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.  

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