of all things to His will. If we do this, our minds will be at rest as St. Augustine said: "Our minds are restless, until it rest in God." 

Peace! Be with you

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we are grateful to You for the wonders of creation and its sustenance. Bless us we pray with the grace to hold it in high esteem by resigning our fate to Thee always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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