DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time of the Year

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: Ss Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

(+ 1597). Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, and his twenty five companions were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. They were the first martyrs of East Asia to be canonized. They were killed simultaneously by being raised on crosses and then stabbed with spears. Their executioners were astounded upon seeing their joy at being associated to the Passion of Christ. Every Christian is to bear witness, in life and death, to the Faith.

Table of the Word: 

RI: Genesis 1:1-19

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

"...  and as many as touched it were made well." (Mark 6:56)

Theme: The healing touch

Powerful and miraculous is an encouter with our Lord. Apart from teaching which had repentance and conversion as the main thrme in Christ's public ministry. Healing took the centre stage as many who followed Him did so for the longing for healing of their infirmitiesand not necessarily conversion. 

In today's gospel pericope Evangelist Mark who is widely known by the biblical scholars as the writer who keeps the messianic secret reported Jesus presence at Gennesaret. Here the crowd made their way and had a touch of Him and eventually received healing upon healings.

Beloved in Christ, in our moment of tribulations what always come to our minds? Why do we suddenly forget the power of God in our lives because of doubt? The gospel message of today invites us to a life of a "living faith" a faith which surmounts doubt. 

Today, we are celebrating icons of our faith led by St. Paul Miki who despite the persecution stood firm in faith and trust in God to the bewilderment of their executioners. 

As we continue this journey of faith, we are urged to hold firm to the faith no matter the situation as many in the crowd today did. Therefore, if we happen to do this we will certainly receive the healing touch of our Lord in every moment of difficulties.

Finally, let us make effort to get in touch with our Lord today. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

O God, strength of all the Saints, who through the Cross were pleased to call the Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions to life, grant, we pray, that by their intercession we may hold with courage even until death to the faith that we profess. 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.

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