DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: St Pius X, Pope

(1835-1914). He was born near Venice to a very humble family. He was distinguished for his continuous service to the Church and to all souls; first as priest, later as bishop and Patriach Archbishop of Venice and finally as Roman Pontiff. He strongly defended the purity of Catholic doctrine against modern heresies. He instilled dignity to sacred liturgy, and he extended the practice of frequent communion.

TABLE OF THE WORD:   Judges 2:11-19;   Mt 19:16-22

THEME: Go and sell all that you have....

THE WORD: 

• "If you would be perfect, sell what you possess, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 19:21)

Today's gospel reading addressed the problem of where we deposit our treasure, which the scripture before now has exhorted us to lay a treasure where moth will not destroy. According to Evangelist Matthew who gives account of the rich young man seeking for eternal life, presents before us the disappointment he got when Christ gave him the last straw to be admitted into the kingdom.

At first instance, he told Christ that he has done everything which is rooted in the decalogue (10 commandments) but Christ told him that something is still lacking: 

• "If you would be perfect, sell what you possess, and you will have treasure in heaven.” (Matthew 19:21)

The scripture says the man went back very sad because he was a man of riches. In his understanding he thought keeping the law alone is the sure way to Heaven not knowing that there is need to detach in order to attach. In this case, it was very difficult for him to detach himself from wealth and get attach to the way of Heaven.

INSPIRATION

Beloved in Christ, what is it that is distracting us from the way of holiness? Is it material things? Friends? Frivolities of this ephemeral life? etc. In all all these none, absolutely none should barr us from this path of eternal bliss. Recalling the exhortation of our brother St. Paul when he said that with all these around us, none can be compared to the future glory awaiting us (cf. Romans 8:1ff.)

Finally,  as we roll out drums today to celebrate the "Pope of the Eucharist" - Pope St. Pius X, a man renowned for his outstanding effort in giving shape to the body of Christ by starting the coding of the Canon law, instilling discipline on the Sacrament of the Eucharist, let us invoke him on this day to intercede on our behalf for grace to let go our old self and put on new man in Christ which is interior poverty for the sake of the kingdom of God.

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who to safeguard the Catholic faith and to restore all things in Christ, filled Pope Saint Pius the Tenth with heavenly wisdom and apostolic fortitude, graciously grant that, following his teaching and example, we may gain an eternal prize. 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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