DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF  THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:   St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

(340-420). Born in Dalmacia (Yugoslavia). He studied in Rome where he was baptised. He chose monastic life, went to Syria and was ordained priest. He went back to Rome as secretary of Pope Damasus, who commissioned him to revise the Latin text of the Bible. He went to Bethlehem to work on this project. His work is now known as the Vulgate which the Church has adopted as the official version. He also wrote many other works, mostly commentaries on the books of the Bible.

TABLE OF THE WORD:Zechariah 2:1-5.10-11; Jeremiah 31:10.11-12ab.13 (R. see 10d); Luke 9:43-45.

THEME:  He will keep us as the shepherd keeps his flock.

THE WORD

"Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the islands afar off; say: 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock." (Jeremiah 31:10.11)

INSPIRATION 

One of the fascinating facts about God is His continuous love and mercy upon us. No matter how tough the condition may be, God is always at work to salvage the situation. That is why today's Psalm taken from the prophecy of Jeremaiah has this to say: 

"Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the islands afar off; say: 'He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock." (Jeremiah 31:10.11)

The above text has three dimension. 

Firstly, a call to listen to the Word. 

Secondly, disorderly the order to order again.

Thirdly, keeping of His chosen under His tender care and love.

With this notion therefore, we are called to mind the Place of God at the centre of every situation in our lives. At this point God emphasised on listening to His Word, allowing His detects and ordinances to moderate us so as to understand the situation we are facing, especially when the going is not hat we bargain for. 

Obviously, the thought of God is higher that our thoughts for that of His is for good. As prophet Isaiah says: 

 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9) 

That is why amidst what we may termed as "confusion" God's abiding presence is always there to comfort us and to keep us as the shepherd keeps his flock. 

The Psalmist on the other hand also reminded us that God is our shepherd, and with him we shall never lack. (Psam 23)

In another part, Prophet Ezekiel spoke the mind of God revealing  to us how lovely our God is when he said: 

"As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness."  (Ezekiel 34:12)

Finally, beloved in Christ, as we are celebrating the memorial of St. Jerome today, a man noted for sound dialectical acumen on the scripture through his commentaries. Let us pray as a family pray that through his intercession God may give us the grace to see Him in every situation of our lives; so as to appreciate His loving kindness. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

O God, who gave the Priest Saint Jerome a living and tender love for Sacred Scripture, grant that your people may be ever more fruitfully nourished by your Word and find in it the fount of life. 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                        30092023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF  THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:   Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, (Archangels)

St. Michael is considered as the leader of the forces of Heaven and one of the chief princes. He is revered as above all angels by Greek Fathers and many others as Prince of Seraphim. He has been venerated as patron of the Church from the time of the first Apostles. There are records of his appearances in many places including the Cave of Saint Michael in Italy, the grotto of Saint Michael in Mexico and Mont of Saint Michael in France. His name itself means (in Hebrew) as one who is like God. In the book of Revelation Saint Michael was leading the army of God against the Satan’s forces. He is also interpreted as humility before God. Saint Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers and police. He is also prayed by many people to get cure from sickness especially mental diseases. 

St. Gabriel is considered as the messenger of God. His name Gabriel means Man of God. He was the angel who appeared before Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth. When Zachariah expressed doubts about this prophesy due to his and his wife’s old age, St. Gabriel declared that He is Gabriel, standing before God. St. Gabriel also made Zachariah mute, since Zachariah has not believed the prophesy of the birth of john. Six months later St. Gabriel appeared before the Holy Mary and announced Her about the birth of Jesus by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Holy Mary immediately accepted the will of God with humility (see Luke 1:11-38).St. Gabriel also appeared to Daniel for giving explanation to Daniel’s visions (Daniel 8:15-26, 9:21-27).In Islam also Gabriel is called by the name “Jibrail” and is believed as the one who revealed the Quran to the Prophet Mohammed. 

St. Raphael is one of the seven Arch Angels who stand before God. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. St. Raphael helped Tobiah through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter into marriage with Sarah. His name Raphael means God heals. A biblical story says that when the Earth was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels, St. Raphael healed the earth. St. Raphael is also referred to as the angel who stirred the waters of the healing sheep pool. St. Raphael is revered as the patron of the blind, the nurses and physicians. He is also the patron of match makers and travelers.

TABLE OF THE WORD:Daniel 7:9-10.13-14; John 1:47-51

THEME:  The Divine Revelation 

THE WORD

"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:51)

INSPIRATION 

Dearest in the Lord, today we join the Mother Church to celebrate the Feast of the three Archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. A celebration which reminded us of the unfathomable love of God upon humanity, for out of love that He gave us these Heavenly Beings to guide us and serve our needs alongside our Guardian angels. 

From the Table of the Word today, the gospel pericope according to Evangelist John, Jesus in the course of His encounter with Nathanael openly launched him into a new dimension of spirituality when aHe said:

Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." (John 1:51).

This proclamation was a revelation given to Nathanael as a favour from God, and a lesson for us.

We too need to be launched into this realm of spirituality. In our prayers we need to ask God to open our eyes that we may see the glory of God just as He promised Nathanael today.

Most often we allow the difficulties we face in life to becloud the favours we have and yet to receive. 

As we celebrate these Heavenly Beings today, may the good Lord open our eyes to see the glory of the Lord amidst our troubles and difficult circumstances. While praying for the service of the angels in our lives.

Finally, the Holy angels are sent forth to do service for the saints, the elect of God, those going on to perfection and inheriting eternal life. They are here to save us from accidents or premature death and to help us attain eternal life.

 Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who dispose in marvellous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life of earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. 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                        29092023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF  THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:   St. Vincent de Paul, Priest

(1581-1660). Born in France. He was a priest who dedicated himself to evangelization of the poor, the unfortunate, and the suffering. Together with Louise de Marillac, he founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity. He also founded the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, known as Lazarists. His life remained deeply rooted in humility in spite of his worldwide fame.

TABLE OF THE WORD:Ezra 9:5-9; Luke 9:1-6.

THEME:  Lord, we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. 

THE WORD

"O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as at this day." (Ezra 9:6-7)

INSPIRATION 

The notion of sin is understood differently by different people. No matter the diversity of understanding,  the term sin is generally understood as: "an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law." And Evangelist John in his first letter described sin as a “transgression” of God's spiritual law. The passage reads, “Whosoever committed  sin transgressed also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” One who commits sin violates or disobeys the will of God as revealed in the Bible. (1 John 3:4)

Beloved in Christ, today's Table of the Word precisely the first reading reminded us of the shame and pain of sin as Ezra cried out: 

"O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens. From the days of our fathers to this day we have been in great guilt; and for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been given into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, to plundering, and to utter shame, as at this day." (Ezra 9:6-7)

Here he poured out his mind on behalf of his people seeking for reconciliation with God. This therefore serves as an invitation to each and every one us to renew our relationship with our Creator, for no one is exempted as St. Paul in his epistle to the Romans Church avers: 

"All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory." (Romans 3:23) 

In our day-to-day living let us evaluate our relationship with one another, which is a sure step to define our relationship with our God. In our thought, let us think of good about others, in words let us speak as we want God to speak to us and in our action let us act as if we are messiah to others by giving leaning shoulder to those who are weak, teaching the ignorant and leading the blind aright just as St. Vincent de Paul whose memorial we celebrate today did. Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who for the relief of the poor and the formation of the clergy endowed the Priest Saint Vincent de Paul with apostolic virtues, grant, we pray, that, afire with that same spirit, we may love what he loved and put into practice what he taught. 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                        27092023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF  THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs

The names of these two Oriental martyrs in the time of Diocletian appear in the Roman Canon.

TABLE OF THE WORD:Ezra 6:7-8.12.14-20;   Luke 8:19-21

THEME:  Let us be the doers of the Word.

THE WORD

"Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28)

INSPIRATION 

Indeed, there is power in the Word. It is only in the Word of God that comfort and consolation can be found. It is a light that dispels darkness as the Psalmist says: 

"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. It shows me the way wherein I should go..." (Psalm 119:105) Evangelist John in his proclamation describes the Word as water which cleanses us of our dirt when he says: "Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you." (John 15:3)

Based on this, that our Lord in today's gospel pericope reminded us of the efficacy of this same Word; by stating that those who hear the Word and keeps it are His own.  That is to say, we cannot just claim to be His without carrying the mark of the Word on our bodies, without being moderated by this same Word. In His (Jesus) response,  when He was told that His mother and brethren were looking for Him, He replied: "My mother and my brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it.” (Luke 8:21)

It was Indeed a response that provoked questions like: Why such derogatory statement? Does it means that His mother doesn't hear the Word, or put same into action? Absolutely, No. It was rather a moment where He introduced Her mother as one who hear the Word and put it into action.

 

However, many I stances in the Holy Scrioture affirms this, a look at (Luke 1:38; 2:19,51) brings to fore testament on this, when our Mother Mary heard what the angel said, She took it to heart and then carry out the message to the latter. Also, at the wedding feast at Cana, our Mother transformed the Word into action when she says: "Do whatever He tells you..." (cf. John 2:1-11)

Beloved in Christ, it is a clear fact that each and everyone of us are hearers of the Word either through the megaphone hanging close to our parameter fences, on radio, television, social media handles and the rest of other channels. Amidst these opportunities, have we been able to call ourselves "real doers of the Word" or we are merely "the hearers of the Word."

Finally, with this exhortation, let us put in our best to be both the hearers and doers of the Word, for it is in doing this that the Word itself will become flesh among us, thus, bringing about the abiding presence of God in our lives.

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

May you be magnified, O Lord, by the revered memory of your Saints Cosmas and Damian, for with providence beyond words you have conferred on them everlasting glory, and on us, your unfailing help. 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                        26092023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF  THE 24th WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions, Martyrs

(19th century). The Christian faith was introduced in Korea during the 17th century through the zeal of a group of laypersons. But from the very beginning these Christians suffered under terrible persecutions that, over the course of the 19th century, gave the Church many martyrs. Outstanding among these were the first Korean priest and devoted pastor, Andrew Kim of Taegu, and the lay apostle, Paul Chong of Hasang. Among the Korean martyrs who struggled valiantly for Christ were bishops and priests, but for the most part they were laity, men and women, married and single, young and old.

TABLE OF THE WORD: 1 Timothy 3:14-16; Luke 7:31-35

THEME:  Let our consciences be our judge. 

THE WORD: 

"We piped to you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.” (Luke 7:33)

INSPIRATION 

Conscience remains the seat of judgement,  for it reveals to us the consequence of every action taken. If one commits sin, the conscience is there to judge the wrongness of the action, if it is a good deed, it will also give its verdict. 

In the light of this that Evangelist Luke in today's gospel pericope presents before us the teaching of our Lord. According to Jesus, there is no action done that men will not complain. As we have seen in the gospel where He stated how John the Baptist was seen in the light of being possessed because he was neither drank nor ate; and in His case, they called Him a drunk and glutton because he ate and drank. 

Beloved in Christ, let our consciences be our judge. Let us go about our normal duties bearing in mind that there is unseen eyes watching us and allow ourselves to be moderated by the Divine detects and ordinances. 

As we are celebrating the memorial of St. Andrew Kim of Taegu and companion let their lives be a mirror where we look ourselves through. In doing this, there will be no room to listen to false accusation against us. Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who have been pleased to increase your adopted children in all the world, and who made the blood of the Martyrs Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and his companions a most fruitful seed of Christians, grant that we may be defended by their help and profit always from their example. 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                        20092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF  THE 24th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  

St. Januarius, Bishop and Martyr

(4th century). Bishop of the Benevento (Italy). He died a martyr in Naples during the persecution of Diocletian. His dried blood contained in a phial liquefies several times each year.

TABLE OF THE WORD:   1 Timothy 3:1-13; Luke 7:11-17.

THEME:  God's timely visitation 

THE WORD: 

"A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people." (Luke 7:16)

INSPIRATION 

There is always high expectation among the people especially when the going is tough and the path becomes more narrow. Hope remains the only virtue to be imbibed with, since without it despair will certainly take the day. When the centre fails and crossroad meets man in crises; life certainly will be unbearable, but amidst this the powerful hand of God is still handling the steering. 

It is in the same situation we find in today's gospel pericope where Christ in the course of His public ministry met with the widow of Nain who lost her only Son. Her tears was uncontrollable, the pain of losing her only Son invades her bone leaving her totally enunciated.  But as God may have it, she had a timely visit by our Lord;  who wiped off her tears by raising the young man from eternal sleep to the amazement of the mourners. (cf. Luke 7:11-17)

Beloved in Christ, the above event remains a gospel of hope for each and every one of us, that in moment where life seems to be meaningless God's timely visitation brings about meaning. Yes! The situation in our calculation may be out of hand but God who writes in a crooked line so as to strengthen us has more than we can tell in stock for us.

Let our tears be that of hope, that no matter how challenging it may be, God is over every situation.  Indeed, as the people proclaimed today saying: "A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people." (Luke 7:16) 

That same God will arise among us and He will vist us in our different situation. Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God of Heaven and earth, we give You glory and honour for the wonders of our being. Grant us the grace that in difficult moment, our eyes may continuously fix on You so that in despair hope may be found and in darkness Your ever abiding presence may illumine our path. 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                        19092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY  THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Luminous 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The public veneration of the Holy Cross dates from the fourth century. Today the Church commemorates the rescue of the true Cross of Christ by Emperor Heraclius in a victory over the Persians. Our Mother the Church sings of the triumph of the Holy Cross, the instrument of our salvation. In order to follow Christ, the Christian must take up his cross and become obedient with Christ, who was obedient until death, even death on the Cross. We are identified with Christ on the Cross. We become co-redeemers, sharing in Christ's Cross.

TABLE OF THE WORD: Numbers 21:4-9; Philippians 2:6-11; John 3:13-17.

THEME:  In the Cross there is salvation. 

THE WORD: 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world." (John 3:16-17)

The loving gesture of God can never be under estimated as it goes beyond boundaries amidst our insufficiency He kept true to His Words. As we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross today, the Church reminds us this Divine attribute of love according to Evangelist John in the gospel pericope:

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world." (John 3:16-17)

Though popular saying but with deep teaching for us. It is the summary of the reconciliation of humanity with Divinty.  

INSPIRATION 

The wood of the Cross remains the symbol of victory and salvation for every Christian who persevere in his or trial. For it is through passion experience that we identify with Jesus; who on His part emptied Himself and became obedient unto death. He did not only do that, He also took the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. (cf. Philippians 2:6-11)

However,  Christ's kenosis (self-emptiness) becomes a gateway for our salvation because He stripped Himself of every glory so that you and I can be glorified. He became obedient unto death so that we can have life eternal, and He became nothing to pave way for us to become something.

Consequently,  what have we done to reciprocate this kind gesture of His? Is our lives reflect the gospel which He died for? To what extent have we gone in living out the gospel ideals? These and many other mind blowing questions call for deep reflection today as we reflect on the Triumph of the wood of the Cross. Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we who have known his mystery on earth may merit the grace of his redemption in heaven. 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                        14092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY  THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  

St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

(349-407). Born in Antioch. He was a great genius, whose powerful eloquence earned him the name Chrysostom, "the golden-mouthed". He entered monastic life and then became a priest. As Archbishop of Constantinople, he distinguished himself for his preaching and his abundant writings about Catholic doctrine and Christian life. He died in exile. 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 6:20-26.

THEME: Where lies your treasure?

THE WORD: 

"If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)

St. Paul in his second letter to Timothy avers:  "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness..."(2 Timothy 3:16)

At this  point he gives the basic essence of the scripture in the light of Christian living. In the same manner while addressing the Colossians' Church reaffirmed this by calling to mind the essence of our Christian calling. For if through baptism we were all buried in Christ, then in His resurrection we will live. Thus, our calling demands thinking about heavenly realities as he says: 

"If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:1-2)

INSPIRATION 

Today's central text often employed to mean something like, “think about heaven,” “seek things that are of a Godly quality,” or “set your minds on things that are good, peaceful, divine, rather than things that will bring you down.”

Beloved in Christ, the fundamental question posed before us this morning is: "Where lies our treasure?" For the scripture has said it all:  "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matthew 6:21) 

In the first place what and what are our treasures? Do we treasure heavenly things or our minds are settled on ephemeral realities where moth can destroy in a twinkle of an eye? Our Christian calling put before us things that are above which will certainly lead us to the kingdom.  That is why St. Paul further says:

"Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." ((Colossians 3:3-8)

However, we can only become the heir of the kingdom only when we put off old self and put on a new man, for every new wine needs a new wine skin.  

Finally, we pray through the intercession of St. John Chrysostom for grace to look beyond this world so that at the end we may see Jesus as truly is. 

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, strength of those who hope in you, who willed that the Bishop Saint John Chrysostom should be illustrious by his wonderful eloquence and his experience of suffering, grant us, we pray, that, instructed by his teachings, we may be strengthened through the example of his invincible patience. 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                        13092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF  THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 6:12-19.

THEME: ... Live, be rooted and be built up in Him.

THE WORD: 

"As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7) 

INSPIRATION 

By the virtue of baptism we are being called into one fold of Christ’s body as priests, prophets and Kings. Thus, we are bound to live, be rooted and be built up in Him through a unified relationship with one another. This could only be achieved if we establish our lives in faith as St. Paul in his epistle to the Colossians Church says: 

As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so live in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7) 

And here, he invites us to a life of thanksgiving in Jesus no matter the situation we may find ourselves. 

We are obliged to build the body of Christ through faith in moment of despair, loving one another without cost and seeing beyond one's weakness and inadequacy.

Finally, let us in love and joy live, be rooted and be built up in Christ who is the image of the invisible God. 

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, we are grateful to You for Your love and mercy. We pray may you grant us the grace to live, be rooted and be built up in You as the source of our strength; so that we may in faith live out our Christian calling. 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                        12092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF  THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY:  St.  Peter Claver, Priest.
(1581-1654) A native of Spain, young Jesuit Peter Claver left his homeland forever in 1610 to be a missionary in the colonies of the New World. He sailed into Cartagena (now in Colombia), a rich port city washed by the Caribbean. He was ordained there in 1615. He was canonized in 1888, and Pope Leo XIII declared him the worldwide patron of missionary work among black slaves. 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Colossians 1:21-23;  Luke 6:1-5.

THEME: He has reconciled you...

THE WORD: 

"You, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in Christ’s body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast,..." (Colossians 1:21-22) 

The unfathomable love of God is beyond every human calculation and understanding,  it goes beyond tribe, sex and culture. His love for us is unconditional and same in all seasons.

It is in the light of this that St. Paul in his exhortation to the Church in Colossians reaffirmed this by saying:

"You, who once were estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in Christ’s body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him, provided that you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast,..." (Colossians 1:21-22) 

It is out of love that God sent His Son as a ransom for the reconciliation of humanity with the divinity. For we were in darkest of darkness when we lost the original Grace, we were separated from the Divinty; but with the sending of Jesus we were all reinstated into the Divine plan of salvation. 

INSPIRATION 

Most often we tend to trust in our weaknesses, suddenly forget that our sufficiency comes only from God. In our weaknesses God is always there to assist us. We cannot get there without Him, for we may know the way but not the situation of the destination as He Himself is all knowing. Taking cognizance of the fact that He knows the end from the beginning from the end.

Let our minds be focused on God that despite our shortcomings His will grace speak for us and reconcile us back to the Father as children of light. 

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

O God, who made Saint Peter Claver a slave of slaves and strengthened him with wonderful charity and patience as he came to their help, grant, through his intercession, that, seeking the things of Jesus Christ, we may love our neighbour in deeds and in truth. 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                        10092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF  THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Luminous 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Colossians 1:9-14;  Luke 5:1-11

THEME: Put out into the deep..

THE WORD: 

"Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." ” (Luke 5:4-11) 

In the course of Christ’s public ministry,  every event brings about a revelation of the Divine will about man's salvation. 

In today gospel pericope, we have seen the manifestation of God's possibility amidst every impossibility. Here Evangelist Luke recounted the incident which let to this, as the disciples were already hopeless having spent the entire night without a catch. 

"Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." ” (Luke 5:4-11) 

Probably they were about paddling home as the day could not bear fruit, but with intervention of Christ their story changed leaving them in the state of great bewilderment. 

INSPIRATION

Beloved in Christ, in our day-to-day struggle do we involve God or we are relying on our effort only? Every encounter with the Lord spells blossom and fruitfulness.  As we have seen in today gospel where the disciples happen to encounter Jesus, their net had a wonderful catch; an event which teaches us the supremacy of God over every creatures in creation. 

Therfore, there is no situation that God cannot handle in our lives, it may take years, months, but lose no hope for God is over the problem. Put your trust solely in Him, fear not for He will certainly give you a huge catch provided you are ready to launch in your net in faith.

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

Almighty and eternal God we thank You for the many blesaings You have given us, grant we pray the grace to launch in our net with faith so that our needs will be provided.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                        07092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF  THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD:    1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.9-11;  Luke 4:31-37.

THEME: The authoritative teaching of Jesus.

THE WORD: 

•  "And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” (Luke 4:36) 

Before Christ and during His public ministry there were teachers and prophets who taught and prophesied but to an extent they made no outstanding different; that is why the scribes and Pharisees acknowledged Him as one who teaches with clear difference and authority.

As the Scripture says, when He entered Capernaum a city of Galilee, apart from humans who acknowledged His supreme authority the demon who has tormented a certain young man also acknowledged Him saying: 

"Ah! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." (Luke 4:34) 

His acknowledgement came with worship as the Holy One of God. 

INSPIRATION

Beloved in Christ, in our life and relationship with God, do we acknowledge His attributes of Omniscience (all-knowing), Omnipresence (abiding presence) and Omnipotence (all-powerful). These three attributes of His are the answers to our problems. When we are lost in thought and situation of life - He knows it all; at the moment of despair, trials and challenges of life - His abiding presence urges us on and when we are too weak to go further -as a shepherd He gives us a leaning shoulder for support as all powerful God.

Then, why then worry of the situation that God Himself has conquered? Let us in our thoughts, words and actions acknowledged His supremacy as all and all. It is in doing this that even if we walk in the darkest of night we will fear no evil for He is with us. (cf. Psalm 23). Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

Merciful Lord, we thqnk You for the maby blessings that come our, Your revelation to us in many ways and occasions. Grqnt us dearest Lord the grace to acknowledge Your ever abiding presence wherever we find ourselves. 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                        05092023

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF  THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD:   1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Luke 4:18

THEME: Life beyond the grave.

THE WORD: 

•  "God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14) 

St. Paul in his exhortation to the Thessalonians' Church reminded them of the need not to grief over the dead as pagans does, rather they should grief with hope that after this mortal life there is life beyond the grave. For as we were all baptized into Christ death, with His resurrection He has given us sure hope of life that is better than this ephemeral existence. 

However, the first preface of Christian death reaffirmed this saying: "Indeed for Your faithful, Lord, life is changed and not ended, and when this earthly deelling turns to dust; as an eternal dwelling is made ready for them in heaven."

INSPIRATION

One of the fascinating facts about death is the separation that occurs between the dead and the bereaved.Thus, separation leaves one with untold pains, irreplaceable loss and vacuum difficult to fill. 

Amidst this pains, let our faith not be shaken but to be built only in God who is the beginning and the end. 

Certainly, we may be left with scars of pain after the demise of our loved ones, we may still find it difficult to accept the reality of their demise, but one thing is sure we must all die in death so as to live in Christ. Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

Eternal Word, in gratitude we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. Grant we pray the grace to put our faith in You that after this earthly dwelling we will behold that beatific vision You promised us. 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                        04092023

DIVINE BEDTIME WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

22nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Psalm 63:2.3-4.5-6.8-9 (R. cf. 2ab); Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27

THEME: Be seduced!

THE WORD:

"O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; every one mocks me." (Jeremiah 20:7)

Juxtaposing the three readings of today together,  one can possibly deduce that the call to discipleship through water of baptism goes with sharing in the passion of our Lord. That is to say, without which our hope would be futile. It is in the light of this, that ProphetJeremiah in the first reading poured out his mind with lamentation over how God has seduced or deceived him; for he least expected what he was experiencing at that point in time. (cf. Jeremiah 20:7-9).

The second reading following the Pauline's epistle to the Romans' Church reminded us of our personality in Christ being described as "God's altar." (cf. Romans 12:1-2) Here St. Paul invites us to a life of holiness in Christ to shun all form of impurities which may dent the divine image we were all created. (cf. Genesis 1:26). 

The gospel pericope gives the general understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Reflecting with Evangelist Matthew, he gives a walking definition of what Christianity is all about; that it is not about eating and drinking but by self denial and daily carrying of our crosses in perseverance. (Matthew 16:21-27)

INSPIRATION

Beloved in Christ, as we have retire on this weekly Easter (the Lord's day) after the fatigue of daily Crosses and tribulations, after taking stock of today's experience. What do we have to say? How heavy was our Crosses? No matter how it was, God's abiding presence is with us. We cannot be absolutely free as Christians without partaking in His passion. That is why the palmist says: 

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil, for Thou art with me." (cf. Psalm 23).

Each and everyone of us have experience one kind of trial or the other  ranging from betrayal, hatred, envy, insult, false accusation etc. This of course is similar to the suffering Prophet Jeremiah experienced, for in human calculation he thought his prophetic ministry will be that which will be free from suffering. But he never knew that God writes in crooked lines, by implication no matter what we are passing through His hand is always there to hold us from falling.

Finally, as St. Paul admonished us today, while carrying our daily Crosses let us try as much as possible to conform to the pattern of any age but to the gospel ideals which Christ gave us. Let us in perseverance bear the thorns of this life, for amidst this we are more than conquerors and the future glory awaiting us cannot be compared in any way to the present suffering. Then, let us be seduced by God.

Peace be with you! 

PRAYER

God of might, giver of every good gift, put into our hearts the love of your name, so that by deepening our sense of reverence, you may nurture in us what is good and, by your watchful care, keep safe what you have nurtured.Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

+ May the Lord grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen.

(c) The ARCHIVE                       030982023