DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

JANUARY 1

Celebration for the day:

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

Mary is the Mother of Jesus Christ, who is true God and true man. Being the mother of God, Mary is endowed by god with special privileges: she is free from all sins, and she was assumed into heaven body and soul. The Redemption began with Mary’s “yes” to the word of God, with her acceptance to become the Mother of the Son of God. Jesus came through Mary’s faith, who received the divine plan and became totally available as “the handmaid of the Lord”, fully devoted to fulfil His Will. The shepherds of Bethlehem went back to their daily occupations. We, too, with Mary, will conserve in our hearts the events of Jesus’ life.

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word: Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

The WORD: "The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."(see Numbers 6:22-27)

Theme: Be Blessed...

Inspiration: 

There is no better text to begin the year than that of today. Here the Lord commanded Moses to tell Aaron and his sons to bless this way:

"The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."(see Numbers 6:22-27)

And the Psalmist on the other hand reechoed this great plea before the Lord:

"O God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your salvation." (see Psalm 67)

Beloved in Christ, indeed the deal has been done, the protocol has been broken just because the grace has spoken. The Divine grace which is borne out of the gratituousness of God for humanity by sending His only begotten Son as  a ransom for man's redemption (cf. John 3:16) 

I don't know what you have gone through last year, but I assure you the dawn of this year has in stock for you a basket of blessing for you and your household. Your prayers have been answered. Your case has been settled. You're indeed blessed by beholding the break of this great year of testimony where you will be celebrated by your enemies. Those who mocked you will become the announcer of your glory because you are the product of grace. 

As we celebrate the solemnity of our Lady, Mother of God (Mater Dei), I invoke her maternal intercession upon you and your family that you may not be wanting in any way this year. Cheer up! For you are a winner in the Lord.  Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who through the fruitful virginity of Blessed Mary bestowed on the human race the grace of eternal salvation, grant, we pray, that we may experience the intercession of her, through whom we were found worthy to receive the author of life, 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.

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