LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Theme:... and He heard my cry.

"The waves of death rose about me; the pains of the netherworld surrounded me. In my anguish I called to the Lord and from his holy temple he heard my voice." (Cf. Ps 18:5.7)

In the light of human existence, trouble, disappointment, frustration etc. encompassing man. Though some are self-made or being inflicted by enemies.

The Psalmist today in the entrance antiphon seen himself in the dungeon of pains, and cried out with hope in God:

"The waves of death rose about me; the pains of the netherworld surrounded me. In my anguish I called to the Lord and from his holy temple he heard my voice." (Cf. Ps 18:5.7).

This is therefore a sure reminder of our dependency on God. For we cannot do anything without the help of God. He remains our begining and the end. 

However, let us be reminded that He had promised before hand that He will fight our battles, and that we only need to be silent (cf. Exodus 14:14).

Therefore, let us put our trust in God for He is too faithful to disappoint us. Keeping in mind that, trust hinges on faith, so a little of faith urges us on.

Peace! Be with you

Let us pray

May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for without your grace, we cannot find favour in your sight. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                  25032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Theme: Let us encompass him.

"Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training." (Wisdom 2:1.12)

Every act of righteousness challenges our enemies, for they don't want us to be closer to God. As the Scripture says:  "... they accuse us day and night before our God..." (cf. Revelation 12:10). 

In another part, the Book of Wisdom in the course of today's liturgy of the Word reminded us of the plan of the evil one against God's children:

"Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training." (Wisdom 2:1.12).

Therefore, this is a reminder to watch our steps, thoughts, words and actions as we continue our penitential walk with the Lord.

Let our hearts remain the seat of judgment where conscience directs every deed. If this happens, they will oppose us, but they won't succeed, they will encompass us, and we will triumph; for the blood of the Lamb has spoken on our behalf.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who have prepared fitting helps for us in our weakness, grant, we pray, that we may receive their healing effects with joy, and reflect them in a holy way of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 ©The ARCHIVE           24032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Luminous

Theme: I will forever keep you in mind.

 "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

God has been, He is and will continue showering His bountiful love upon humanity. 

Today's text taken from the second Isaiah (which was written during the Exile) speaks of God's special love for His children, which is quite touching and striking. Here Isaiah projects an image of God as Mother; who cuddles, and tenders her children with care. As a Mother, sometimes she denies herself comfort for the well-being of her child.

 "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

Consequent upon this, God also reminded us of writing our names in His palms. (cf. Isaiah 49:16). Assurance that even if the mother fails, He will never fail us.

There is no better way of loving than a "fulfilled promise." He is too faithful to disappoint us. As we keep on journey together, may His love sustains us now and forevermore. 

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who reward the merits of the just and offer pardon to sinners who do penance, have mercy, we pray, on those who call upon you, that the admission of our guilt may serve to obtain your pardon for our sins. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE          23032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Glorious

Theme: Turn to the Lord...

 "Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it,..." (Exodus 32:7ff.).

Beloved in Christ, warm greetings to you. The weakness and fragility of man is being discovered when he derails from the right part, or missing out of Divine path through sin. (Cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) 

At this very moment the fragility of man becomes obvious such that, he needs a leaning shoulder, or a hand to raise him up from the dust of his weakness. 

On this note, that the Psalmist reminded us of the need to turn to God through concientious observance of pious acts in this sacred season in the life of the Church. 

"Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strengthened; constantly seek his face." ( Cf. Ps 105:3-4)

In the light of this, God spoke to  Moses in this way:

 "Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it,..." (Exodus 32:7ff.).

This Divine directive is merciful and love oriented, which are His attributes. He desires not the death of a sinner as the scripture tells us, but delights with a remorseful heart who seeks forgiveness and reconciliation.

Finally, let us cry to Him to  remember us with the favour He shows to His people.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray 

We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE     22032023

ĹENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Theme: Come to me...

"All who are thirsty, come to the waters, says the Lord. Though you have no money, come and drink with joy." ( Cf. Is 55:1)

Beloved in Christ, a beautiful morning to you and your household. We are at it again, "God's unfathomable mercy" upon humanity. We are grateful to Him for His love and enduring provision. 

Today, on our tabloid Prophet Isaiah prophesied:

"All who are thirsty, come to the waters, says the Lord. Though you have no money, come and drink with joy." ( Cf. Is 55:1)

Dearest friend, are you thirsty?   And thirsty of what? Healing? fortune? Fertility of the womb? Employment? Open door in business? etc.

Then the time is now, as God is inviting us to come and have a drink of fertility, open heavens, success etc. even without cost and connection. While others boast in connections, our boast is in the Lord who made Heaven and Earth and all that is in it. 

The invitation is going round,  grab yours and drink it to the full. He gives without charge and connection. Make haste to draw water from this source of life, never allow anything to hamper your effort in drinking from this fountain of life. Remember, no condition is attached to it. 

Finally, be reminded that no one drinks from this source and go back thirsty. 

Peace be with you!

Let us pray 

May the venerable exercises of holy devotion shape the hearts of your faithful, O Lord, to welcome worthily the paschal mystery and proclaim the praises of your salvation.

 Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE     20032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Theme: Seek good and not evil.

"Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord will be with you." (Amos 5:14)

God spoke to us every now and then, as a reminder of our responsibility. Today, through Prophet Amos, He left us with a caveat to choose between good and evil as a determinant factor to either live or die. 

"Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord will be with you." (Amos 5:14)

In the light of this scenario, while journey with the Church within this solemn season of lent; let us use this great opportunity to reconcile with our Creator through our relationship with our fellow men. Also, let us not loose sight of this great chance through negligence or being carried away with the aura of petty pleasure.

Finally, may we keep our eyes fixed on the way of the Cross of our Lord so as to chastised this mortal body for the salvation of our souls.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who renew the world through mysteries beyond all telling, grant, we pray, that your Church may be guided by your eternal design and not be deprived of your help in this present age. Amen. 

© The ARCHIVE                  19032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Theme: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.

"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1-6).

Every sick person desires healing and restoration. But when healing does not come, mind blowing question surfaces. Where is God?

But most often we suddenly forget that: "every event in life is a lesson."

That is, God writes in a crooked line. This implies that, He does whatsoever He Wills.

Our distress, tribulations and ugly situations does not mean to pull us down but to strengthen us.

It is in this same spirit that,

Prophet Hosea proclaimed:

"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1-6).

This points to God's ever readiness to heal us of our infirmities, infirmties of hardshisp, distress, hatred, envy, etc. at His appointed time. 

He desire to be merciful upon us and not in our "ill-burnt offering of sin." Trust and obey, He will not fail us. Healing upon us we pray O! Lord.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray 

Rejoicing in this annual celebration of our Lenten observance, we pray, O Lord, that, with our hearts set on the paschal mysteries, we may be gladdened by their full effects. 

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                17032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Theme: "Obey my voice..."

"Obedience" a virtue which the sacred Scripture adorns with high esteem that it is better than sacrifice. (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23). 

Dear brethren, warm greetings from your beloved spiritual family - The ARCHIVE where Christ remains the Way, the Truth and the Life.

On our tabloid today, we wish to reflect on "Obedience" a virtue which the sacred Scripture adorns with high esteem that it is better than sacrifice. (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23). 

The fundamental question is, obedience to who or what? Is it to obey our carnal feelings? To obey what offends God? Or obedience with the hope to be raised to the status of fame and glory which will not last the day?

No. The obedience here has to do with God and all constituted authorities. It is on this note that the Lord invited us through the prophecy of Jeremiah to reflect today.

Prophet Jeremiah announced:

"Thus says the LORD: “This command I gave my people, "Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you." (Jeremiah 7:23ff.)

Indeed, if we obey God and every constituted authorities without any feeling of pride or arrogant we stand to experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. God is ever ready to assist us in every way. Also, we have the obligation to keep the detects and ordinances of God close to our hearts. 

Finally,, let us try our best to respond positively to this wonderful call for salvation. For when we do this, the steadfastness of God's love will enrich us. 

Peace be with you!

Let us pray

We implore your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that as the feast of our salvation draws ever closer, so we may press forward all the more eagerly towards the worthy celebration of the paschal mystery. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE          16032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Glorious

Theme: "... give heed to the statutes and the ordinances."

"... give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, gives you." (Deuteronomy 4:1.5-9).

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, good morning to you with God's choicest blessing. It is yet a new dawn the Lord has given to us. 

In the light of beholding this great opportunity, God through   Moses, the great leader of Israelites admonished us to take cognizance of the detects and ordinances God has placed before us saying:

"... give heed to the statutes and the ordinances which I teach you, and do them; that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, gives you." (Deuteronomy 4:1.5-9).

This admonition goes with blessing for life longevity,betterment and fortine which we all long for. But let us be rest assured that, the promise is beyond the ephemeral existence before us; but that eternal life of being with God.

Adherence to these ordinances and detects will certainly put us on the right track with God throughout our  earthly pilgrimage.

Finally, "keep the law of God, and God will keep you alive."

Peace be with you!

Let us pray

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. 

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE            15032023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Theme: Return to me...

"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful." ( Joel 2:12-13)

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, may God's choicest blessing be upon you. 

The merciful heart of God has always been opened every now and then for all, though some may accept the offer, others still wait for the time to be riped. Amidst this, He is ever ready to reconcile us back to Himself. 

Remember, the touching story of the prodigal son, the warm embrace of his father and the reception organized in his honour. O! What great love is our God. 

Today, we hear this from the gospel acclamation:

"Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful." ( Joel 2:12-13)

However, this prophetic proclamation is an invitation to "rise" and go back to our Father with a remorseful heart. He is there at the gate waiting for our arrival. Make a move now.

As prophet Daniel prayed:

“With a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted.” (cf. Daniel 3:11-20)

Beloved in Christ, this is the acceptable moment to return to God with sincere penance. Let our hearts be torn and not our garments.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray

May your grace not forsake us, O Lord, we pray, but make us dedicated to your holy service and at all times obtain for us your help. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE        14032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Lenten Exercises: Meditatively praying the mystery of the day with some charitable works.

Theme: It is time to go back...

"I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." (Luke 15:18)

The theme for today's reflection called to mind the conclusion made by a man who having made effort to create comfort zone for himself, unfortunately being left in the crossroad of life. Having looked back, he found no solace, peace and tranquillity. This gives a true picture of our soul after baptism, the serenity we enjoyed while with God. But along the line, sins as a result of our frailty stole this peace of mind from us and left us with restlessness. 

In the light of this, that Evangelist Luke reminded us the Biblical story of the prodigal son who having squandered his life-inheritance decided to go back to his father.

"I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you." (Luke 15:18)

At this point in time, there must have been many thoughts in his mind, such as if I go back, and I am being rejected. Where will I go from there? Amidst this and many other thoughts, he made a bold step to forge ahead.

That bold step is what the Church is inviting us to take in the course of this long penitential walk with the Lord. No matter how grievous we  may think our sins are, God is ever ready to forgive us provided we approach Him with a contrite heart and resolve not to do it again. 

To buttress this point, the Psalmist says:

"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so strong his mercy for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far from us does he remove our transgressions." (Psalm 103:11-12).

Therefore, we need to take this bold step as soon as possible, to be more united with Him, who is our "all" and "all".

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who grant us by glorious healing remedies while still on earth, to be partakers of the things of heaven, guide us, we pray, through this present life and bring us to that light in which you dwell. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

©The ARCHIVE                       11032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Lenten Exercises: Meditatively praying the mystery of the day and actively participate at the Station of the Cross.

Theme: Go first and be reconciled to your brother.

"Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it." (Matthew 21:43ff.)

Beloved in Christ good morning and a beautiful weekend to you. It has been God all the while and His love endures forever. 

Today, we are being invited to reconcile with others. Reconciliation is seen as the fruit of a contrite heart. In the course of this Lenten walk, God spoke to us in many ways , inviting us to reconciliation with Himself and one another

However, failure on our parts will tentamounts to robbing us of this Divine gesture as Evangelist Matthew says: 

"Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it." (Matthew 21:43ff.)

We must not only bear fruit, but  fruit that will last. 

Brethren, this is the most acceptable time to reciprocate this kind gesture of our God with goodness; bearing in mind His love and care. It is obvious that, some of us derived joy in the sadness of others, sometimes we feel at home to use others to get to the pinnacle; and be satisfied with the tears of the oppressed, etc. If these or any other ill-acts against others brings out joy in us, then we have lost it out.

Therefore, let us remind ourselves of the Words of the Psalmist who said:

"Remember the wonders the Lord has done." (Psalm 105: 5a).

How can we do this? When we are keeping malice, cooking hatred for others and denying others their basic rights and privileges. It is time to reconcile with others, for God to forgive us, else "the Kingdom" will be taken away from us.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy things to come.

 Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE             10032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Luminous

Lenten Exercises: Meditaively pray the mystery of the day, and create a quality time to be with the Lord.

Theme: ...great is your faith!

 "I the LORD search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10)

Dearest in Christ, good morning to you. We bring to you on this great day of the Lord glad tidings beyond human telling. 

God knows it all. Our thoughts are all known to Him, our aspirations are before Him. They will all be fulfilled only if they are for our good and the glory of God. 

Today, Prophet Jeremiah announced to us God's promise saying:

 "I the LORD search the mind and try the heart, to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:10)

 

Let us move with faith and trust in Him. For He knows better than we do. 

Indeed, "God's foolishness is wiser than man's wisdom." (cf. 1 Corinthians1:25). His attribute as "omniscience" is incomparable. Then "Why worry.?"

We have to make sincere effort to be blameless before God, for in doing this, our petitions and heart desires will be granted. Keeping in mind the words of the psalmist:

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord."( Psalm 119:1). 

We have to put in our best in our day-to-day living, make sincere effort and above all trust in God. He will never put us to shame. He will do more than we expected, as He remains a "can do God."

Peace be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who delight in innocence and restore it, direct the hearts of your servants to yourself, that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit, we may be found steadfast in faith and effective in works. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                       08032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Lenten Exercises: Meditaively pray the mystery of the day and spend at least 30 minutes reflecting on your past, present and how you want the future to be.

Theme: If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land...

"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:20)

Prophet Isaiah pronounced God's intention on us, inviting us to true repentance, saying:

"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 1:20)

We are weak and short-lived, but God is ever willing and ready to assist us in our frailty. In the light of this that Prophet Ezekiel invited us to cast away all our transgressions which we have committed, and get ourselves a new heart and a new spirit. (cf. Ezekiel 18:31).

Dearest in the Lord, we need to retreat our steps and move ahead with vigour. For God is ever willing and ready to forgive us. As the psalmist proclaimed: "To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God"  (Psalm 50:23bc). As we continue to voyage with the Church along this penitential path, let us be conscious of temptations that may arise along the way. The journey has never and will not be an easy one. There must be stumbling blocks, thorns as well as persecutions. Amidst this, loose not your heart. Persevere, if eventually, you find yourself in a falling state; don't remain there. Get up, and dust yourself through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and move ahead. Indeed, His grace is sufficient unto us.

 Peace be with you!

Let us pray

Guard your Church, we pray, O Lord, in your unceasing mercy, and since without you mortal humanity is sure to fall, may we kept by your constant help from all harm and directed to all that brings salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

© The ARCHIVE                  07032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Lenten Exercises: Meditatively pray the mystery of the day and give a helping to someone today. 

Theme: We have sinned and done wrong.

"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and merciful love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances;..." (Daniel 9:4ff.)

The greatest of all the sins is not that sin we may have in mind, rather the act of losing the "sense of sins" is the most serious sin one can think of. Sometimes, this attitude has been part and parcel of us, when we don't care any longer about our relationship with our fellow human not even talking about God. When we continue to live as if there is no tomorrow. When we think that we are "all-in-all".

In the light of this that,  Prophet Daniel exhorts us in the first reading of today to acknowledge our frailty and sinfulness while saying:

"O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and merciful love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and ordinances;..." (Daniel 9:4ff.)

The acknowledgement of our iniquities is a sincere step towards true definition of this solemn season of repentance and reconciliation. As Psalm 51 will reminds us of God's readiness to reconcile us back to Himself, let us not loose sight of this great opportunity; for our sins are before us day and night. 

However, taking cognizance of step we make puts us on the right path of reconciliation with God. We need to make day-to-day self-examinations of our thoughts, words and actions to ascertain how far have we gone?

Dearest in the Lord, let us join the psalmist to plead with God for His mercy upon us.

"O! Lord, do not treat us according to our sins" (cf. Psalm 103:10a)

As long as we pleas for God's mercy we on our part has the onligation to let go the hurt inflicted on us as the gospel.pericloe invited us (cf. Luke 6:36-38). We owe one another forgiveness and mercy, as long as we look u.to.God for these virtues.

Finally, may His grace be sufficient to us, as we put our trust in Him.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who have taught us to chasten our bodies for the healing of our souls, enable us, we pray, to abstain from all sins, and strengthen our hearts to carry out your loving commands. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                   0632023