ADVENT DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT YEAR

Mystery of the day: Glorious

"And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 25:7-8)

The central theme of this first week of Advent which is "hope" reassures us of who God is. For the Scripture has said it all: "Those who hope in God cannot be disappointed." Building on this solemn promise, we put on the helmet of hope to get set for the coming of our Saviour.

In the same spirit of hope that Prophet Isaiah foretold of God's readiness to change the ugly story of humanity.  As he prophesied: 

"And he will destroy on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death for ever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 25:7-8)

His promise to uncover every coverage, swallow death and wipe away tears from all faces put us on the "hopeful path" to be alert and keep watch over every situation; so that we may not be distracted by difficulties surrounding us.

Indeed, beautiful days are coming. A day which we will all gather to give out the best smile ever. A day where lion and goat will be exchanging pleasantries without fear, when we will be greeted with all kinds of fortunes. That day is fast approaching. Let us hurry up to meet Him, the eternal King of Peace, with intense preparation.

Finally, amidst our busy schedule, let's focus our minds on the great mantra of this season "Come, Lord Jesus." So that, we will behold Him as He really is when he arrives.

Peace! Be with you

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you

Let us pray

Prepare our hearts, we pray, O Lord our God, by your divine power, so that at the coming of Christ your Son, we may be found worthy of the banquet of eternal life and merit to receive heavenly nourishment from his hands. Who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.

HAPPY NEW MONTH WITH GOD'S CHOICEST BLESSING

ADVENT DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT 

Mystery of the day: sorrowful

"On that day: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD." (Isaiah 11:1ff.)

Advent is a season of joyful waiting. Firstly, for the commemoration of the nativity of the Child Jesus. Secondly, the great return of the Son of man (Parousia). It is a four week of intense preparation which revolves around Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.  Each of these is being displayed in the readings within this four weeks of preparation.

On this second day in the first week of advent, we are being exhorted through the prophecy from the first Isaiah, which was written before Isrealites' exile. 

"On that day: There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD." (Isaiah 11:1ff.)

Here hope was placed at the centre of the message. A promise kept for the messianic mission of Jesus Christ. 

The same promise foretold by Prophet Zechariah when he said: 

Behold, the Lord will come, and all his holy ones with him; and on that day there will be a great light. ( Cf. Zec 14:5.7)

Beloved in Christ, as we long for His coming let us get set and be ready to behold His coming with a heart free from sin. So that this great light will illuminate the darkness of our path, and set us aright with God the Son as He returns.

Peace! Be with you.

Fada PIUSRALPH prays for you.

Let us pray

Look with favour, Lord God, on our petitions, and in our trials grant us your compassionate help, that, consoled by the presence of your Son, whose coming we now await, we may be tainted no longer by the corruption of former ways. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son and our Redeemer who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

CELEBRATING ADVENT: The Joyful Mystery of Waiting

CELEBRATING ADVENT: The Joyful Mystery of Waiting

FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

piusralphe@gmail.com

Introduction:

The Church opens the door of her Liturgical year with a four-week season of great waiting for the solemn feast of human redemption which Prophet Isaiah foretold, (cf. Isaiah 7:14); and being fulfilled in the gospel pericope of Evangelist Luke (cf. Lk 1:26-31).

These four weeks preceding this great festival in the annals of history of man’s redemption has a deeper meaning beyond what mere eye can see, words can interpret or human mind can easily conceive, it is embedded in mystery beyond our understanding. That is why, it remains a joyful mystery of waiting with high hope and aspiration. In the same spirit, Luke Mbefo observed an advent as not being a transcendental concept pointing to the world to come, but a concept immanent in our everyday life which Jesus Christ during His public ministry often emphasized that the kingdom of God is among you. (cf. Mbefo, L. N., The Liturgical Year in Action, Onitsha: Spiritan Publications, 1997, p. 11).

With this in mind, let us journey together to unknot the sacred and joyful mystery enshrouded in this solemn season of waiting, which Michael Ford’s Eternal Season sees it as a season with a two-fold character: a time of preparation for the festival of the Nativity when the first coming of God’s Son to the world is recalled and a period of reflection pointing us to Christ’s second coming at the end of time (Parousia).

Its Meaning, Chronicle and Spirit:

Advent is a term derived from Latin usage “adventus” meaning “coming.” In the Christian Church calendar, it refers to the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the second coming of Christ. It begins on the Sunday following the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle. This solemnity opens the liturgical year. 

Historically, the exact date when the season was first observed is uncertain. But one of the surviving records has it that, Bishop Perpetus of Tours (461 - 490) established a fast before Christmas that began on November 11 (the memorial of St. Martin of Tours), and the Council of Tours (567) mentioned an Advent season. 

Its liturgical meaning referred to the dual “coming” of Jesus – his incarnation in Bethlehem and his second coming as judge at the end of time, the great “parousia.” Together with Lent it was observed as a penitential season, though not with the same rigour as Lent. 

Consequently, Advent developed increasingly into the joyful anticipation of Jesus Christ’s nativity. (cf. "Advent." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Ultimate Reference Suite.  Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica, 2014.)

In the course of this season the church prepares spiritually and liturgically to create an enabling environment for her children to be in-watch while waiting for the coming of our Saviour and Redeemer – Jesus Christ. During this period, the church through sacred readings and prayers directs our thoughts and minds to the mystery of our redemption. The initial part of the season focuses on the second coming of the Lord, while the second part of the season beginning from December 17 to 24 pays attention to the immediate preparation for Christmastide. In this season, we are called to deepen our faith through intense prayer, watchfulness and true repentance of our sins. These spiritual attitudes will give us that insight to recognize the Lord who comes to us. Though, the Lord is always present in our daily lives, activities and happenings, but the season is a reminder to be conscious of His ever abiding presence among us in all facets of life.

We celebrate advent to recall the time in history of salvation when the word was made flesh but was still hidden, a mustard seed that would eventually become an icon for human redemption. In this way, with the spirit of advent, we ought to recognize the finger of God in all events of life, no matter how painful it may be with hope. In the course of liturgical celebrations within this season, the church invites us to meditate on the hidden presence of God and at the same time live in hope; since His coming into the world herald hope, comfort, joy and peace. The sacred text of the Book of Apocalypse “… behold I will make all things new” (Rev 21:5), serves as a thriving ground for this season of waiting, which the entire church mark it as a new dawn for Christian pilgrimage. To be renewed with grace and the spirit. Here Evangelist Matthew reporting these words and describing the ministry of desert preacher - John the Baptist, which is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophetic utterance, a voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled  in, every mountain and hill be laid low, let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley …” (Isaiah 40:3-4)  

This similar clarion call for conversion could be found in the Pauline epistle to the Romans which part of it forms the second reading of First Sunday of Advent year A. Here St. Paul awakens in us an urgency in our moral efforts. He reminds us that we have already witnessing the new era, and our life here on earth should be in constant waiting for the great parousia. This admonition, invoke in us the need to live as ‘children of light’ and bear witness to this truth which is embedded in Christ Jesus, our Redeemer. (cf. Rom 13:11-24). Advent season not in strict sense penitential as Lenten Season, instead it is a season of joyful hope. This does not imply that we should play down the penitential elements that follow it.

At the beginning of this season, that is after the feast of Christ the King. The liturgical environment takes a new shape with violet or purple as central colour. This same colour could be used for the altar frontal, the lectern, as well as liturgical vestments for priests and other minor ministers. Within this period, there are three cycles of readings: texts from the Old Testament, New Testament letters and from the Gospels for the Sundays of the Church year. The cycles begin with the first Sunday of Advent each year.

However, the gospel readings for the season of Advent follow the same pattern every year, giving us biblical symbols that will help us to enter gratefully into the mystery of waiting. In the first Sunday of Advent, the Christian community awaits the coming of the Lord. The second and third Sundays x-ray John the Baptist’s ministry as precursor of Christ, while the fourth Sunday gives the highlight of our lady’s pregnancy.

The season of advent ushered in a lot of varieties to spice up our spirituality. Martin, Michaelann’s Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas brings to limelight these features in a spectacular ways. For Michaelann, the season traditionally is decorated with a wreath which has German origins. It is probably the most recognized Advent custom. It is a wreath made of evergreens that is bound to a circle of wire. It symbolizes the many years from Adam to Christ in which the world awaited its Redeemer; it also represents the years that we have awaited His second and final coming. The wreath holds four equally spaced candles, the three purple ones lit on the penitential Sundays and a pink one for Gaudete, the joyful third Sunday in Advent. The empty manger which implies that each child may have his own individual manger, or there may be one manger for the whole family. The idea is that when acts of service, sacrifice, or kindness are done in honor of Baby Jesus as a birthday present, the child receives a piece of straw to put into the manger. Then, on Christmas morning, Baby Jesus is placed in the manger. Encourage your children to make Jesus bed as comfortable as possible through their good deeds. In the process, explain Christ’s incomparable self-gift at Christmas. Others are the Jesse tree which tells about Christ’s ancestry through symbols and relates Scripture to salvation history, progressing from creation to the birth of Christ, St. Nicholas Day. The feast of St. Nicholas is on December 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts will pay a visit. The current Santa Claus is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both December 6 and Christmas. The Christ candle is yet another features for this great season. Any large white candle can be used for the Christ candle. The idea is to decorate it with symbols for Christ. Use old Christmas cards, sequins, holly, etc. The candle can be lit on Christmas Eve to show that the Light of the World has arrived. Then continue to light the Christ candle throughout the year at Sunday dinner to remind your family of our waiting for Christ, as well as celebrating His birth and Resurrection. This is followed with the Mary’s candle, here some 

families have the custom of decorating the Christ candle with a blue veil on December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. On this great feast, others place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose yes to God enabled our Lords coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary’s eager expectation of the Light of the World. It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ’s coming. (cf. Martin, M., Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas, Lay Witness, December 1998).  

Interestingly, the second part of the Advent season witnessed the great “O’s or great Advent antiphons” in the course of the liturgy of the hours. That is to say, from the evening prayer (Vesper) of December 17, for the next seven days of Advent, the Magnificat antiphons begins with the great “O….” This acclamation is likely date to sixth-century in Italy, when Boethius refers to the text in the Consolation of Philosophy. Then it subsequently became one of the key musical features of the days leading up to Christmas.

Conclusion: 

The season of Advent ends with Christmas Eve. As we journey with the church within this season of prayer, reflection on the mystery of Christ’s nativity and turning to God; let us be mindful of the fact that, this is a new dawn of our spirituality. A moment of renewal, of growing in intimacy with Jesus and in an ever deeper understanding of Him in our lives. To crown it all, we are awaiting the word made flesh, which pitch His tent among us, and His glory covers us (cf. Jn 1:14) As we are awaiting the arrival of our Redeemer, let us pray to God that may His only begotten son found a befitting and abiding place in our hearts so that we may radiates this joyful mystery of waiting to wherever man is found.

Peace, be with you!

HOMILY FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE UNIVERSAL KING (Year C)

Homily for Solemnity of Christ the Universal king

Table of the Word:

R1:    2 Samuel 5:1-3

R 2:   Colossians 1:12-20

Gospel:  Luke 23:35-43

Theme: The Kingship of Christ the Lord.

Today, the Holy Mother Church celebrates a tripartite events in her liturgy: 

* The solemnity of Christ the universal King

*The culmination of the Liturgical Year C

* And for this region (Nigeria) the second part of the solemnity of Corpus Christi, that is the euchatistic procession. 

These three events revolve around a prominent character, whose life, teaching and sacrifice has given man hope beyond telling - the man Jesus Christ, whom Evangelist John described as the Ruler of the kings of the earth (cf. Revelation 1:5).

There are kings and there are kingdoms, but amidst this multiplicity of these kingdoms and thrones, none can be compared to the kingdom or kingship of Christ. His kingdom is eternal, not bought or canvas for. This same kingdom has no favouritism, everyone is a first born son or daughter, no one is bought or sold for He Himself has paid in full through the paschal mystery of passion, death and resurrection (cf. Galatians 5:1).

Consequently, His kingship gives humanity hope amidst confusion, it dispels darkness that engulfed us through sin and then reconciled us to His Father (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:18). His reign is central to our believe system, as He is God who has come with might to reign for eternity and satisfy the deepest needs and longings of His people (cf. Isaiah 40:9; 10).

However, our confession of Him as Christ the King of universe, implies that He is the beginning and the end whose reign means eternal life and peace for the people of God and eternal judgment for the enemies of God. He is called the Christ (which means the anointed one) in part because he has been ordained, empowered, and accepted by God to reign as the eternal king over the creation and especially over the Church.

In the gospel pericope, Evangelist Luke gave an insight of what it means to be a King adorned for a salvific mission. The mockery, scoffing and rebuking actions of the Jewish rulers did not perturbed our Lord, for He knew what His kingly mission meant; not that of the world. He endured the insult for our sake. (cf. Luke 23:35-43) 

He taught us what it means to be humble irrespective of our offices and status. For it is God's plan that none of us should lost except one who wish to lost. His love for us made us to share in His kingdom as St. Paul in his epistle to the Colossians Church avers. (cf.Colossians 1:12)

How then do we reciprocate this gesture? Between Christ kingship and the worldly kingship, which one do we pay allegiance to? Does our lives reflect members of Christ's kingdom? These and many are pertinent questions we need to give answer to. 

The kingdom in question is not far from us, though we often pray in the Lord's Prayer "Thy Kingdom Come" that kingdom as Origen in his teaching on prayer says: "The kingdom of God is with us. The Word is very near us; it is on our lips and on our heart...." 

Therefore, let us with joy as the psalmist invited us today go into God's house as the children of the Kingdom of Christ, whose kingship is eternal. Let us give the King chance to reign in our heart, through our thoughts, words and actions. For when we do this, our perishability nature will be transformed into imperishability.

Finally, we will all move into various nooks and crannies of our environment with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, publicly proclaiming His Kingship, let these words of acclamation be found in our actions. Let there be transformation and change as people of the kingdom even after the event. For He desires not only the words but actions.

Peace, be with you!

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word: Revelation 11:4-12;   Luke 20:27-40

“He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” (cf. Luke 20:27-40)

Theme:  Dying to Iive in Christ.

Reflection for the day

Death remains one of the realities that hit the feelings of humanity in a hard way. The thought of losing a loved one shatters the thought of the bereaved. 

However, in one of my thoughtful thinking, "Man remains a stranger to death no matter how often it occurs." It is an enigma that threaten the physical existence, above all faith in Christ offers us hope beyond human telling.

As we draw closer to the end of the liturgical year, we are being offered the chance to reflect about that day-of-days, the very day each and every one of us will be "face-to-face with Edom".

How prepared are we to behold this day? Let us not be distracted with the pains it caused us, but be hopeful that there is life beyond. That is why the gospel pericope of today reminded us in clear terms that:

He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” (cf. Luke 20:27-40)

Therefore, this call to mind that, dying to the world is living in Christ Jesus. Fear not for there is a beautiful city beyond what we have seen.

Finally, with faith in Christ whom we died through baptism in Him, we strongly hope that this perishable body will be made imperishable on the last day as we will see Him as truly as He is. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty Father, we thank You for the gift of life, the first gift you gave to humanity. Grant us we pray the grace to live with hope of another life in You; by living a life fashioned after the gospel. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               19112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul, Apostles

The anniversaries of dedication of these basilicas were celebrated as early as the twelfth century. Both were completed in the fourth century. The St Peter's Basilica was built atop his tomb and was rebuilt in the seventeenth century. St. Paul's Basilica in the Ostian Way was built also over his tomb and was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. "The Holy Mother Church has always been the friend of the fine arts and continuously sought their noble help so that all things set apart for use in divine worship should be truly worthy, becoming and beautiful, signs and symbols of heavenly realities"  (Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, 122).

Table of the Word: Revelation 10:8-11; Luke 19:45-48

"... you have made my house a den of robbers" (cf. Luke 19:45-48)

Theme:  Be cleansed!

Reflection for the day

Heaven being the eternal bliss does not welcome filthy or dented realities. All must be purified. Our bodies remain God's Temple, and if so we are obliged to make it pure every now and then. Our failure to clean up our filthiness create a barricade between our souls and eternal home. 

It is in the light of this, that Evangelist Luke reechoed event of the  cleansing of the Temple by our Lord having seen how they turned the place of worship into den of robbers: 

"... you have made my house a den of robbers" (cf. Luke 19:45-48)

This sacred duty of the Lord "cleansing" is very symbolic as afar as our spiritual life is concern. Every now and then we have sin and run short of glory. How often do we clean up ourselves from the mess? Do we give ourselves "Holiday in sin?" 

If "yes" let us retreat our steps and make haste to clean and purify ourselves.

Today, we also join the Mother Church in celebrating the feast of the dedication of the Basilicas of Ss. Peter and Paul, let us also dedicate our bodies to Him as a sweet smelling fragrance; so that we may behold Him as He really is. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Defend your Church, O Lord, by the protection of the holy Apostles, that, as she received from them the beginnings of her knowledge of things divine, so through them she may receive, even to the end of the world, an increase in heavenly grace. 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               17112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration:  St Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

(1207-1231). she was the daughter of the King of Hungary. She was a prayerful mother. After her husband's death, she devoted herself to the poor and the sick.

Table of the Word:  Revelation 5:1-10;   Luke 19:41-44

"Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, ..." (Revelation 5:5)

 

Theme:  He has conquered!

Reflection for the day

Evangelist John in his continuous narrative of the beatific vision as revealed to him presents before us the conquering power of the Lamb who was slain for our sake in today's first reading:

"Weep not; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, ..." (Revelation 5:5)

The conquering power of the Lamb here proved the Omnipotency attribute of God, as "God of possibilities" meaning that nothing is impossible before our God. 

In employing the image of a "lamb" in this narrative portrays the humility of Jesus and His loving gesture for human race. It goes ahead to invite us to the consciousness of believing in God's faithfulness no matter the situation, that even if all hope has gone, God will certainly come to our rescue.

However, within the context of this lesson, we can see "God in action" for the salvation of man through His Son who was crucified for our sake. He loved us beyond measure. 

How then do we reciprocate this kind gesture of His? Taking a look at the utmost sacrifice Christ made for our redemption. Let us therefore, put in our best in our Christian calling by bearing witness to the truth in our thoughts, words and actions.

Finally, as the scripture exhorts us to put behind us fear and be courageous, let our joy be in the Lord, and Lord alone, as St. Elizabeth of Hungary whose memorial we celebrate today stripped herself of all glory for the love of God. Let us then be happy for He has conquered. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary recognised and revered Christ in the poor, grant, through her intercession, that we may serve with unfailing charity the needy and those afflicted. 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               17112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word:  Revelation 4:1-11;  Luke 19:11-28.

 "... trade with these till I come." (Luke 19:13)

Theme: Be fruitful!

Reflection for the day

In transacting any business, interest is expected. He who sows anticipated a yield from the field. And if eventually the duo did not give out earnings, then the aim is defeated. This brings to our consciousness the essence of our creation as the catechism teaches: that God created us to love Him, to serve Him, and to live with Him after our existence here.

This stance sheds light on the parable of our Lord in today's gospel pericope when he said:

  "... trade with these till I come." (Luke 19:13).

This text is also reechoed in the gospel acclamation:

"I chose you from the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord." (John 15:16).

We have all been chosen and assigned various gifts and grace for the service of our Creator. So far, how do we live out our call?  How do we respond to this call to service? Is our response for personal interest or for the good of all? Do we allow laziness or negligence as we seen in the gospel narrative about the third servant to becloud our sense of duty? These and many are the questions for us to reason out. 

Finally, let us be conscious of our duty here on earth so that when the owner of the vineyard request for the record of our stewardship we may give accurate account. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty God, teach us we pray the shortness of our time here on earth so that we may make use of every opportunity You have given us. Grant us the grace to be fruitful in our day-to-day living for the greater glory of Your name. We ask this 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               16112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(1206-1280). German by birth, he studied in Padua and Paris. He entered the Order of Preachers and taught theology. In Paris, St. Thomas Aquinas was his pupil. A man of great wisdom, he became a bishop and worked to establish peace among peoples and cities.

Table of the Word:  Revelation 3:1-6.14-22; Luke 19:1-10.

"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." (Revelation 3:17)

Theme: Pride goes before fall.

Reflection for the day

Pride is one of the vices that has eaten so deep into man. It creates among men that insensitivity that he is "all and all". It beclouds sense of reasoning and pushed man into the pit of shame and destruction. 

In the light of this, that God revealed through Evangelist John in today's first reading the emptiness of man thus: 

"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." (Revelation 3:17).

To buttress this point God exhorted us in this way:

"Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see." (Revelation 3:18).

No matter how Valuable we may think our fame and glory is, without God it is vanity upon vanity. We need the "humility of Zachaeus" to get salvation. He was a rich man as described by the scripture. He did not consider his status in the society but went ahead of the crowd just to see Jesus (cf. Luke 19:1-10). And seeing Him, he did not waste time in responding to the call to come down from the tree, a lesson for us to have a quick response to the detects and ordinances from God. This poses a question before us: How quick do we respond to God's invitation to depart from evil ways?  

As He is ever ready to have us close to Him as He did to Zachaeus. His readiness to dine and wine with us is also being found in Evangelist John's revelation when He says:

If any one opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him” (Revelation 3:20).

Let us beloved in Christ, open our ear to hear the Word, and heart to receive Him, while imploring the intercession of St. Albert the Great whose memorial we celebrate today. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Albert great by his joining of human wisdom to divine faith, grant, we pray, that we may so adhere to the truths he taught, that through progress in learning we may come to a deeper knowledge and love of you. 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               15112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5a;  Luke 18:35-43.

"What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." (Luke 18:41)

Theme: What do you ask God when you pray?

Reflection for the day

One of the most fascinating mysteries that no mind can decipher is the unfathomable love and mercy of God especially when all hope seems to have gone. 

In the gospel pericope according to Matthew, the Lord Himself exhorts us to ask that we will be given; seek that we may find and then knock the door will be opened. (cf Matthew 7:7)

In the light of this that today's gospel lesson puts before us the the story of one blind man whose identity Luke did not capture. The scripture says, the said man was a blind and has been in need of his sight until this fateful day when Jesus the Son of David passed by. The human noise aroused his attention until he was told of what actually happened. 

Approaching Jesus on invitation, our Lord asked:

What do you want me to do for you?" He said, "Lord, let me receive my sight." (Luke 18:41)

The man in question did not ask for riches, connection and what have you but a particular news at that point in time - to regain his sight. And this that the Lord granted. 

In a similar event, God asked King Solomon at Gibeon what does he need? In response he said:

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (I Kings 3:9).

However, on our day-to-day supplication what do we ask God of: Is it a need, want or demand? (within the context of scale of preference). The duo never asked God for want or demand but basic need. 

Sadly, on our own part sometimes we confused ourselves with want instead of need. Let our request before the Lord be that of basic need to sustain us, if He added extra all to His glory as He did it to King Solomon. 

Hear it now the Lord's declaration:

“Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for both wealth and honor so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings " (I Kings 3:10-13). Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty God, we thank You for the wonders of creation. Accept we pray the homage of our lips. May our desire be only for You O! Lord that our prayers may be answered. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               14112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:  St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

(1580-1623). Born in Ukraine (Russia) of Orthodox parents, he became a Catholic and a Basilian monk. Chosen bishop, he worked faithfully for the unity of the Church until he was martyred by a mob.

Table of the Word: 3 John 5-8;  Luke 18:1-8

"...to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)

Theme: Peseverance in prayer.

Reflection for the day

How often do we need to pray for our requests to be answered? Is there any modus operandi needed to employ so as to receive the grace asked for? Is there any designated place or time are we supposed to pray? These and many other questions surround the efficacy of prayer. 

Above all, we ought to pray always, leaving our needs to God who knows it all, at any place or given time. Prophet Micah also invites us to persist in prayer no matter the circumstance. We need to persevere and God will do it at the appointed time. (cf. Micah 7:7)

It is in the same spirit that, our Lord this morning captured the need to pray often in his parable to his disciples saying:

"...to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)

Most often we pray as often as possible, still no fruit of the prayer, no response given; it seems to be a wasted effort.

Not at all, only that we made the conversation a "monologue" instead of a "dialogue". Every prayer is a dialogue between "you (I) and God". We need to present our intentions, then allow God to speak to us. 

Sometimes God speaks and we don't hear Him talking because we have allowed ourselves to beclouded with our expectations. Whereas God has the final say, either "yes" if it is necessary, "no" when it is not a need for us; and then "wait" when we are yet to reach the stage of maturity. 

Until we realize this, then we will keep on asking how often do we need to pray. Let us also give God the floor to speak to us after we must have requested. It is in doing this that we will make the prayer what it ought to be. May our prayers O! Lord we pray be pleasing to you.  Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord, the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat as he laid down his life for the sheep, so that through his intercession we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit and not be afraid to lay down our life for others. 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               12112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), Priest

(1887-1968) In one of the largest such ceremonies in history, Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on June 16, 2002. Born Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy. At the age of 15, Francesco joined the Capuchins and took the name of Pio. He was ordained in 1910 and was drafted during World War I. After he was discovered to have tuberculosis, he was discharged. In 1917 he was assigned to the friary in San Giovanni Rotondo, 75 miles from the city of Bari on the Adriatic. A number of people have reported cures they believe were received through the intercession of Padre Pio. Those who assisted at his Masses came away edified; several curiosity seekers were deeply moved. Like St. Francis, Padre Pio sometimes had his habit torn or cut by souvenir hunters.

Table of the Word:  

Theme: 

Reflection for the day:

 Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               23092022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop

(316-397). Born to pagan parents in Hungary, he was first a soldier before he was baptised. He founded a monastery in France and later became Bishop of Tours. He sent missionaries to evangelise the country and to educate the clergy.

Table of the Word: 2 John 4-9; Luke 17:26-37

“... as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man.'" (Luke 17:26)

Theme: Be prepared!

Reflection for the day

Early and adequate preparations are the hub of a successful mission or task. One needs to prepare before setting out for a task, if he desires to accomplish it successfully. 

In like manner with our spiritual journey to our final home. We cannot just begin to think of making it to heaven without first of all planning the cost and what it will take to lead us there. Among the cost of getting there are: self-emptiness, perseverance, self-control in thought, words and actions; loving one another without measure, bearing witness to the truth, etc. 

In doing this, we responding to the exhortation of our Lord as Evangelist Luke puts before us this morning saying:

“... as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man.'" (Luke 17:26)

We don't need to wait till it becomes late. We should be ever ready to give a positive response if by chance we are asked: What will you do if it is announced that Christ will come tomorrow?

While someone will say: "I will change for better"; another may add up: "I will let go all hurts exacted upon me". Then any one who will answer: "I will do what ever I am doing now" (if it is good) will stand the chance to behold the Master's return with the crown of glory. 

Consequent upon this, what are we doing at the moment? The answer is ours. Let our life be modelled after the gospel so that the day will not find us unprepared. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love. 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               11112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration:  St. Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

(+461). During his pontificate, the Council of Chalcedon (451) defined that there is in Christ one divine person and two natures, divine and human. It was a confirmation of his Epistola Dogmatica (Tomus) to the Patriach Flavian of Constantinople. He vigorously defended the unity of the Church. He pushed back the onrush of the barbarians under Attila.

Table of the Word:  Philemon 7-20; Luke 17:20-25.

"I am the vine, you are the branches says the Lord. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit." (John 15:5)

Theme: Abiding in Christ.

Reflection for the day

Obviously, no man by nature is Island, he needs a shoulder to lean on, a voice to comfort him, a tender touch, and so on. If this is the case with human existence; what then do we have to say about our desire of God in our lives. We need Him now and always. 

In actuality, we can not do without Him. He is the source of our existence. As the Scripture says: "For in Him we live, and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). 

In the same manner that, our Lord and master says: 

"I am the vine, you are the branches says the Lord. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit." (John 15:5)

By implication, we cannot "be" without Him. Me must detach from what is not of Him and then attach ourselves with Him who knows it all. 

Our satisfaction comes only from Him, as Pope St. Leo whom we are celebrating today did. In the course of his pontificate he lived out the gospel value of abiding in Christ as his Lord and master. This becoming a true witness today. 

Finally, beloved in Christ let us make sincere effort to trust God without reservation. For without Him we are absolutely nothing. 

 Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who never allow the gates of hell to prevail against your Church, firmly founded on the apostolic rock, grant her, we pray, that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo, she may stand firm in your truth, and know the protection of lasting peace. 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               10112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration: The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

The Lateran Basilica is the cathedral of Rome. It was built in the time of Constantine and was consecrated by Pope Sylvester in 324. This feast became a universal celebration in honor of the basilica called "the mother and mistress of all churches of Rome and the world" (omnium urbis et orbis ecclesiarum mater et caput) as a sign of love for and union with the See of Peter.

Table of the Word: Ezekiel 47:1-2.8-9.12 ; I Corinthians 3:9-11.16-17; John 2:13-22.

"You are God's building. According to the commission of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it." (I Corinthians 3:9-10)

Theme: We are the Temple of God.

Reflection for the day

Today, we join the universal Church to celebrate the dedication of the Lateran Basilica - the Mother and Mistress of all Churches, a sure reminder of who we are: "God's Temple".

It is in the light of this scenario, that St. Paul our brother and apostle of the Gentiles in his first epistle to the Corinthians Church avers: 

"You are God's building. According to the commission of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it." (I Corinthians 3:9-10)

And in continuation of the text, he established that we are all God's Temple, that is where God dwells. And that, if any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are. (I Corinthians 3:16-17)

How then do we protect this Temple of God which we are? This becomes a pertinent question begging for answer in our minds. 

Sometimes we dent this sacred place of God (our bodies) out of weakness and negligence through what we put on, what we take or what we do with it. 

Above all, let us not lost consciousness of the fact that God Himself loves us more than we love ourselves. As such we need to hold tenaciously with care this precious gift God has given to us (our bodies),  if not God may bring His anger upon us as Jesus publicly did today in the gospel reading with those who desecrated the house of God. (cf. John 2:13-22)

Finally, let us make sincere effort in keeping our bodies pure so as to be sweet smelling fragrance before the Lord. As Prophet Ezekiel reiterates in his vision, the flowing water which fertilized desert and brings forth good yields. Stating that: "Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing." (Ezekiel 47:12). May these prophetic words gain roots in our lives as we take care of our bodies as God's Temple. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. 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               09112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  Titus 2:1-8.11-14;  Luke 17:7-10

"If a man loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him." (John 14:23)

Theme: Being faithful to God's detects and ordinances.

Reflection for the day

There is this popular hymn titled: "It pays to serve Jesus." Serving here entails being faithful to God's decree and ordinances and the fruit that comes with such acts. 

Indeed, it pays to serve Him. 

In the light of this, that I wish to reflect with you with the Words of our Lord as Evangelist Luke reechoed in today's gospel acclamation:

"If a man loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him." (John 14:23).

We can not claim to love someone when we keep on hurting the feelings of the person. If then we keep boundaries to our sediments or excesses just to keep the earthly relationship. Why then, do we refuse to keep God's law? 

Recalling the words of Mother Charles Mary Walker, "After what God has done in the past, there is no fear for the future." This was a testimony of faith having experienced the unfathomable love and kindness of God.

However, having experience same in our day-to-day living, we owe God in return to keep to His detects and ordinances. For we cannot say we love Him without listening to Him. 

Consequently, if we keep to these ordinances presented before us today, we will be received into the company of God's elect; for Jesus Himself said: "... we will come to him." That is He and His Father will welcome us into the abode.

Finally, beloved in Christ, let our thoughts, words and actions reflect what we are being called and known for "Christ-followers." Let nothing abhors this teaching as St. Paul in his letter to Titus which formed the first reading of today says:

"Teach what befits sound doctrine. Bid the older men be temperate, serious, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness." (Titus 2:1-2). 

Then, let us teach what we belive, practice what we teach by paying attention to the law of God. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we are grateful to You for Your faithfulness and love. Grant O! Lord we pray the grace to be faithful to Your Words in thought, words and actions. For in doing this, we will come to You. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               08112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  Titus 1:1-9; Luke 17:1-6

"Who shall climb the mountain of the LORD? Who shall stand in his holy place? The clean of hands and pure of heart, whose soul is not set on vain things." (Psalm 24:3-4ab)

Theme: Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?

Reflection for the day

The theme of today's reflection "Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? is an extract from the Psalm. It is a popular text, which occasionally some people misunderstood it. 

The text is a reminder of our end and the beginning of the life to come; which the author of the book of Maccabees in the story of the martyrdom of those seven young men made reference to in the second reading of yesterday (cf. 2 Maccabees 7:1-2.9-14).

Today, the Psalmist puts before us this fundamental question in the second stanza:

"Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?"

Biblically, mountains have a logical religious symbolism for Jewish and Christian cultures since they are “closer to God” who dwells in the heavens. As a result, God often reveals himself on a mountaintop. This Mountain therefore represents God's abode, or His dwelling where we hope to see Him as He really is. 

However, how prepared are we to go up to this mountain? Evangelist Luke in the gospel pericope gave us a direct answer from the Lord:

"Take heed to yourselves; if your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him; and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive him." (Luke 17:3-4)

We need to let go the hurt of our brothers, to embrace peace and seek for peace always so as to live in harmony with one another. If we fail, then we have lost the ticket to this mountain. Above all, we need to love one another without cost or sentiment. This of course, the fulcrum of our Christian calling.

Finally, let us not set our hearts on vain glory which are temporary but on heavy realities which will grant us the befitting place before our God. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we thank You for the wonders of Your creation. We give You glory for the provision, care and love. We beseech Thee O! Lord to grant us the grace to live above our weaknesses so that we may be able to behold the beatific vision when this earthly dwellings must have passed away. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               07112022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 31st WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Celebration: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

The Church, after rejoicing yesterday with our brothers who are in heaven, today prays for all who, in the purifying suffering of purgatory, await the day when they will join the company of the saints. The celebration of the Mass, which is the sacrifice of Calvary renewed on our altars, has ever been for the Church the principal means of fulfilling the great commandment of charity towards the dead. We can also relieve their sufferings through our prayers, suffrages, and penances. Even after death, links with our fellow-travellers and brothers are not broken.

                  Reflection

Theme: Dying to the world to live in Christ.

"Brethren: Hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us."  (Romans 5:5-6).

Each time the thought of death comes around, fear grips our courage, many questions beg for answers; but the answer seems to be too far to our reach.

Those directly affected are broken into pieces. The feelings become unexplainable as the intense pain of losing a loved one becomes real. The memories they left behind become fresh each day. O! Death where is thy sting? Where is your victory?

From time immemorial after man's disobedience which led to losing of original grace, he inherited the reward of death. 

Thus, humanity become a victim of this unavoidable path of existence. But amidst this, Christ death has conquered fear and pain that may encompassed us. 

As we remember our loved ones today who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith; let us be conscious of the fact that none of us will leave here alive. We will either soon or later leave at here at pace best known to God. 

Finally, let us know that we live on borrowed time, as this world is not ours. Fear not, for Christ has conquered this enemy of man - death. And His resurrection is our hope that we shall see Him as He really is. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. 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               02112022