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.

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