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.

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