DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word:  2 Samuel 24:2.9-17; Psalm 32:1-2.5.6.7 (R. see 5a); Mark 6:1-6

Celebration for the day: St. John Bosco, Priest

(1815-1888). St. John Bosco founded the Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth". He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator.

The WORD: "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and..." (see 2 Samuel 24:2.9-17)

Theme:  The man with authority. 

Inspiration: 

     The personality of Jesus has been questioned right from the moment of birth by the Jews and Scribes. His attributes was quite overwhelming as He taught with authority and firmness of speech. His fame was every where which even the unclean spirit in the demoniac attested to (cf.Mark 5:1-20).

       However, Christ came in as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and a ransom for humanity. Thus, He was embedded with all wisdom and integrity.  That is why in today's gospel pericope His people were overwhelmed with the power of His wisdom saying:

"Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and..." (see 2 Samuel 24:2.9-17)

         Above all, He did not count Himelf equal with His Father but emptied Himself to take the form of man except in sin (kenosis). He did all these so as to reconcile humanity with the divinity. 

       Beloved in Christ, do we recognise the authority of Jesus in our lives and conducts? This suggests that, by recognising Him we are bearing witness to the gospel values. We therefore need to live out the gospel pages , so that even if the unclean spirit sees us he will acknowledge the power and authority of Christ in us.

      In the same way, one who has not encountered Christ but heard about Him will ask us: "Are you Christ?". Until when we prove ourselves as faithful stewards of the good news then our righteousness will be subjected to  questions.

      My beloved in Christ, let us live out this message of salvation for the world to see in our actions the power and authority of Christ the Lord. As we are journeying along this ephemeral path, we pray earnestly that through the intercession of St. John Bosco - the Apostle of Youth we may be attracted to what is good in God so that we will be conscious of His Son's power and authority in us. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who raised up the Priest Saint John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone through our thoughts, words and actions. 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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       31012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: 2 Samuel 18:9-10.14.24-25.30-19:3; Psalm 86:1-2.3-4.5-6 (R. 1a); Mark 5:21-43.

Celebration for the day: Ferial

The WORD: "If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well." (see Mark 5:21-43)

Theme:  The littleness of Faith.

Inspiration: 

     The Holy Scripture defined faith as: “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

This was the conviction of the woman with haemorrhage as found in today's gospel pericope. (cf. Mark 5:21-43) It was faith in God that pushed her to overlook the pressure from the crowd just to touch the fringe of Jesus' garment. She surmounted all pressures with doggedndess so as to get the healing. This same account reported similar event of faith when Jarius was told that His daughter is dead. He was moved with faith as Christ admonished him. And our Lord said, She is not dead but sleeping. 

       However, beloved in Christ how little is our faith in God. I would not like to ask of its biggerness as the Scripture says: "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20-21). Here our Lord uses the image of the mustard seed to define the size of the faith require to change our situations. 

         In the light of this, what is the size of our faith? Must we get up to 50-100 pounds weight of it before we receive healing? Not at all, just a little of it can make a great change. God does not need more than what we can contain, but just a little of it like the woman who after exhausted all the avenues she opt to meet the Lord.

     May the good Lord lead us to that greener pasture where our hope will be met no matter how little our faith may be. Amen. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O! God we are grateful to You for the many blessings we received from You. Having considered what you did in the past there is no fear for the future. Grant us we pray the grace to be convinced that we can get there no matter how little our faith may be. 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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       30012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  2 Samuel 15:13-14.30; 16:5-13; Psalm 3:2-3.4-5.6-7 (R. 7c)); Mark 5:1-20

Celebration for the day: Ferial

The WORD: "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" (see Mark 5:1-20)

Theme: Who is JESUS CHRIST...? 

Inspiration: 

     The power and supremacy of Jesus was recognised and acknowledged by many in the course of His public ministry including unclean spirit because He taught with authority. There are many biblical events which give allusion to this messianic attributes. 

     The first chapter of Mark's gospel account recorded the instance where the unclean spirit recognised our Lord in the Synagogue (cf.Mark 1:21-28) - an extract of yesterday's gospel reading. And in other part, Mark recorded an event where the personality of Jesus was recognised again by an unclean spirit: What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" (see Mark 5:1-20) This time he begged Him not to destroy them (because they are legion) instead to send them into swine. (cf. Mark 5:1-20).  We were also told of a centurion who recognised and acknowledged the power of Christ when he said: "Lord, I am not worthy that You may enter my roof, but only say the word my servant will be healed."

     Beloved in Christ, in our day-to-day living experience, do we recognise Christ in our situations or are we beclouded with the happening around us? Today, we are being invited to evaluate ourselves in this direction especially when the going is smooth. 

     Finally, just as the unclean spirit who recognised Him and acknowledged His supremacy let us therefore live out the gospel values that our neighbours will see Christ in us through our thoughts, words and actions. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we thank You fpr the wonders of our being. We pray for the grace to recognise and acknowledge Jesus in our daily situation so as to be conscious of our weaknesses.  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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       29012024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY IN THE THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word: 2 Samuel 12:1-7.10-17; Psalm 51:12-13.14-15.16-17 (R. 12a); Mark 4:35-41

Celebration for the day: St Angela Merici, Virgin

(1470-1540). St Angela was born in northern Italy. In 1516, she founded the Order of Ursulines, the first teaching order for women approved by the Church. Italy then was rife with violence and open immorality. St Angela believed that the formation of Christian women is society's greatest need.

The WORD: "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." (see 2 Samuel 12:1-7.10-17)

Theme: Lord, forgive me for I have sinned.

Inspiration: 

     "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this deserves to die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." (see 2 Samuel 12:1-7.10-17) 

These were the words of David in his quick judgement on the king who unjustly treated the poor man. He never knew he is the one behind the curtain until Prophet Nathan said:  "You are the man. Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, “Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' Thus says the LORD, 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house;..."  (see 2 Samuel 12:1-7.10-17)

     Beloved in Christ, how quick do we see speck in another's eyes while we are going about with heavy plank in our eyes? Why so quick in judging and condemning others? Why do we bear false witness against our neighbours?  Why do we inherit others enemies? All these vices beg for answers in our minds this morning. Just like David on hearing that he was the wicked King he wept and seek for reconciliation. 

     In our spiritual journey do we approach God with a contrite heart whenever we derail from the right path? Today we are being reminded to join David in his reconciliation process seeking for God's forgiveness. 

      Dearest in Christ, if God were to mark our iniquities none will survive, so says the Holy Book. Let us not be so quick to judge or condemn one another rather let us see the nakedness of our sin through the mirror we use for one another. Whenever we do this we will be ever conscious of our weaknesses and the shame of sin.

     Finally, may St. Angela whose memorial we celebrate today pray for us that we may be quick with remorse over our sins and then make sincere effort to ammend our ways. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

May the Virgin Saint Angela never fail to commend us to your compassion, O Lord, we pray, that, following the lessons of her charity and prudence, we may hold fast to your teaching and express it in what we do. 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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       27012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY IN THE THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word: 2 Samuel 11:1-4.5-10.13-17; Psalm 51:3-4.5-6ab.6cd-7.10-11 (R. cf. 3a); Mark 4:26-34

Celebration for the day: Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops

(+97). St Timothy was the son of a pagan father and a Hebrew-Christian mother, Eunice. He was a disciple of St Paul and accompanied him in the evangelization of many cities. St Paul consecrated him Bishop of Ephesus. According to a fourth century story, he was beaten to death by a mob when he opposed the observance of a pagan festival. St Titus was also a friend and disciple of St Paul who ordained him Bishop of Crete. St Paul wrote to these two disciples three pastoral letters, which gave glimpses of the future structure of the Church.

The WORD: "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how."  (see Mark 4:26-34)

Theme: The power in the WORD

Inspiration: 

     Today's Word though in figurative expression has deeper meaning for each and everyone one of us, as Christ's parable often goes with teaching for life. 

     The text shows that the word of God works invisibly within us. God promised that His word would accomplish the purpose for which He sends it (cf. Isaiah 55:11) So when you hear the word, it works in you, even as you sleep, and in every sutuation . It works in us spiritually, in a way that is invisible to our eyes. 

     In this parable, our Lord employs the image of a seed to explain the power of the Word which is the fulcrum or hub of our living; as Robertson once said: "The secret of growth is in the seed, not in the soil nor in the weather nor in the cultivating. These all help, but the seed spontaneously works according to its own nature.”

     How exactly the seed grows is a mystery to the farmer. Though it grows by a process he cannot see nor fully account for, he has faith in the growing process. So it is with the Kingdom of God: we work in partnership with God, yet the real work is left up to Him – we trust in a process we cannot see nor fully account for. That is why St. Augustine of Hippo once said: "God who created us without us cannot save us without us."

     Consequent upon this, we are being called to be concious of our Christian calling in our day-to-day living experience, bearing in mind that every growth is a steady one.

     Finally, let us implore the intercession of Ss. Timothy and Titus who's memorial we celebrate today to pray for us so that we may always allow the power in the Word to flow in us, direct and shape us so that we may bear fruits in abundance. 

 Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who adorned Saints Timothy and Titus with apostolic virtues, grant, through the intercession of them both, that, living justly and devoutly in this present age, we may merit to reach our heavenly homeland. 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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       26012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration for the day: The Conversion of St Paul the Apostle

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus, while he was on his way to Damascus to persecute more Christians, is one of the most touching miracles of the history of the early Church. It shows us how faith comes from grace and from man's free cooperation. The doctrine of the Mystical Body of Christ receives proof and a clear illustration when Christ says, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' We should realize that the best way to hasten the unity of all Christians is to foster our own daily personal conversion.

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Table of the Word:  Acts 22:3-16; Ps 117; Mark 16:15-18

The WORD: 
Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation."  (see  Mark 16:15-18)

Theme: Be my witness.

Inspiration: 

     Dearest friend(s) in Christ, God out of His love created us to love and serve Him and at last we may see Him as He really is when we behold the beatific vision. Through the Sacrament of baptism we all shared in the three munera as priests, prophets and Kings. 

    In the light of today's celebration - the feast of conversion of St. Paul, we are being reminded of our Christian calling as today's gospel reading says: 

Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation."  (see  Mark 16:15-18)

    With this we are being called to exercise our Christian virtues; not as St. Paul before his conversion on the way to Dasmascus who was persecuting Christians, we on our own path have in one way or the other failed in our Christian calling. Thus, becoming Saul before confession. We therefore need to live up to the gospel values by bearing witness to the Truth which is Christ the Lord. 

    In our day-to-day living, let us create Temple where we encounter God out of what we are doing, where we find ourselves and according the detect of our calling. Let our daily struggle becomes a Temple where we can encounter God. Are you a teacher, doctor, preacher, palm wine tapper, barber or you are in one occupation or the other let God be encountered there, it is in doing this that we can bear authentic witness to the gospel values.

     Finally, beloved in Christ as we solemnly celebrate this greatvfeast let us on our path make sincere effort to live out our Christian calling not only by words by actions. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who taught the whole world through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, draw us, we pray, nearer to you through the example of him whose conversion we celebrate today, and so make us witnesses to your truth in the world. 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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       25012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration for the day: Ferial

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word:  1 Samuel 24:2-20; Psalm 57:2.3-4.6 and 11 (R. 2a); Mark 3:13-19.

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

Theme: He reconciles humanity with Divinity.

Inspiration: 

    The unfathomable mercy and love of God is beyond measure, taking a look at the creation account where of all creatures in creation God gave man the mandate to take charge of all and name them one by one. 

      His love remains unconditional such that even in our inadequacies we are still favoured through the reconciliation by His Son passion, death and resurrection.

     From today's table of the Word, St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians Church says:

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

This implies that, we have been redeemed through the blood of the lamb and then reconciled us back to God. 

       In our weaknesses we find strength in Him, in our pains joy, when engulfed with infirmities healing and in distress we get solace. 

      Finally, let us be mindful of this great love of His and then reciprocate this kind gesture with a renewed life of living out the gospel values. 

 Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and merciful God, we thank You for the wonders of creation. Grant we pray the grace to live out the gospel values so as to behold You as You really are on the last day. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and evermore. Amen.  

© The ARCHIVE                       19012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration for the day: Ferial

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Table of the Word: 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:2-3.9-10ab.10c-11.12-13 (R. 5b); Mark 3:7-12.

The WORD: "Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel."  (2 Timothy 1:10)

Theme: In Him we have life...

Inspiration

     Life remains the foremost gift bestowed upon human family by God, He out of love, care and sustenance provides Him with every good gift for its sustainability. Though man out of his longing and insatiability nature derailed from the path through act of obedience. 

     Amidst this, God still had humanity in mind by sending His only begotten Son - our Lord as a ransom to pay the debt of our iniquities.  (cf. John 3:16) 

     It is through this great love of God, that today's gospel acclamation reminded us that through Jesus Christ our Lord what seems to be the end of man becomes the beginning. 

    St. Paul in his second letter to Timothy has this to say:

"Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel."  (2 Timothy 1:10)

Through Christ death, the earthly end of man has meaning with life eternal - a life free from pains, sickness and tribulations. 

     Beloved in Christ, let us not lose consciousness of the fact that God is always at work for our salvation. Let us make sincere effort to live out the gospel valued so as to be saved. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, yours is the earth and its fulness. We are grateful to You for everything. Grant we pray the grace to be concious of Your ever abiding presence in our difficult moment so that we may not derail from the right part. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and evermore. Amen.  

© The ARCHIVE                       18012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration of the day: St Anthony, Abbot

(251-356). Called the Patriarch of Monks, St. Anthony retired to the desert when he was eighteen years old. He was the first abbot to form a stable rule for his family of monks dedicated to the divine Service. He led an austere life which was always consciously directed to the better service of God.

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word: 1 Samuel 17:32-33.37.40-51; Psalm 144:1.2.9-10 (R. 1a); Mark 3:1-6

The WORD: "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?." (see Mark 3:1-6)

Theme:  No limitation in God

Inspiration: God's grace through His Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ is that gratuitous gift given to humanity at no cost. This grace breaks every protocol without permission or condition, that is why today's gospel pericope gives us an account of healing that took place on Sabbath day. For the Jews and Pharisees, this should not be the case. In their myopic calculations they wanted to limit the grace of God  by citing that the healing supposed not to be taken place on Sabbath.

   Then Jesus in His usual authoritative manner as the King and Lord  asked: "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?." (see Mark 3:1-6)

   This question is the continuation of His encounter with them in yesterday's gospel reading when He said: 

"The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath." (Mark 2:23-28)

   Dearest friends, this encounter of Jesus with these men meant to bring to our consciousness that there is no limit to our salvation. God right from time immemorial till date has been continously at work to save us from the shackle of total damnation.

   In our respective situation, do we believe that there is no limitation to God's grace in our lives? Do we know that even when life tasted sour there is always sweetness beneath it? Are we aware that God is able to turn our tears into cleansing water? 

   Indeed, there is no limit in God as the grace bestowed upon humanity through His only begotten Son speaks volume in our everyday situation. Clinch on the foot of the Cross of Jesus, and every barrier will be broken just as the man with the withered hand in today's gospel pericope. + May St. Anthony the Abbot pray for us that we may be conscious of God's grace in our lives. Amen.

 Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

 O God, who brought the Abbot Saint Anthony to serve you by a wondrous way of life in the desert, grant, through his intercession, that, denying ourselves, we may always love you above all things. 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.  

© The ARCHIVE                       17012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration for the day: Ferial

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 89:20.21-22.27-28 (R. 21a); Mark 2:23-28

The WORD: "...for the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Theme: God sees beyond our sight.

Inspiration: 

    In every life situation God has a beautiful plan for us. He does not see the way we see, that is why His plans are not ours for His plan for us always bring us joy. 

In human calculation, life does not offer us what we bargained for rather it presents before us a different plate of sauce other than what we ordered for. Amidst this, God has a better plan for us irrespective of our desires. That is why today's first reading gives an account of how David was chosen instead of his brothers.

    The story is such a captivating and mind-owing one, as the expectations of the giants become feather before the wind; and the thought of the common man becomes the final decision of the king. This is indeed the scenario we met in the first reading where "..the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (see 1 Samuel 16:1-13)

Beloved in Christ, how do people see you? How are they rating you? What is the yardstick of their measurement? Some has already weighed you in a balance and recorded it down. But today God says, I have something new for you. I will raise you up from the dung hill and place you on the kingly throne for the world to know that I am the Lord. He says, if I did it to David the least of all the children why won't i make the world to celebrate your victory? All that I require from you, He said is Perseverance and faith in me. Let us dearest in Christ look beyond the present situation, our weaknesses and short-comings for every potholes in our lives will be filled and every crooked lines will be made straight. Not unto us, not unto us O! Lord but to the greeter glory of your name.

 Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Eternal Word we give You the glory and praise. Grant we pray with one heart that our desire should only be in You alone, that we may be fulfilled and accept with open heart the lot You marked for us.Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and evermore. Amen.  

© The ARCHIVE                       16012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration for the day: Ferial 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  1 Samuel 15:16-23; Ps 50:8-9.16bc-17.21 and 23 (R. 23bc); Mark 2:18-22.

The WORD: "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins." (see Mark 2:18-22)

Theme: ... new wine, new wine skins.

Inspiration: The redemption of human race from the shackle of total damnation was paid for outrightly by the precious blood of the lamb, but our salvation has to be gained by our daily and sincere effort. In consonance with the Words of St. Augustine who said: "God who created us without us cannot save us without us." That is to say God's grace demands human cooperation.  

      It is on this note, that I wish to reflect with you on the theme "... new wine, new wine skins" This implies that, we need a change of attitude so as to be saved. As God has redeemed us from total destruction after the great fall, on our own part we are obliged to be concious of God's detects and ordinances.  That is why the gospel pericope according to Evangelist Mark has this to say:

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost, and so are the skins; but new wine is for fresh skins." (see Mark 2:18-22). And the first reading exhorted us to keep in mind the laws of God, as obedience is better than sacrifice (cf. 1 Samuel 15:16-23). And the Psalmist says:  "To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God." (see Ps 50:8-9.16bc-17.21).

        Beloved in Christ, as we are all looking forward for the salvation of our souls there is need to be ready to pay the price of keeping the law of God. We cannot attain the eternal salvation by putting new wine into an old wine skin; new wine must go with new wine skins. 

 Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we thank You for the wonders of our being. We are grateful for the many favours we have received from You. Grant we pray O! Lord the grace to be concious of Your detects and ordinances so that we may model our lives after the pattern of Your desire. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and evermore. Amen.  

© The ARCHIVE                       15012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Celebration for the day:

St Adrian of Canterbury, Abbot

(+710). An African by birth, he became Abbot of Nerida, a to Benedictine monastery near Naples, when he was very young. Pope Vitaliqn intended to appoint him Archbishop of Canterbury to succeed St. Deusdeit who had died in 664, but Adrian considered himself unworthy of so great a dignity, and begged the Pope to appoint Theodore, a Greek monk in his place. The Pope yielded, on condition that Adrian should accompany Theodore to Englqnd and be his adviser in the administration of the Diocese of Canterbury.

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word:  1 Samuel 1:9-20;   1 Samuel 2:1.4-5.6-7.8abcd (R. see 1a);  Mark 1:21-28

The WORD: "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to him."  (see 1 Samuel 1:9-20)

Theme: Go in peace...

Inspiration: The gift of peace from God goes beyond cost. It is unconditional and unseasonal unlike that which man gives to his fellow man which is founded on condition. That is with the expiration of the condition the peace will be withdrawn. 

However, the notion of peace does not necessarily means absence of war; but it entails stillness and solace of the mind.

In today's liturgy of the Word, the first reading recounted the experience of Hannah at Shiloh. She was greatly depressed and  agonized. As Eli saw her, he thought she was drunk, and the poor distressed woman told him: 

 "No, my lord, I am a woman sorely troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your maidservant as a base woman,..." (see 1 Samuel 1:9-20)

At this point, Eli said: 

 "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have made to him."  (see 1 Samuel 1:9-20)

Beloved in Christ, there is no better utterance than that of Eli to Hannah this morning. 

In our daily challenges and difficulties, let us present all to God in prayer with hope. 

Absolutely, I am convinced there is no prayer of ours that God has not answered, only that out of our longing and insatiable state we want all to be our own way.

Today God has spoken to us in our various situations as Eli did to Hannah. We need nothing other than peace. Let these Words be manifested in our lives and our daily situations. For we cannot go beyond this level on our own, except with Him who is always handling the steering of every event. 

Therfore, let us all go back in peace as our prayers have been answered. 

Finally, as we celebrate the memorial of St. Adrian, we pray that the good Lord may hearken to his plea on our behalf. 

St. Adrian: pray for us.

 Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, yours is the earth and its fulness. We are grateful to You for everything. Grant we pray the grace to be concious of Your ever abiding presence in our difficult moment so that we may not derail from the right part. Through our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns forever and evermore. Amen.  

© The ARCHIVE                       09012024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

JANUARY 6

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  1 John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-13.14-15.19-20(R.12a); Mark 1:7-11

The WORD: "Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

(see 1 John 5:5-13)

Theme: The journey of faith.

Inspiration: Faith is that virtue which builds up our existence in God. And then what is faith? According to the author of the letter to the Hebrews – “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1).

Today's liturgy of the Word reechoed the essence of this virtue as the opening verse of the first reading as it says: 

"Who is it that overcomes the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

(see 1 John 5:5-13)

In our day-to-day live experience, where do we place God? Do we hold on to Him as the foundation of our believe system; or do we run to Him when the going is tough? Our faith in God should be unseasonal. 

Let us build our trust in Him, for with Him there is no disappointment. Our trust in Him will give us room to surmount every mountain that may threatened us. 

Finally, beloved in Christ as Christians let our faith be bilit only in our God, for when we do this we will soar like eagle. Let our testimonies be in Him alone, the Son-God. 

Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we thank You for Your love and mercies. In Your kindness give us the grace to build our faith in you alone. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

© The ARCHIVE        06012024