DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 13th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Text: Amos 8:4-6.9-12; Matthew 9:9-13

"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)

Theme: He desires mercy...

It has been part of the Divine plan to redeem humanity from shackles of total damnation after the great fall of our first parents. God has a special love for nan, to the extent of making him His caretaker - that is overseeing every other creatures in creation. 

In the light of this that, Evangelist Mathew gave an account of Christ's messianic mission of reconciling humanity with the Divinity. 

"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)

His encounter with Mathew reminds us of the beautiness of God's love and mercy. Thus, seeking for the lost sheep in Matthew as the tax collector attracted the attention of Pharisees. They have already knew who was a sinner and who was not. They built a wall against others whom through their judgement are not righteous. 

Hence,  "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" They asked the disciples. Their conclusion already had a fault premise in that, they knew nothing about the messianic mission of our Lord.

Beloved in Christ, God sees us deeper than we see ourselves. That is why in encountering Matthew, a new specie of life was created. This is to inform our wailing minds that, God is more interested in us, more than we are in Him. No matter how awkward our relationship with God and one another is, let us make amends and trust in God, He will make us anew creature in Him. 

Finally, we are left with these Words:

"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13). Then go and learn what this means says the Lord.

Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and everliving God, Your Words are always alive and active in our lives. It heals the sick and comforts the distress. We beseech Thee, O! Lord to grant us the grace of sincerity and docility to Your detects and commandments, so that we may see you face - to - face as You really are. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                        01072022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 13th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Luminous

Texts:   Amos 7:10-17; Matthew 9:1-

Theme: Christ the Saviour who reconciles us.

"God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

Beloved in Christ, the unfathomable love of God cannot be measured, as it goes beyond human calculation and understanding. With the fall of our first parents (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.); humanity lost the precious gift of original grace. And at the appointed time, God in His love restored the grace on man through His only begotten Son, to expiate his iniquities, and then reconciled the fallen race back to God. (cf. John 3:16)

In the light of this salvific mystery, that St. Paul in today's gospel acclamation reechoed this kind gesture of God through His Son.

"God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:19)

And in another part, the fulfilment of this salvific act comes to play in today's gospel pericope; where Christ told the paralytic: "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." (cf. Matthew 9:1-8). 

This divine gesture embodies three acts. These are: healing, reconciliation and teaching. In healing the paralytic was restored; "... the Son of man has power to forgive sin" gives an in-depth understanding of Christ's act of reconciliation; and in teaching, He reminded Scribes that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.

Beloved in Christ, let us be conscious of the love of God always. We need to reciprocate this love He has for us by forgiving one another of their fault against us, and enlightening the ignorant through teaching. In doing this, we are bearing witness to the Truth which is Christ - our Saviour and Redeemer. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Eternal God, we thank You for the wonders of Your creation. Grant us the grace to reciprocate this gesture by loving one another in sincerity of heart. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                 30062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WESNESDAY OF THE 13th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Glorious

Celebration: Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul

Texts: Acts 12:1-11; Timothy 4:6-8, 17--18; Matthew 16:13-19

Theme:...be my witness

 "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matthew 16:13)

The true test of faith is bearing witness to our identity as Christians. For instance, a teacher may be figured out in the crowd with his disciplined manner or the way he or she dresses. A palm wine tapper is being recognized with his calabash and knife, and it is out of place to have a tailor with farm implements as his major tool. It is in the light of this, that Christ asked His disciples: 

 "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matthew 16:13)

This pertinent question raises yet another question which is directed to us: Who is He to us? The answer is utterly personal, as our actions as Christians defined who is Christ. 

In the conversation, we had four different camps, those who said, John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah and others said one of the prophets. St. Peter's submission: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16). This Petrine's standpoint gave a sure and unquestionable definition on the personality of our Lord. 

However, We are bound to tell the world who He is through our words and actions. As we universally celebrate the feast of the martyrdom of Ss. Peter and Paul, an invite is being sent to us to bear witness to this identity and personality of Jesus Christ as the duo did. 

To buttress this, St. Augustine in his sermon on this unique celebration gave an in-depth definition of the personality of these men. He defined them by their work saying: "For their fame has penetrated every land and their message has reached the ends of the earth."  (Sermon 295, 1-2.4.7-8). And that they saw what they proclaimed.

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, let clothe ourselves with the mantle of authentic witness to the "real personality" of our Lord in our day to day Christian living. This entails carrying our daily crosses in patience, giving listening ear to those in need, supporting the weak, comforting the sorrowful, etc. Just a little action with a sincere heart, the ice can break. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we are Your children. Accept we pray the homage of our lips and grant us the grace of recognizing You in others and every event of life; so that we may be true witnesses and "proclaimers" of Your Personhood through our thoughts, words and actions. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                       29062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 12th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Glorious

  2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Matthew 7:15-20

Theme: Detach from..... and attach to God.

"Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; he who abides in me bears much fruit." (John 15:4.5)

The call to discipleship calls for detachment from every distraction, and attachment to the call itself. Being focus gives birth to fruitful discipleship which Christ through Evangelist John in today's gospel acclamation says: 

"Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; he who abides in me bears much fruit." (John 15:4.5)

This invitation gives insight into the gospel reading of today which exhorts us to beware of false prophets in sheep clothing... for by their fruits we shall know them. (cf. Matthew 7:15-20).

As a Christian by the virtue of baptism we are being called into the ministry of prophecy and teaching; with this, we are being expected to bear good fruits for the greater glory of our Creator. That is why, St. Augustine rightly puts, we need to cooperate with the operating Grace of God in us. This can only take place, if we detach from what is distracting us.

Beloved in Christ, let us respond to this invitation by our Lord, by clinging to Him as the beginning and the end; then we will all bear fruits in hundreds and thousands. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Dearest Lord, Yours is the earth and its fullness. Thank You for the many blessings we have received, that which we are receiving and those ones yet to be received. We beg Thee, O! Lord to give us the grace to abide in You and only You alone. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

© The ARCHIVE                 22062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 12th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Celebration: Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga

2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-36; Matthew 7:6, 12-14

Theme: Be fair to others

"So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

In the course of event, many look up to be treated with all amount of fairness. Right and comfortable places are to be assigned to them. Front seat in public events should be tagged with their names, the master of ceremonies needs to give them special attention and so on the list. 

But sadly, when it has to do with others, we tend to play down with "flimsy justification" either he or she is not worthy, or we begin to recount his or her weaknesses. What a world of many colours!

In the light of this, that we are being invited by the Church through the sacred scripture to do unto others what we desire for ourselves:

"So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12).

In doing this, we now create a sort of synergy in the Christian community with one another where love, justice, peace and stability thrive. We need fair hearing from the accused, listening ear to one another, being judgemental leads to chaos and anarchy. Bearing in mind, as I have in one of my Thoughtful Thinking:

" In every Heart, there is an Ear." The heart of love must go with ear before we utter words of condemnation. Let justice and fairness speak as St. Paul in his epistle to the Colossian Church. (cf. Colossians 4:1)

Finally, triumph not over the downfall of anyone for it is still dark for the the break of the dawn. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, receive we pray the homage of our lips at the break of this dawn. May our daily lives be sown for eternal harvest. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE        21062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 12th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18; Matthew 7:1-5

Theme: Judge Not!

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, ..." (Matthew 7:1-2)

One of the things we find ourselves doing best in our comfort zones is judging others. Most often, we are guilty of making a haste judgement over one another, closing the chapter of one's record without hearing from the victim. Sometimes, we also ran the risk of using the size of our shoes as the measurement for others. 

As an exhortation to this ill way of life, that today's table of the Word presents before us our Lord's Words:

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, ..." (Matthew 7:1-2).

This is to remind us that, God's grace is operative in each and every one of us. And that we see different from how God looks at us. 

Finally, let us first of all clean ourselves of the dirt surrounding us, before we think of the body odour we presumably perceived from one another; likely the odour may be generated from the dirt surrounding us. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Eternal God, we appreciate the daily gift of Your Word to us. Grant us we pray to put them into action, by looking beyond the weakness of one another. For in You, there is hope for better change. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

© The ARCHIVE                 20062022

 

HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI by FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Commentary on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi

This feast is celebrating the religious belief in the Body and Blood of Christ and real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This feast is celebrated on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday to commemorate the institution of the Eucharist. An Augustinian nun Juliana of Liege had a great veneration for the Blessed Sacrament and she wished very much for the institution of a special feast for honoring the Blessed Sacrament. Once she saw a vision of the Church under full moon having a black spot. She thought that the black dark spot signifies the lack of a feast of the Eucharist. Bishop Robert de Thorete, Bishop of Liege was convinced about the vision of Juliana and ordered a feast to be celebrated in his diocese from the year 1247 and celebrated by the Cannons of St. Martins at Liege. Pope Urban-IV published a Papal Bull 'Transiturus' on September 8, 1264 directing to celebrate this feast on the Thursday, after Trinity Sunday. But in countries where this feast is not a Holy Day of obligation including United States, it is celebrated on the Sunday after Trinity Sunday. The new Liturgy for this feast was composed by St. Thomas Aquinas and he also written a hymn to sing on Corpus Christi Day-Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium and this hymn is being sung on the Holy (Maundy) Thursday during the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. 

This is to express the doctrine of Transubstantiation, in which it is believed that the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This feast is to show the Church's gratitude to the Christ, who instituted the Holy Eucharist and gave it to the Church, which is the greatest treasure of the Church. Maundy Thursday in which the Holy Eucharist was instituted is not a joyous day due to the Lord's Passion. To celebrate the joyous aspect of Maundy Thursday when the Holy Eucharist was instituted, this feast is celebrated. Eucharist is the sacrament of Life, sacrament of Love, sacrament of Unity and sacrament of Faith. Christ said when instituting the Holy Eucharist. "This is My Body given up for you, this is My Blood shed for you." These are the words of sacrifice for others and love for others.

                  

                    HOMILY

R. 1 Genesis 14:18-20

R. 2 I Corinthians 11: 23-26

Gospel Luke 9:11-17

Theme: "I am the living bread which came down from heaven, says the Lord; if any one eats this bread he will live for ever." ( John 6:51)

Today, we gather to celebrate the solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer. 

The three readings for today's liturgy capture the meaning of the Eucharist in three ways:

1. Gift: Which the first reading presents the awesome gifts of bread and wine Milchizedek King of Salem brought before Abraham, a foretaste of the Holy Eucharist.

2. Sacrifice: The second reading portrays the sacrifice Christ made for humanity and then invite us to a common unity through the breaking of the bread.

3. Miracle: Obviously, Eucharist itself is one of the greatest miracles.  A miracle in the sense that, it satisfied our spiritual hunger, as the gospel presented the feeding of the multitude.

In the light of this, the Holy Eucharist is a precious gift from God the Father in the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

As St. Thomas Aquinas in his work "Opusc 57, 1-4" which forms the Second reading of the Office of Readings for this great Solemnity says: 

"For He offered His body to God the Father on the altar of the cross as a sacrifice for our reconciliation: and He shed His blood for our ransom and cleansing, so that we might be redeemed from wretched captivity and cleansed from all sins."

However, the beauty of this celebration is enshrined in the wordings of the sequence, as it reads:

"Man cannot understand this, cannot perceive it; buta lively faith affirms that the change, which is outside the natural course of things, take place. Under the different species, which are now signs only and not their own reality, there lie hid wonderful realities. His body is our food, his blood our drink."

This therefore defined the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist as the hub of all sacraments. For at Baptism we are baptised into this body of Christ with the Holy Eucharist the summit of the faith, Confirmation gives us the unction to live out what we receive, at sacrament of reconciliation we are being prepared to receive it worthily, in anointing of the sick, he is being fed and prepared for the spiritual journey with the Lord. The other two sacraments of service: Holy Order and Matrimony makes one the minister of the Eucharist and create bond between the couples respectively. As we gather round the table of the Eucharist every now and then, let us be ever conscious of the fact that, we are being invited to commune with Christ through our love for one another. For out of love that Christ left for us the memorial of His passion. And He exhort us to do same. Be charitable to one another as He did to the multitude despite the disciple's complain over few bread. And He multiplied the few to many for the satisfaction of the multitude. (cf. Luke 9:11-17) Finally, as we partake in one cup and bread, let us speak language of love so that the fruit of this communion may be seen among us. Peace, be with you. Let us pray Jesus, good shepherd and true bread, have mercy on us; feed us and guard us. Grant that we find happiness in the land of the living. You know all things, can do all things, and feed us here on earth. Make us your guests in heaven, co-heirs with you and companions of heaven's citizens. Amen. © The ARCHIVE           19062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 11th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

I Chronicles 24:17-25; Matthew 6: 24-34

Theme: Self-Emptiness of our Lord for our sake.

"Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Great is the love of God upon His Children, even when we must have lost the original Grace, out of love He sent His only begotten Son as a ransom for the expiation of our iniquities; so that we might have life in abundance. (cf. John 3:16)

In the light of this, that At. Paul the apostle of the Gentiles in his second Epistle to the Corinthian Church reminded us of the self-emptiness (kenosis) of our Lord, so that we might be who we are today. Now here him out:

"Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

He came into the world in a borrowed cradle, so that we might be born in the best of hospitals, all through His life he had no apartment he called His own, in order that we may get a better place to live-in, He was mocked for us to be praised, He went hungry so that we may not be starved, even at death, He was laid down in a borrowed grave. All these for our sake.  

On the other hand, that He (our Lord) in today's gospel pericope reminded us of the need to put our trust in God, devoid of our challenges: "Do not be anxious about your life." (Matthew 6:25).

This implies that, there is heavenly Father who will provide for us, for Christ Himself has paid the debt in full. (cf. Isaiah 53:5)

Dearest friend(s) in the Lord, sometimes we rely on God, but go on worry about what to eat or put on. We cannot climb a ladder with our two hands filled with objects. We need steadily to overcome this tension between anxiety for material needs, and reliance on God. We can triumph over this vice through total dependence on "God's providence." 

Finally, let our trust in God be solidfied through dedication and commitment to our day-to-day duties. In doing so He will certainly better our lot. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, the Creator of all creatures in creation, thank You for the wonders of creation. May our dependence on You not betrayed by anxiety but grant us a solid faith to hope that nothing is difficult for You and I to handle. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE           18062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 11th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF RHE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

2 Kings 11:1-4,9, 18-20; Matthew 6:19-23

Theme: Nothing on earth last forever.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, ..." (Matthew 6:19)

Today's liturgy of the word puts before us a fundamental question to be answered individually thus: What is our priority in life? This calls for self-introspection, to examine our relationship with our Creator, bearing in mind that, the present life is fast passing away.

Christ in the gospel reading reminded us of the need to be focused on our Christian journey and not to be distracted by the ephemeral things of this world by saying: 

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, ..." (Matthew 6:19)

By implication, we are exhort to firmly grasp what could be referred to as "wounds" that is the passing things of this world. As they will all fade away except the Word of God. We are to come to the reality that, a man does not cry when he has to return what he has borrowed, but rejoices with what is being bestowed upon him and that is Heavenly realities. 

That is why, Athalia the wife of King Jehoram forgot in the first reading; when she expected that her son Ahaziab would become the King. Her hope dashed out, to her greatest surprise. Her treasures and power were all turned to nothing, as she was overthrown and was slain (cf. 2 Kings 11:20). 

Beloved in Christ, nothing last forever. That is why the ancient fathers of Ibibio nation used to say: "no matter how sweet the soup may taste, the licked finger will be washed." 

Absolutely, there is no permanent satisfaction in life except in Christ Jesus. Let the Word of God and hope in Him urges us on. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Dearest Lord, Yours is the earth and its fulness. We acknowledged the wonders of Your creation, give us we pray the grace to come to the reality of the temporality of this earthly comfort, and long for Eternal Home. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                17062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 11th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Luminous

Sirach 48:1-14; Matthew 6:7-15

Theme: Lord teach us how to pray

 "In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words." (Matthew 6:7)

Obviously, there is a fundamental question on which pattern or model of prayer is pleasing to God. While some will opt for "Prayer by fire", others consider meditative or inclusive prayers where one dialogue with God.

In the light of this, that Christ our Lord and Master presents before us the proper model of prayer in today's gospel pericope saying: 

"In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words." (Matthew 6:7). 

This forms the introduction to the traditional "Lord's Prayer." The prayer is found in two forms: a shorter form in Luke 11:2-4; which is probably the original form of it. And a longer version which is the gospel reading of today (Matthew 6:9-13). This version of course according to biblical scholars was expanded for liturgical use in the worshiping community. 

However, we are being invited to pray bearing in mind that, it is not how loud our voices are, or heaping of empty phrases as Gentiles does will make our prayers to be heard. Rather, we need to converse with God using the four major keys which contains in the Lord's Prayer: "ACTS" that is Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving and Supplication. In using this pattern as the Lord given, we will be in real dialogue with our Heavely Father. 

Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ who taught us the way to holiness and how to communicate with You. We beseech Thee to grant us the spirit of docility to pray in faith and not in words. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                       16062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 11th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME (C)

Mystery of the day: Glorious

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Theme: The Lord who sees in secret will bless you in secret.

 "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them;..." (Matthew 6:1)

Sadly, we are in the age where charity is being done to attract fame and glory. An era where "hundreds of naira" are shared to the needy, while "thousands of naira" are spent on publicity. A penny given, and then taken a selfie-photograph to tell the world how charitable we are. 

So sad, that this gesture is being doneost often for the sake of attracting teaming fans to support the ambition of entering political corridor to vie for one post of the other; or seeking for recognition in the society.

In the light of this, that Evangelist Matthew in today's gospel pericope presents before us the exhortation of our Lord: "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them;..." (Matthew 6:1).

This however, is in conformity with one of my Thoughtful Thinking which goes thus: "Charity should not be exercised when we want to speak about God, but let God be spoken about when we exercise it."

As Christians we are obliged to assist one another, in any way we can; but not to publicize the action. For when the action is being put on air, the beneficiary becomes embarrassed of the act. Let us try to assist in secret, for the good Lord who sees in secret will reward us in secret. Peace! Be with you.

Let us prayer

Merciful Lord, thank You for the wonders of Your creation. As we continue to enjoy the work of Your hands, grant us we pray the grace to be good to others, not for fame and praise of men; but as a seed sown for eternal harvest. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE          15062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 11th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

I kings 21:17-29; Matthew 5:43-48

Theme: Loving our persecutors

 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, .." (Matthew 5:43-44)

The love of one's enemy is one of the hard teachings found in Christianity. Tracing it to the teachings of the Old Testament account, there is no Old Testament books or Rabbinic text which instructs us to "hate our enemies", but the Old Testament restrict love of neighbour to the fellow Israelites (cf. Leviticus 19:17ff.) and demands extermination of those conquered in the war for fear of attraction to their cult (cf. Deuteronomy 7:2).

In the light of this scenario, the Gospel reading of today which serves as the antithesis of the Sermon of the Mount called to mind the need to forgive one another as long as we are seeking God's forgiveness. 

 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, .." (Matthew 5:43-44)

As the Psalmist says: " If God were to mark our iniquities, who would be survive?" (Psalm 130:3).

In allusion to this, the story of Ahab the King of Israel who through his wife Jezebel killed Naboth the Jezreelite to inherit his vineyard (cf. 1 Kings 21:1-16), continued with a call to "let go" that is forgiveness in today's first reading, as God forgave him saying, "I will not bring the evil in his days" (I Kings 21:29). This is God in action, and invitation to us to forgive no matter how hurtful it may be. 

Though it is a strong teching, but we need to make sincere effort to let go, for in letting go of the wrongs others inflicted on us, that we can receive in abundance the forgiving touch of the Divine. Peace be with you!

Let us pray

Eternal God, thank You for the gift of Your Son who reconciled us. Grant we pray the grace to forgive others as we continuously seeking for the forgiveness of our trespasses. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               14062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Luminous

I Kings 19:9, 11-16; Matthew 5:27-32

  Theme:... goodness beyond measure.

"You visit the earth, give it water; you fill it with riches. God’s ever-flowing river brims over to prepare the grain." (Psalm 65:10abcd)

The goodness of the Lord upon humankind is beyond measure. Getting to bed after the fatigue of daily task, and rising with re-filled energy the next day; finding oneself at the cross-road of life, and suddenly hope breezed in; receiving solace amidst trauma of life and so long the list are products of God's love and faithfulness. 

In the light of this, the Psalmist today reechoed this Divine gesture with these words: 

"You visit the earth, give it water; you fill it with riches. God’s ever-flowing river brims over to prepare the grain." (Psalm 65:10abcd). 

This implies that, there is nothing impossible before God. We need to build up our faith in Him, not as we saw in the first reading of today where Ahab the servant of Elijah out of doubt came back to tell Elijah: "There is nothing." in contrast to the assurance given to him by Elijah. (cf. 1 Kings 18:41-46). "Elijah said: "Go up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of the rushing of rain." (1 Kings 18:41).

However, no matter how difficult our situations may seem to be, let us doubt not the powerful hand of God upon us. For He provides for the earth; drench its furrows, level it, soften it with showers and bless its growth. May these words find a place in our hearts now and always. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and everliving God, we are grateful for the love and care showered upon us despite our shortcomings. Grant we pray that even in our doubt we can still find you, and that the desert of our lives may experience flow of fountain. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                    09062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Glorious

I Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 5:13 - 16

Theme: Choose thou this day...

"If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." (I Kings 18:21).

One of the greatest freedoms God has endowed man with, is the "freedom of will."  Man is being given the unction to choose right from wrong, light from darkness, cold from heat through the intellect of senses. 

Sadly, most often, man finds himself at the mercy of temporal pleasure in expense of His creator. For St. Paul, the apostle of Gentiles has this to say:

"For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:19) 

Our shortcomings bring about doubt of what God can do, thus, the author of the first reading of today narrated the challenge experienced by Prophet Elijah in the hands of Baalian's Prophets, which prompted him to say: 

"If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." (I Kings 18:21).

The story was quite an interesting one, which explains what it means to have a "raw faith" devoid of iota of doubt.  For true God had to send down fire to set ablaze the water-soaked offering upon the altar (cf. I Kings 18:38).

However, the fundamental question is: How strong is your faith in God? When life turns blue, where do you run to? Do you even remember that God can do it? Or you are being tempted to seek for help outside God. 

Beloved in Christ, as we journey towards the eternal home, let our faith be built in Him alone, for He is the only answer to our problems.

Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we praise and bless Your Holy Name. Grant we pray, O! Lord the grace to understand the mystery of our existence, so that we may always turn to You every now and them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                08062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

I Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 5:13 - 16

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Theme: Living out our call to be Christ-Like.

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father." (Matthew 5:16)

At the Sacrament of baptism, we were initiated into the Body of Christ, with a gift of lighted candle (which represented Christ as the light of the world), and a white linen to model our lives in purity. This call entails self-emptiness and sacrifice, so as to be worthy of the name "Christian." 

In our reflection today, the Church invites us to live out our Christian calling as Christ in the Gospel pericope according to Evangelist Matthew says:

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father." (Matthew 5:16).

The image of light here portrayed goodness and love for one another; as the light dispels darkness, so is love and goodness brings about a healthy community.

Thus, our failure to keep our light burning in charity and concern for one another as that poor widow of Zarephath who shared her last meal with Prophet Elijah (cf. I Kings 17:7-16), will lead us to envy, anxiety and distress. 

This kind gesture of her, opened the reservoir of God's riches to her despite the famine in the land.  As her jar of flour and pitcher of oil did not dry up, our generosity for one another, leaning shoulder for the weak, comforted  words for those in distress and every other good works will benefit our lots here and after. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Eternal Word, we thank You for the gift of our call as Christians. We beseech Thee, to grant us the grace and faith in You, that our daily journey to home eternal may yield us a bountiful harvest at the end. Through  Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE            07062022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration: Memorial of Mary Mother of the Church.

Theme:... and she untied the knot of Eve's disobedience by her obedience.

Today, marks the first day in the second part of the Ordinary Time of the year. Incidentally, the memorial of Mary Mother of the Church for this year falls on this day. A very good beginning, and timely where the Church - bride of Christ in this part of the world is experiencing series of attack. We are not in any way doubting the Maternal intercession of our dear Mother, whose patronage and assistance has never failed us. 

She has been the harbinger of goodness to humanity, mediates and then in a motherly manner request favours from her Son on our behalf as she did at the wedding feast in Cana (cf. John 2:1-11). 

This kind gesture of her, recalled the words of the first century Church man and second generation disciple from the Apostle John - St. Irenaeus of Lyon who avers:  "...the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary.  What the virgin Eve had bound in unbelief, the Virgin Mary loosed through faith." (Against Heresies, 3.22.4, Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons.)

Today, as we celebrate this great feast, which was instituted by Pope St. Paul VI.Though the title "Mater Ecclesiae" first appeared in the 4th century writings of St. Ambrose of Milan as rediscovered by Hugo Rahner. Pope Benedict XIV also used the title in 1748, and Pope Leo XIII in 1885. It was Pope St.John Paul II who placed the title in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the current Pontiff, Francis inserted this title into the Roman Calendar. This, it becomes, an annual memorial throughout the universal Church.

 

However, in the light of this celebration, we invoke her maternal intercession upon our country Nigeria at this moment of crisis, that peace may return and everyone may live in accord with one another. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Dearest Saviour, while hanging on the cross, you gave your mother Mary to be the mother of John, let your children here in Nigeria experience the maternal intercssion of your Mother as we celebrate her today. So that we may once again be filled with sense of stillness.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE   06062022