DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF  THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Luminous 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD:   1 Maccabees 2:15-29; Luke 19:41-44

THEME:  Strive for  peace.

THE WORD

“Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes." (see Luke 19:41-44)

INSPIRATION 

As we are gradually approaching the climax of Liturgical year "A" the Church in her continuous love ove for her children keeps on reminding us of the need to walk in the right path as this will lead us to home eternal which we all long for.

An extract from today's gospel pericope reads: 

"Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes." (see Luke 19:41-44)

A sure reminder to seek for the path of peace if not we may be hit by calamity beyond our strength, as the other part says:

"For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation." (see Luke 19:41-44)

Therefore dearest friend in the Lord, let us be conscious of the time and season of our lives. Let us not be carried away with the frivolities of this present life and suddenly forget that which is in eternity. 

Obviously, the present time is fast passing away and we need to be aware of these changes. Let our daily struggle gears toward the eternal goal. 

Finally, beloved in Christ, as the psalmist in the gospel acclamation avers: "Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord." (Psalm 95:7d.8a). Let the Word of God finds a befitting place in our hearts so that after this earthly struggle we may be richly rewarded. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

Almighty and eternal God, we are grateful to You for thevmany favours we receive from. You. In our many struggles let us not forget our humble beginnings but strive to  walk in the path of peace. 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                        23112023.         

lDIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF  THE 33rd WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD:   1 Maccabees 1:10-15.41-43.54-57.62-64; Luke 18:35-43.

THEME:  Lord that I may see.

THE WORD

“What do you want me to do for you? Lord, let me receive my sight." (see Luke 18:35-43)

INSPIRATION 

Dearest friend in the Lord, may the peace and love of God be upon you and your household as we begin this new week, Amen.

Indeed, our Sufficiency comes only from God who is the Creator of all creatures in creation. He is all-in-all,  nothing to compare with, and His reign is in eternity.

Sadly, out of self-pride we tend to ignore this reality. The same scenario which involved he Israelites in the first reading where they made god for themselves. They derailed from the right path and erected a desolating sacrilege. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil. Thus, God descends His wrath upon them.

(cf.1 Maccabees 1:10-15.41-43.54-57.62-64)

They suddenly forgot in haste the goodness of the Lord in their lives. They did not know what they want, they were beclouded with fantasy unlike that certain blind man that Evangelist Luke gives an account of his healing by the Lord; when the Lord asked him: 

“What do you want me to do for you?" And the man who knew what he wanted when he says:  "Lord, let me receive my sight." (see Luke 18:35-43)

The man knew with all conviction that Jesus is indeed the Truth, the Way and the Life unlike the Israelites who in their thought lost it out. 

Beloved in Christ, are we really convinced of who God is? In our personal encounter what do we have to say? We need to tailor our lives according to the pattern of that blind man whose hope was in Jesus having heard His mighty works, he was convinced and moved with faith. As the gospel acclamation says: "I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Here we are being invited to a life of dependency on God through His Son who has never fail us. As the light of the world we cannot walk in darkness,  He will certainly dispels every darkness that engulfed us so as not to be beclouded with fantasy as the Israelites. 

Finally, let the Word of God model our lives so that we may not be condemned, and that we may see beyond the ephemeral realities. 

Peace be with you!

PRAYER

Almighty and eternal God, we thank You fpr the many blessings we receive from You. Grant us we pray the grace to be led tinto the wonderful light of Your Son, so that we may in truth serve You in Spirit 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                        20112023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF  THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Sorrowful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Wisdom 2:23-3:9; Luke 17:7-10

THEME:  Through Christ's death we gain life eternal.

THE WORD

"God created man for incorruption, and made him in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace." (see Wisdom 2:23-3:9)

INSPIRATION

Death is an enigma which threatened the very existence of humanity; even the giants, Kings and queens are reduced to nothing. It raises questions without answers. 

Amidst this, hope in God through the resurrection of His only begotten Son gives us assurance that after this earthly dwelling we  will certainly meet with our loving Saviour whose death has redefined our understanding of death.

As the Church teaches, death does not take one away but changes the state to that which is better than that which one was.

As St. Paul in his exhortation to the Church in Rome says:

"Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men." (Romans 5:18). 

In view of this, we are being called to the understanding that we are living in a borrowed time here in this ephemeral earth, and that with time we shall all change this present abode to where Christ went ahead to prepare for us.

As the first reading of today says:

"God created man for incorruption, and made him in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it. But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace." (see Wisdom 2:23-3:9)

Therefore, with hope in Christ Jesus after the corruption of this physical life we shall all united in eternity with Christ Jesus only if we keep the detects and ordinances of God. Though death may separate us from our loved ones, there is hope in Jesus our Saviour that they are in safe hands waiting to be reunited with us again.

Finally, beloved in Jesus, in our day-to-day living let us be conscious of the fact that some people go to bed early, some go late but everyone will certainly go to bed as at when due following God's plan for man. Let us live such that on that day-of-days we will be received as good stewards who have put their accounts aright. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, the Saviour of mankind, we thank You for giving Yourself in exchange for our salvation. As we mourn our loved ones who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, give us the grace to live a life worthy of our call as Christians; so that on the last day we may be received into the bosom of Abraham. 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                        14112023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF  THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Wisdom 1:1-7; Luke 17:1-6.

THEME:  Seek and think of God.

THE WORD

"Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord with uprightness, and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him." (Wisdom 1:1ff.)

INSPIRATION

Obviously, there is a great distinction between Wisdom and knowledge.  While knowledge is acquired by means of study, observation, experience etc.; Wisdom is bestow upon us and it is innate in man.

It is on this reason that the author of the book of Wisdom exhorted humanity to seek for her, while highliting her attributes saying:

"Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily discerned by those who love her, and is found by those who seek her." (Wisdom 6:12ff.)

However, in our reflection this morning we are being invited to think and seek for God so that we may find Him in our various situations of life. This requierd Wisdom, wisdom in the sense that, with it we can discern what is right and wrong. And in deciphering this differences we can come to the realization that there is finger of God in every situation and event of life.

Now hear this:

"Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord with uprightness, and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him." (Wisdom 1:1ff.)

We really need to seek for God with sincerity of heart every now and then, not in moment of difficulties or trials only, but even when the going is okay. Let us never get weary of seeking for Him, for He is there to welcome us, just a little effort is required and the rest will be testimony.

Finally,  as we set out this new week let us put on our armour of war that is prayer with hope and trust in God that no matter the situation God remains God. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

Eternal Word, the Son of the invisible God. Accept we pray the homage of our lips and grant us the grace to appreciate every bit of your love upon us in every situation. 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                        13112023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF  THE 31st IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: St. Martin of Tours, Bishop

(316-397). Born to pagan parents in Hungary, he was first a soldier before he was baptised. He founded a monastery in France and later became Bishop of Tours. He sent missionaries to evangelise the country and to educate the clergy.

TABLE OF THE WORD: Romans 16:3-9.16.22-27; Luke 16:9-15.

THEME:  Faith and accountability in little thing multiplies...

THE WORD

"He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?"  (see Luke 16:9-15)

INSPIRATION

Beloved in Christ Jesus, God out of His gratuitousness has blessed us with what we need to survive on, and share with others in charity. 

    Sadly, out of our longing and insatiable state we crave for more which we can possibly survive without. We keep on complaining for this and that to an extent we don't appreciate that which God has placed at our disposals. 

    It is on account of this that Evangelist Luke reported our Lord's teaching on this subject matter, reminding us the need to be faithful and accountable with the little at our disposals, for faithfulness in it brings about multiplication. 

"He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?" (see Luke 16:9-15)

   However,  in our day-to-day living how do we appreciate the loving gesture of God? Do we pay attention to that which He has blessed us with? Why do we longing for more than what we need? For in doing this, we are gearing towards replacing God with our desires. We cannot serve both our inordinate cravings or desires and God as the duo are two different realities; as the latter creates the former and the former solely depends on the latter. 

Finally, let us return gratitude to God for His benevolence no matter what we feel it has not come our way. For He is all-in-all, and no other desire can be satisfied other than that which is founded in Him. Be appreciative to the little at your disposal and behold it will on its own multiplied. While invoking the intercession of St. Martin of Tours whose feast we celebrate today to pray for us that we may be thankful and accountable in every little thing at our disposals. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love; and that we may be faithful and accountable in every little thing at our disposals. 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                        09112023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF  THE 31st WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Glorious 

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Romans 13:8-10; Luke 14:25-33.

THEME:  Love beyond measure.

THE WORD

"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law" (Romans  13:8)

INSPIRATION

The whole creatures in creation borne out of God's unfathomable love and mercy upon human race. It is from the abundance of His gratuitous attitude that He created all for us; despite our shortcomings He stood firm to His promise. 

Amidst this kind gesture, humanity lost the this great privilege through the disobedience by our first parents (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) At the appointed time, He remembered His promise He made to our partiarchs in faith: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob then sent His only begotten Son as a ransom for human iniquities. (cf. John 3:16) Thus, reconciling humanity with Divinity. 

That is why St. Paul in his exhortation to the Roman Church reminded us the need to love beyond measure for God Himself loved us without counting the cost by sending His only begotten Son as he says:

"Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law" (Romans  13:8)

In another instance, reflecting on the three theological virtues of faith, hope and Charity (love) he rated the virtue of love as the highest of it all:

"Three things will last forever: faith, hope, and love and the greatest of these is love" l (I Corinthians 13:13)

It is therefore crystally clear that love is the sublime of it all. The decalogue (the ten commandments) is being summarized with love, as it point to the love of God and neighbour.

Finally, beloved in Christ how much do you love? Let our thoughts be of love, our words spell love and our action be that of love. It is in doing this that we can reciprocate the love of God towards us. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

Eternal Word, the Son of the invisible God. Accept we pray the homage of our lips and grant us the grace to appreciate every bit of God's love upon us through charity and contentment. 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                        08112023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF  THE 31st WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Tuesday

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Romans 12:5-16a; Luke 14:15-24

THEME: We are one body in Christ.

THE WORD

“We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans  12:5)

INSPIRATION

In my personal observation and experience I come to the realization of the fact that: "the beauty of every hand lies in an unequalness of the fingers." That is to say, if in the case of eventuality the fingers become equal, then the hand will certainly lost its beauty.

By implication no one is indispensable,  each and everyone of us has a part in the whole.

It is against this backdrop that St. Paul while addressing the Church in Rome avers:

We, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans  12:5)

This exhortation is a gentle reminder that, though with many gifts all are borne of one Spirit in Christ Jesus. That is whether one is called to be a teacher, evangelist, singer, prophet, engineer, doctor, wheelbarrow pusher,  palm wine tapper etc. we are all contributing to the edification of the kingdom of God. No one is greater than another as each plays its vital role at every point in time.

So beloved in Christ, wherever you are, whatever you are called to do be reminded that God is aware and there is an expectation from you. Do your best no matter what and leave the rest to Him for He is the owner of the vineyard. Therefore, there is dignity in every labour. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

O! God the creator of the universe, You created everything according to Your designs and plans; grant we pray the grace to accept whatever duty You placed before us as an opportunity to serve You here in this life and bless us with the kingdom of love and justice. 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                        07112023.         

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF  THE 31st WEEK IN ORDINARY  OF THE YEAR (A)

MYSTERY OF THE DAY: Joyful

CELEBRATION OF THE DAY: Ferial 

TABLE OF THE WORD: Romans 11:29-36; Luke 14:12-14.

THEME:  The Divine Sufficiency 

THE WORD

“O the depth  of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?" "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things." (Romans 11:33-35)

INSPIRATION

It has been awhile, your one-stop daily spiritual diet Divine Whisper has not hit your screen; but you were all kept in prayers. Sincere apologies over that due to some contingencies. By the special grace of God we are back for good as we shall put in our best to bring to your doorsteps Words of hope and comfort by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

On this day, Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time of the year, the Church invites us to reflect on the Sufficiency of God which wisdom is the foundation. He remains all-in-all, no equal or marching. 

In His essence, He shared with His only begotten Son -Jesus,  that is why Evangelist John said: "The Most High, Eternal and Omnipotent God “became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14). The Infinite became small to embrace our weaknesses, while He was carried in the arms of Mary and Joseph.

In the light of this, St. Paul while addressing the Romans avers: 

“O the depth  of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counsellor?" "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things." (Romans 11:33-35)

Here He eulogies the Divinity which is revealed in His Son our Lord and Redeemer. To us dear friends in Christ, what do we have to say about our God? What is our experience of Him who is our Saviour?  As St. Paul described His Sufficiency which is independent of nothing as He is the Creator of all creatures in creation.

Finally, beloved in Christ Jesus, let us pray together that the Lord may enlighten the darkness of our hearts so that we may understand the richness of our God. It is in doing this that our inadequacies will be filled from His Sufficiency. Peace be with you!

PRAYER

O God, Almighty Creator of all, we acknowledge Your supremacy and dominion, grant we pray the grace to be united to You always even in pains and tribulations. 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, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(c) The ARCHIVE                        06112023.