DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 19TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This feast was celebrated in the liturgy of the Eastern World from the sixth century and, in Rome, from the seventh century. On November 1, 1950 Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption. He solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly career, was taken up body and soul, into the glory of heaven, really forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the apostles. This feast confirms us in the theological virtue of hope whereby we seek our sanctification and that of the others in the midst of our ordinary duties. At the same time we are encouraged to look at our goal in heaven.

TABLE OF THE WORD:Revelation 11:19;12:1-6.10; I Corinthians 15:20-26; Luke 1:39-56.

THEME: We fly to Thy patronage. 

THE WORD

"For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."   (I Corinthians 15:21 -22)

Today's liturgy of the Word gives insight into the mystery surrounding the salvation history of humanity through our Mother whose Solemnity of Assumption we celebrate today. 

The first reading recounted the vision of St. John about a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. This vision is being manifested in the event of the flight to Egypt by the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (cf. Matthew 2:13-23). 

The second reading reveals God's unfathomable mercy upon humanity when he must have lost the original Grace by sending His only begotten Son as "second Adam" to reconcile humanity with Divinity. (cf. John 3:16).

On the other way round, Evangelist Luke presents before us the Cantile of praise (Magnificat) by our Lady, who acknowledges her lowly state and praising God for choosing her as the "New Ark of Covenant."

INSPIRATION

Dearest in Christ, as we joyfully celebrate Our dear Mother today, whose patronage has never fail humanity; let us in faith reflect briefly on the mystery surrounding our reconciliation with the Father.

The choice of Her in the Divine plan was for the salvation of man, the obligation she has rightly fulfilled as Co-Redemptrix.

We are therefore invited this day to keep on seeking her intercession every now and then, as she is ever ready and willing to hearken to our need as she did at the wedding feast in Cana. Let our hearts burn with love for her and then we will not be in need as she will surely present our request to Her Son. 

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who, looking on the lowliness of the Blessed Virgin Mary, raised her to this grace, that your Only Begotten Son was born of her according to the flesh and that she was crowned this day with surpassing glory, grant through her prayers, that, saved by the mystery of your redemption, we may merit to be exalted by you on high. 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.

+ May the Lord in His infinite mercy bless and keep us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

(c) The ARCHIVE                        15082023