DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Tuesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16; Luke 4:31-37.

Theme: Be spiritual...

“The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God; the spiritual man judges all things.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-16)

The spirit is life. It is life because it permeates into every facet of our beings. It decipher the innermost part of man and gives man the breath. That is why God is spirit, which manifested in the third person of Triun God.

In our reflection today, we join our brother St. Paul - the apostle of Gentiles to meditate on what it means to be spiritual. As he says:

The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God; the spiritual man judges all things.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

This teaching invites us to the deeper understanding of spirituality. He defines the attribute of one who is a spiritual man/woman, and he/she who is not. For a spiritual man discerns and judges all things, but unspirutual fellow has no such capacity and dwells in an emptiness. 

In the the gospel reading, Evangelist Luke gives account of how the man with unclean spirit recognized Jesus and his authority. (cf. Luke 4:31-37)

Beloved in Christ, is your spirit at work or dormant, can it recognize Jesus? Even that of the posssed man had the impetus to recognize Him and his power.

Therefore, work out to possess authentic spirit, a spirit of recognising Jesus even in the pitiable condition of life, a spirit to discern and judge all things. With this, we will now come to the understanding of who Jesus the Son of God really is. 

Finally, to be spiritually minded is life and peace as proclaimed by St. Paul. (Romans 8:6) Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty God, we worship You for the wonders of Your being. Accept we pray the homage of our lips. Grant us O! Lord the grace to decipher the work of the Spirit in us so that we may recognize Your Son in the event of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                30082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Monday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:The Passion of Saint John the Baptist

St John's fearless condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage incurred the hatred of the king's bride, Herodias. She had him imprisoned and finally killed. St John the Baptist teaches us to be strong in carrying out the mission God has given us.

Table of the Word: Jeremiah 1:17-19; Mark  6:17-29

Theme:  The battle is not ours but of the Lords

"They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you." (Jeremiah 1:19)

The protective hand of God is always upon us, our resting and rising all determined by our God. Many will stand against us, but they will not succeed, that is the foundation of today's reflection as proclaimed through the prophecy of Jeremaiah:

"They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you." (Jeremiah 1:19)

The battle in question refers to defence of justice and righteousness; but not a case of wickedness.  That is why the words of the Beatitude according to Evangelist Matthew has this to say:

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) 

As St. John the Baptist who bore witness to the Truth was crowned with glory. King Herod thought he has done the worst, but God who always reward His children gave John the Baptist a bigger reward beyond what Herod gave to Herodias' daughter (cf. Mark 6:17-29). 

Therefore, no matter what we undergo in the course of standing for the truth, we will certainly triumph, for God is always with us.

Finally, beloved in Christ, the battle is indeed not ours but of the Lords (Exodus 14:14) Let our hearts go with Him in our day-to-day struggle. He will never put us to shame, just trust in Him, defend the cause of justice then the crown of glory will be yours. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who willed that Saint John the Baptist should go ahead of your Son both in his birth and in his death, grant that as he died a Martyr for truth and justice, we, too, may fight hard for the confession of what you teach. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

 Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                29082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Thursday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Table of the Word: Ezekiel 36:23-28; Matthew 22:1-14

Theme:  His love for us endures forever.

“You shall dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:28)

God is love, and there is no better description of His personality than this. He loves beyond measure, not as man loves.His love goes beyond boundaries, it is in and out of season. He does not consider our frailties and inadequacies. 

He looked beyond human calculation. For man, there is limit, and for Him there is no end. 

In the light of this scenario, that Prophet Ezekiel reechoed today in the first reading the solemn promised of God to His children:

“You shall dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:28)

His promise is always fulfilled, He has never for once promised and fail, and absolutely no disappointment in his appointment.

Amidst this kind gesture, there is also an obligation on our part, in order to benefited wholly from this ocean of love. 

The gospel acclamation gives us an in-depth explanation of our obligation thus:

"Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord." (Ps 95:7d.8a)

We need an open ear to understand the detects and ordinances placed before us, our hearts need to be melted to absorb the Word as Prophet Ezekiel proclaimed.

Finally, may we be conscious of the Word which is alive and active in our hearts. Let us not be only the hearers but also the doers.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Eternal Word, Your Word remains a light unto our path, it dispels the darkness that engulf us. Grant us we pray the grace to crave for it always and radiate this experience of your love to wherever man is found. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                18082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word: Ezekiel 34:1-11; Matthew 20:1-16

Theme: Be Shepherd.

"For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out." (Ezekiel 34:11)

Beloved in Christ, the call to shepherd the flock of Christ is for every baptised Christians. Though some may think that, only priests, teachers of faith (catechists), evangelists or people of this magnitude with special call are the shepherd. Absolutely, no. The call is for all, but in different cadre. The father of the house, has within his reach sheep entrusted to his care namely: the wife, children and other members of that household, so same with the mother or wife as the case may be. A teacher whose duty is to teach and direct pupils or students in his care has the responsibility to see to the welfare of these people without an iota of sentiment. Some pastors are victims of this ill-development even in the temple, where the flock are being shepherd for sordid money as St. Peter warns:

"shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness." (I Peter 5:2)

Sadly, in most cases the reverse is the case as the shepherd himself turn around to be wolf against his sheep. He feeds from the sweat and tears of his sheep. The loud cry of his sheep becomes a canticle or psalm for him.

Today, these beautiful words of reminder is being reechoed in our hears, inviting us to revamp our strength in shepherding the flock entrusted to our care. And our failure to do the needful, then we will be relieved from the service as Prophet Ezekiel announced today in the first reading:

For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out." (Ezekiel 34:11)

May we go about seeking for the missing sheep under our care, bandaging the  wounded ones, feeding those hungry, quenching their thirst in the desert, so that when the Chief Shepherd appears we may be rewarded accordingly. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Eternal Word and good Shepherd, we thank You for the love and care we have received. We beg of Thee to forgive us of our trespasses and failings against the flock entrusted to our care. And grant us the grace to be more shepherd than we were and are.Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                17082022

: 

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                17082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: Ezekiel 28:1-10; Matthew 19:23-30

Theme: Pride goes before fall.

"Because your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas, ..." (Ezekiel 28:2)

The glory of every man is bestowed only by God. Fame and honour fade when there is a derailed from its source through pride and self-glorification. But he who holds God as the first and the last of every crown stands to enjoy the aura of a dignified state. 

Today, in the first reading Prophet Ezekiel presented before us an account of yet another foolish man, who did not see God as the source of his strength. 

"Because your heart is proud, and you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas, ..." (Ezekiel 28:2)

In human calculations, he sees himself as "all" and "all", the beginning and the end; and suddenly forgets that God is the author and finisher of his being. 

To buttress this point,  St. Paul in his second epistle to the Corinthian Church recounted the loss Christ accepted for our gain saying:

"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).

Beloved in Christ, how do we reciprocate this kind gesture of our Creator? Is it by using what He has blessed us with, to suppress others? To inflict pains? Judge others unjustly? Telling the poor "your life is in my hand." Above all, we only think as humans and not God. He has the final say. Let us not forget in haste also, the story of that Biblical rich fool, who had all at his beck and call, but his hope in himself was thwarted by his Creator.

Finally, let us learn form the fig tree that there is nothing, absolutely nothing that last forever, except God Himself and His Words. And something must certainly humble a man. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Holy, Immortal and Invincible God, we give You glory and honour for Your faithfulness and love. Grant us we pray the grace to be humble before You through our fellow men. Let our actions be geared toward the sanctification of our souls and the glory of Your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                16082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Monday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: The Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast was celebrated in the liturgy of the Eastern World from the sixth century and, in Rome, from the seventh century. On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. He solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly career, was taken up body and soul, into the glory of heaven, really forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the apostles. This feast confirms us in the theological virtue of hope whereby we seek our sanctification and that of the others in the midst of our ordinary duties. At the same time we are encouraged to look at our goal in heaven.

Table of the Word: Revelation 11:19;12:1-6.10; I Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56.

Theme:... and the Word became Flesh.

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

The Solemnity of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the Holy days of Obligation, which is liturgically ranked as one of the highest celebrations after Sunday - the weekly Easter. As a Holy day of Obligation, we are obliged to observe it with all amount of solemnity and meditation on the Marian mystery of Assumption.

The readings of the day gives an in-depth explanation of the Marian mystery in relation to the salvation economy of man, her docility and acceptance to be the harbinger of God's Son and Saviour of the world. 

However, taking a look at an extract of today's gospel, Elizabeth proclaimed:

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." (Luke 1:45)

A call on us to continue relyng on her maternal intercession as the queen of Heaven and earth. She knows our needs and is ever ready to recourse to our needs as the case of wedding at Cana. (cf. John 2:1-11).

The favourite Memorare testify to her Maternal assistance which has never failed us. As the second Eve, who is and ever ready to interceed for the salvation of man, reminded us of the need to be faithful to the Word of God in obedience as she did; when she treasures the Word in her heart.

Finally, let us hold on to God, while relying on the Maternal intercession of our dear Mother Mary. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who, looking on the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary, raised her to this grace, that your Only Begotten Son was born of her according to the flesh and that she was crowned this day with surpassing glory, grant through her prayers, that, saved by the mystery of your redemption, we may merit to be exalted by you on high. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                15082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Tuesday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4; Matthew 18:1-5.10.12-14

Theme: You must be child-like.

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1ff.)

Most often, Christ employs the image of children in the course of His teaching to bring home the message. Not that there are no images to be used, but He did that for a purpose. What then is the purpose of this illustration using child-like character?

In a child we find: innoncency, docility, dependency, curiosity and authnticity of behaviour; and no absolute pretence. 

These and many are the background where our Lord based His teaching on.

In our reflection today, Evangelist Matthew gave an account of the invitation of Christ to His disciples to turn and become like children, even though they have passed the stage.

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:1ff.)

However, this teaching arouses in many minds thought provoking questions on: How can we become like children having left the infant stage?. As a matter of fact, the invitation is a call to docility, humility, dependency and authenticity of behaviour.

If we are to be child-like, we ought to be humble like little children and docile to the detects and ordinances of the Lord.

To buttress this point, the Psalmist in the course of today's liturgy of the Word has this to say:

"I rejoice in the way of your precepts, as though all riches were mine." (Psalm 119:14.)

How many of us rejoice over the precepts of the Lord as children could do? For a child who is being advised creates no room for argument. Rather, he listen to the instruction and carry it to the latter. In reverse, an adult will ask: Why?, When? and How?.

Finally, let us pray for child-like attitude so that we can understand the sacred mysteries of God and be prudent in our actions. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Father of mercy, we give You thanks for the many blessings You shower upon us. Grant we pray the docility and humility of children so that we may gain wisdom. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                09082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:  Memorial of St. Dominic (Priest)

St. Dominic was born in 1170 in Spain. His father was Felix Guzman and mother Blessed Joan of Aza. He was named after the saint Dominic of Silos. He joined in the congregation of St. Augustine and did social work. He founded a congregation of “the Order of Preachers” popularly called the Dominicans (Friar Preachers). He abstained from meat and was wearing only meanest clothes. He also lived in very inconvenient and worst accommodations. He walked with barefoot in the villages. It is also believed that the Holy Mary appeared to St. Dominic and asked him to preach the Rosary throughout the world and also told him that reciting rosary is the best way to get the grace of God. Hence Rosary of Mary is the foundation of the Dominican Order. He died on August 6, 1221. 

He is the patron saint of Astronomers.

Table of the Word: Ezekiel 1:2-5.24-28; Matthew 17:22-27.

Theme: Call to civic responsibility.

"... that and give it to them for me and for yourself." (Matthew 17:27)

In the course of Christ's public ministry, He did not only teach or heal but also lived out His teachings. One of such acts was the payment of tax for Himself and His disciples. Evangelist Matthew in the course of today's reading presents in a clear term the incident which led to our Lord's response to His civic duty not minding who He was. 

"... that and give it to them for me and for yourself." (Matthew 17:27)

This singular act is an open invitation to all who bear the mark of Christ (Christians) to be responsible citizens and respond positively to the call for civic duty prescribed by the society irrespective of his/her status.

To be civic means act of belonging to a certain domain or being citizen of such a place. While responsibility on the other hand has to do with the sate or quality of being responsible. 

In other words, it is an act of having the ability and willingness to put into use our resources for the betterment of the society.

However,  as Christians we are obliged to be responsible to civic responsibility, as Pope Francis in his Encyclical - Laudato Si challenges us to be responsible to reconsider our relationship with our environment. (cf. Laudato Si No. 3). This relationship gears toward our concern with respect to the society in which we live in; ranging from the care of our common home, it's surroundings, animals, trees, etc. 

Therefore, how do we then take care of this God's given gift to us? We ought to respond to the proper care of this gratuitous gift of God through payment of tax, cleaning the environment, protecting forest, animals, sea life etc. In doing this, we are reciprocating the divine gesture with gratitude. 

As we celebrate the memorial of St. Dominic today, may he interferceed on our behalf for grace to respond to our civic responsibilities. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

May Saint Dominic come to the help of your Church by his merits and teaching, O Lord, and may he, who was an outstanding preacher of your truth, be a devoted intercessor on our behalf. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                08082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Saturday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word: Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28-36.

Celebration:  Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

This feast became widespread in the West in the 11th century and was introduced into the Roman calendar in 1457 to commemorate the victory over Islam in Belgrade. Before that, the Transfiguration of the Lord was celebrated in the Syrian, Byzantine, and Coptic rites. The Transfiguration foretells the glory of the Lord as God, and His ascension into heaven. It is an anticipation of the glory in heaven, where we shall see God face to face. We already share in this life, through grace, in the divine promise of eternal life.

Theme: It is good for us to be here.

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Luke 9:35)

Beloved in Christ, today we join the universal Church in celebrating the solemn feast of the Lord's transfiguration which took place at Mount Tabor. The scenario defined the glory bestowed upon our Lord by His Father; giving credence to the two major arms of the Jewish tradition: the law and the prophets which Moses represented the former and Elijah the latter. 

This glory manifested in today's celebration was already foretold by Prophet Daniel in a vision where the Ancient of days (God) was seen given the Measiah and Saviour to come dominion and glory and kingdom, with a command that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him; since His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away (cf. Daniel 7:9-10.13-14).

It is on account of this scenario that, Evangelist Luke in today's gospel pericope recorded in detail the Transfiguration event and the endorsement of the "messianic service" of our Lord with the words: 

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." (Luke 9:35). 

The announcement came simultaneously as the Apostles - Peter, James and John we're lost in divine ecstasy; an experience described by Anastasius of Sinai in his sermon on the feast of the Transfiguration as: "blessed and more sublime" moment to be with God. For when we are with God we are being transfigured into His image and likeness which we were originally created (cf. Genesis 1:26).

This feast of our Lord, invites us to a wonderful experience of our God. As the shining light, the darkness of our path will be dispelled, those who were caught up with fear like the Apostles will be strengthened as God did, by defining who Christ was to them. This was said for the Apostles to be focused and look beyond what they saw.

Finally, beloved in Christ as He has been transformed, may we hold firm to this experience in our lives so that we may come to the reality of the transfigured redeemer, become His coheirs with sure hope beyond human telling.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                06082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Friday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: 

The Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major

After the declaration of the dogma of the divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin in the Council of Ephesus (year 431), Pope Sixtus III dedicated this Basilica in Rome in honor of the Mother of God. It was called "St Mary Major" later on. It is considered the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Table of the Word:    Nahum 1:15;2:2; 3:1-3.6-7; Matthew 16:24-28

Theme: Call to self-denial

"If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24).

The story of a man who seeks comfort without getting set to let go malice, hatred and envy is best summarized by the central-hub of today's gospel pericope. He will be restless in the day, and his will deny him sleep. 

Thus, Evangelist Matthew reported the admonition of our Lord:

If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24).

This clarion call by Jesus invites us to a life of self-denial, which we ought to let go our comfort zones and move on devoid of hatred, envy and malice.

Christianity as a matter of fact is not and will not be a "crossless religion" but a religion defined by day-to-day struggle with challenges of life, relying solely on the Grace of God.

Therefore, beloved in Christ, let us hold fort no matter the situation, there and then that we will be worthy to follow Christ - our Lord and Master. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we thank You for the love and care we have received from You. Grant that we pray the grace to carry our daily crosses with patience. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                0082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration: Memorial of St. John Mary Vianney (Cure of Ars) and My Fourth Priestly Ordination Anniversary.

Texts: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 16:13-23

Theme: The Identity of Jesus.

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

Beloved in Christ, the question of Christ's identity before us is the problem of our various definitions of His relationship with us. While some see Him as a healer, teacher, many described him as a saviour, while others are still finding it difficult to define Him.

Today, from the table of the Word, Christ Himself addressed this question to each and everyone of us.

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

This fundamental question leaves us with self-examination of our relationship with Christ. How we see Him, our experiences with Him, etc.

As Christians, our thoughts, words and actions are supposed to define the authentic personality of Jesus Christ - our Lord and Master. Our inability to do that, raised yet another question: Who are we? If we are truly Christians, why do we dwell in delusion of His identity.

Finally, let our relationship with our fellow man define the personality of who Christ really is; as we continue to seek for the intercession of St. John Mary Vianney - the Curé of Ars and patron of the parish priests.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, I thank You for the gift of Your Church and the priesthood. As I mark the memorial of my priestly ordination anniversary today, may the oil of anointing in me never dry up, and may my daily offering on behalf of Your children be accepted. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                04082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Wednesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: 

Texts:   

Theme: 

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

 Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                03082022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time of the Year (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Texts:   Jeremiah 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Matthew 14:22-36 

Theme: The healing encounter

"...brought to him all that were sick, and besought him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well." (Matthew 14:36).

Teaching and Healing were at the centre of the public ministry of Jesus. In teaching He invites us to conversion and in healing to be reconciled with the Father. Healing here goes beyond physical sickness or wound, but includes our act of "missing the mark" that is sin. 

Therefore, in the course of healing, man is being drawn to God, to experience yet another wonderful moment with the Lord. Hope was at increase each time people gather around Him, with the expectations to have a touch either with or from Him. 

This is the background of today's text as extracted from the Gospel pericope.

"...brought to him all that were sick, and besought him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well." (Matthew 14:36).

The eagerness of the people to have a touch with or from Him borne out of His love for humanity. He was always moved with pity and had the salvation and redemption of humanity as priority of His ministry.

This therefore, gives the people the hope that, encounter with Him will never be in vain, the distress will be comforted, hungry get satisfied, sick will healed.

Dearest friend (s), in Jesus, what is it that troubles you? Are you in a fix? Are you finding yourself at the crossroad of life? Then, be reminded that, God is here to lead you aright, heal your infirmities and grant you the serenity you desire. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we return to You praise and thanksgiving for the wonders of our being. Grant that we pray the grace to be faithful to Your Word so that we may experience the healing touch of Your Son and our Lord. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                02082022