DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

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

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:St Stephen of Hungary

(969-1038). He ruled as king of Hungary with great wisdom and was outstanding for his justice and piety. He organized the evangelization of his country.

TABLE OF THE WORD: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 18:15-20

THEME: Forgiveness. 

THE WORD

... "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. ."   (Matthew 18:15-16)

The act of forgiving one another borne out of love, for if there is no love there is no forgiveness. Today's gospel pericope called to mind the need to make effort to forgive one another, stating three different approaches for this; and if at the end the one involve is not ready for the reconciliation treat him or her like a tax collector. The image of tax collector used here denotes "a sinner or unrepentant fellow." 

To buttress this, God spoke through our brother St. Paul in the gospel acclamation saying:

"God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation." (  2 Corinthians 5:19)

INSPIRATION

Beloved in Christ, how much do we love God? What language of love do we speak to one another? Does this language of love has a touch or elemènt of forgiveness in it?

In our daily relationship with one another, how do we relate? Do we bear with one's weakness, does our strength gives support to the weak? Having full sense of sight, do we lead the blind aright? These and many are pertinent questions to ponder on this morning and give answer to each accordingly.

As we begin this day, let our thoughts, words and actions speaks love for God through the forgiveness of one another.

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

Grant your Church, we pray, almighty God, the serenity so desire, a total love of You without reserve so as to forgive one another for the love of You. 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                        16082023