DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

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

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: St John Eudes, Priest (Optional Memorial)
(1601-1680). Born in France. A great apostle, he preached and encouraged devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He founded an association of priests and the religious Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity..

TABLE OF THE WORD: Joshua 24:14-29; Matthew 19:13-15

THEME: Choose this day whom you will serve.

THE WORD: 

• "In those days: Joshua spoke to the people, saying, "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve,..." (Joshua 24:14-29)

Beloved in Christ, greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ. In our reflection today, Joshua assembled the people of Israel at Shechem and gave them his farewell address before he died.

• "In those days: Joshua spoke to the people, saying, "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve,..." (Joshua 24:14-29)

He began by reminding them of the goodness of the Lord in their midst. And on this day, he gave them option to choose whom to serve: the foreign god or the God of their father Abraham, but for him and his household he will serve the living God. 

INSPIRATION

As Joshua addressed the people of Israel today to choose whom to serve. This invitation comes to each and everyone of us. An invitation which called for discernment in our attitude towards God when the going is either good or bad. Notably, it is in either of these moments that we can choose whom to serve. Is it foreign God because the going is tough or is it our Creator because the going is good?

However, let us be reminded that, there is nothing that can replace God no matter what. We owe Him gratitude at all times. Let the trouble and challenge of this life not push us to doubt; rather let us together with Johnson Oatman, Jr. sing:

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done

Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

Almighty and Eternal God, we return thanks and praise to You for Your faithfulness and love. Grant we pray the grace to be true in worship. May the trials of thie life not betray our faith in You, rather may it strengthen our resolve to worship You in spirit and truth. We make this prayer 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.

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