DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Saint of the day

St. Agatha

She lived in Christian antiquity and born in the year 231 A.D. She was born in a place called Catania in Sicily in a rich and noble family. At her very young age she dedicated her virginity to God and refused to marry anyone. Since she was very beautiful many persons wanted to marry her or to have sexual relation with her. A Roman Prefect named Quintianus also wanted have sex with her but she refused. So Quintianus brought her before a magistrate for trial to punish her for her faith in Christianity. Quintianus expected that she would relent in the face of torture and possible death. Her breasts were cut off during the torture in prison. She died of the torture in prison in the year 251 A.D. She died in the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius. But before her death the breasts cut off by the guards during the torture, were restored by an apparition of St. Peter to her, in the prison. The intercession of St. Agatha through an apparition to a Benedictine nun is reported to have saved Malta from Turkish invasion.

St. Agatha is the patroness of Bakers, jewelers and also invoked against breast cancer, against fire and against earthquakes.

Reflection for the day

Theme: Wisdom the hub of all things.

"... and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." (1 Kings 3:4ff.)

Man remains a beggar before God, he begs even what he is not needed. As a result of insatiability nature of humanity, man continue to be in constant search for comfort. 

For instance, if God were to put before us this question: 

"... and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." (1 Kings 3:4ff.) 

In sincerity of heart, our various responses will raise dust. Some will ask for food in expense of sanctity of life, wealth in place of wisdom as Solomon did, connection instead of a forgiving heart etc.

In the light of this, that I invite you to reflect with me on what I could refer to as: "Solomonic desire" - wisdom; for he did not desire wealth or connection but wisdom which superceeds knowledge we are all struggling for.

In need, man most often asked for material things which are merely temporal; just to satisfy the present need.

However, we are being exhort to seek first the kingdom of God, and every other thing will be added unto us.

Peace, be with you

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, grant we pray the grace to desire what is immaterial that is spiritual things which we know, as You added more to King Solomon when he asked for wisdom. You will never fail to give us what is good. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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