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