DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 24th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration: Most Holy Name of Mary

The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV in Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church.

Table of the Word:  1 Corinthians 11:17-26.33;  Luke 7:1-10

Theme: The unconditional love of God.

"God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; that whoever believes in him should have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Reflection for the day

Beloved in Christ, praise be to Jesus both now and forever more, Amen. 

Today from the Table of the Lord, the gospel acclamation gives a résume of the two readings with a reminder of how God loves humanity. 

The love of God upon human race is a paradox, a mystery in the sense that most human actions does not reciprocate this kind gesture in positivity rather, it pays back with renewal of blows and pains on our Lord. Amidst this, He still loves.

In view of this, that Evangelist John has this to say: 

"God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; that whoever believes in him should have eternal life." (John 3:16).

A sure reminder that He remains a loving God, and Love is His attribute. He loves beyond measure, to the extent of giving out His only begotten as a ransom for the debt of our sinfulness. What a greater love! 

Above all, the Son sent for the redemption of man became a victim lamb slain and then left Himself in the Most Holy Eucharist at the last supper. This gesture invites us to oneness in Him which St. Paul in the first reading avers: 

"When there are factions among you, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat." ( 1 Corinthians 11:17-26.33)

However, how do we respond to this gratuitous love of God among ourselves? How much do we love others as we love ourselves? Let us therefore, speak the language of love, think of the love showered upon us despite our failings; there and then we will come to the realization that: "God is love." Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we thank You for the gift of your Son to us out of love. Grant we pray the grace to love others as we love ourselves, for in doing this that we come to the full realization of Your love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               11092022