DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK 

Light of the world.

The Word:  "...I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: I R.: Isaiah 49:1-6

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 71

Verse before the Gospel: Hail, our King, obedient to his Father; you were led to crucifixion like a meek lamb to the slaughter.

Gospel: John 13:21-33.36-38

Inspiration: "...I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." (Isaiah 49:6)

The above text is an extract of the announcement of God's justice that is coming as contained in the second Isaiah. It was after this that another announcement was made concerning a new phase of salvation history (cf. Is. 47:1 - 48:22).

Here the Lord God made a promise to Israelites who were already on exile that a light will come so as to bring about salvation to the world. This same light has been spoken about in different occasions by various prophets using different images until the fulness of time when God made the fulfilment of this prophetic declaration as Evangelist John says:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (Jn. 3:16)

This pronouncement came as the fulfillment of the prophetic declaration of Isaiah in the course of redemption of humanity. It is quite obvious that redemption has been bought and paid in full, but salvation is that which we have to work for as the scripture says:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (Phil. 2:12-13). 

St. Augustine on the other way, avers that "God who created us without us cannot save us without us." This called for co-participation in the process of our salvation.

Beloved in Christ, this is indeed the season of salvation which we are are obliged to purify ourselves, be conscious of the love of God through His only begotten Son and then work hard to identify with Him during this period in our daily living. As a light, his passion, death and resurrection dispels every light that engulfes our path and illuminates the darkness in our heart. 

As Easter people, let our light continue burning even in our commemoration of this solemn events in the salvation history of man, as a proof of enduring love of God. May our sincere effort we pray O! Lord gives us the grace to forge ahead with contrite of heart over our short comings. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

"The light of Christ is an endless day that knows no night."

 - St. Maximus of Turin

Let us pray            

May your mercy, O God, cleanse us who are subject to you from all seduction of former ways and make us capable of new holiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       26032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK 

Purify your mind.

The Word:  "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" (see John 12:4-8)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Table of the Word: I R.: Isaiah 42:1-7

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 27

Verse before the Gospel: Hail, our king: you alone have had mercy on our failings!

Gospel:   John 12:1-11

Inspiration: "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" (see John 12:4-8) These were thoughtful words of Judas Iscariot on seeing Mary taking a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. Judas being the minister of finance has costed the worth of this sweet smelling ointment and found out that he can make something great from it Sales. Here John in his account explicitly identified him as a "thief" because his intention was not genuine. He actually made this suggestion to becloud the minds of others that he cares for the poor but that was not true.

Beloved in Christ, this event invites us to match our thoughts with what we utter and then put them into action. That is, not saying "this" and then do "that." As we began the solemn Holy Week yesterday with the re-enactment of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jesrusalem; it is another opportunity for us to re-examine ourselves and commitment to God. We ought to provide answers to questions like: How purify is our intention for poor? Are we giving alms as a public act of show for a mere withered fame and glory? Is our intentions in tandem with God's will? 

As we continue this spiritual journey with the Church let us be conscious of our intentions and actions in the course of our day-to-day living experience so as to enjoy the fruits of this solemn season.

 Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 "The purest and most thoughtful minds are those which love color the most."

- John Ruskin

Let us pray            

May your protection, O Lord, we pray, defend us and keep us ever safe as we trust in your mercy, that we may celebrate the paschal festivities not only with bodily observance but above all with purity of mind. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       25032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

 

TUESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT 

Forget not the goodness of the Lord!

The Word:  "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in Wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” (Numbers 21: 5)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Table of the Word: I R.: Numbers 21:4-9

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 102

Verse before the Gospel: cf. Luke 8:11

Gospel: John 8:21:30

Inspiration: "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in Wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food?” (Numbers 21: 5) These were lamentations of Israelites at Mount Hor as they set out by the way of the Red Sea. Their impatience beclouded their vision, blinded their minds against what God did for them, and His plans ahead. They spoke against God and Moses and thus inviting God’s anger. (cf. Numbers 21:4-9).

Amidst this, God did not abandon them rather, after listening to their plea He commanded Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. This text however makes allusion to the passion, death, resurrection and salvific power of Christ; which implies that as many who will repent of their transgression will be saved through the crucified Lord.

Consequently, the acknowledgement of their faults created way for their salvation. This is a sure reminder to each and every one of us to be conscious of our sins, acknowledged, confess and then make sincere effort not to sin again. That is why St. Paul while addressing the Roman Church says:  “God has shown us how much he loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8). The incomparable love of God is unconditional, it spread across every boundary of human existence, and it comes with hope beyond human telling.

As the Psalmist proclaimed: “O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you. Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear towards me; on the day when I call, speedily answer me. ” (Ps. 102:1-2). We ought to seek for Him with broken heart as Israelites did. We need to rend our hearts before Him, recalling His goodness upon us. In our private moment, we have to allow this question to rent our minds: “How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?” (Ps. 115).

Obviously, in doing this our thoughts will be gearing towards reciprocating this kind gesture of His with effort to discipline our mortal bodies so as not to defile it being the Temple of the Lord.

Finally, let our thoughts, words and actions aligned with detects and ordinances of the Lord, so that when we call on Him He will hear us. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 “The goodness of God is infinitely more wonderful than we will ever be able to comprehend.”

-        A.W. Tozer

Let us pray            

O God, who choose to show mercy not anger to those who hope in you, grant that we may weep, as we should, for the evil we have done, and so merit the grace of your consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       19032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF LENT 

Repent!

The Word:  "Neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again.” (John 8:11).

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Table of the Word: I R.: Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 23

Verse before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33:11

Gospel: John 8:1-11

Inspiration: The story of the prodigal son gives a detailed understanding of what repentance is all about (cf. Luke15:17-18). This young man was a reformed spendthrift according to the gospel narrative who along the line made a change of his life style and went back home. The similar scenario is what we found in today’s gospel pericope which is opposite of the event of the first reading. In the first reading we listened to the trial of Susanna, the false accusation by the two elders and God’s vindication through the young lad – Daniel (cf. Daniel 13:1-9.15-17.19-30.33-62). While the gospel narrative presents us with the familiar story of the woman caught in adultery, her accusers and our Lord as the judge (cf. John 8:1-11).

The duo events are invitations, while the characters in the first reading were incorrigible in their sinfulness, the woman in the gospel was redeemable when Christ gave her the opportunity: "Neither do I condemn you; go and do not sin again.” (John 8:11). The former had similar opportunity at the first instance, but they were bend on satisfying their cravings.

Beloved in Christ, how often do we abuse the opportunity offered us to return to Jesus? In our day-to-day living experience do we really seek to see Jesus as some Greeks did in their encounter with Philip and Andrew: “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (John 12:20)

Indeed, we really need to see Jesus; to see Him requires a disengagement to engage, stripping-off of the old self and put on a new self as enshrined in the gospel.

However, God is always at work waiting for our return, through exhortations from the prophets and teachers. As Prophet Joel says: “Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger; and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:12-13).

Finally, as we keep on journeying with the Church liturgically and spiritually, we are obliged to be conscious of our sins and make haste to see Jesus in the sacramental confession; as God says in today’s gospel acclamation: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he return from his way and live.” (Ezekiel 33:11). May these words we pray be manifested in our lives through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 “Repentance is a contract with God for a second life.”

-        St. John Chrysostom

Let us pray            

Set us free from our sins, O Lord, we pray as we call upon you, that living a holy way of life, we may be kept safe from every trial. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       18032024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 

Renewal

The Word:  "Take away all iniquity: receive graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘you are our gods.’ For in you the fatherless finds mercy.” (Hosea 14:2-3).

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Table of the Word: I R.: Hosea 14:1-9

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 81:6c-8a.8bc-9.10-11ab.14and 17 (R. see 11a.9b)

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 4:17

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Inspiration: Every spiritual renewal goes with renouncing of the former ways, stripping-off of the old-self and putting-on of the new-self. It can as well be seen in the light of rebirth where one enters into a new covenant. In our reflection today, we have seen a call from God for total renewal from Israelites through Prophet Hosea who says: "Take away all iniquity: receive graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘you are our gods.’ For in you the fatherless finds mercy.” (Hos. 14:2-3). This clarion call is to bring to our consciousness the need to be spiritually renewed by deserting former ways and seek for the way of the Lord as Israel renounced theirs today (cf. Hos. 14:1-9). In another place, St. Paul exhorts us thus: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Rom. 12:2). This admonition has to do with an act of renouncing our former ways and take up a new path in Jesus.

To buttress this, the Psalmist prays: “Send out your breath and life… and you renew the face of the earth.” (Ps. 104:30) This should be our daily prayer, as we continue our Lenten walk. We ought to be conscious of our thoughts, words and actions; and once in a while pause to reflect on how is our ways pleasing to our God.

Obviously, spiritual renewal denotes the transformation of the Spirit of God to have a total control of man so as to enable us live up to God’s expectation. As we are up and doing in the physical realm, there is need to be spiritually active so as not to allow evil to triumph over good in our lives. Sometimes we find ourselves being obsessed with created things and suddenly forgot the Creator Himself, instead of us seeing God in every creature, we end up seeing creatures as gods. The same scenario that Israelites became victims (cf. Hos. 14:1-9). When realized this mistake, they publicly renounced and then acknowledged God as the Creator of every creature in creation. 

Finally, let us make effort to love God with all our heart beyond every creatures in creation. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 “I can hardly wait for tomorrow, it means a new life for me each and every day.”

-        Stanley Kunitz

Let us pray            

Look graciously, O Lord, upon us who implore your mercy, that trusting in your kindness, we may spread far and wide the gifts your charity has bestowed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       08032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

 

 

 

THURSDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 

Obey my voice...

The Word:  "Obedience" a virtue which the sacred Scripture adorns with high esteem that is better than sacrifice. (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22-23).

Mystery of the day: Luminous

Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 7:23-28

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 95:1-2.6-7abc.7d-9 (R. 7d-8a)

Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13

Gospel: Luke 11:14-23

Inspiration: On our tabloid today, we wish to reflect on "Obedience" a virtue which the sacred Scripture adorns with high esteem that is better than sacrifice. (cf. 1 Sam. 15:22-23). The fundamental question is, obedience to who or what? Is it to obey our carnal feelings? To obey what offends God?

More still, is it a matter of obeying with the hope to be raised to the status of fame and glory which will not last the day? No. The obedience here has to do with God and all constituted authorities. It is on this note that the Lord invited us through the prophecy of Jeremiah to reflect today as Prophet Jeremiah announced: Thus says the LORD: “This command I gave my people, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you." (Jer. 7:23ff.)

However, Christ our Master in His life has taught us what it means to be obedient; despite His Heavenly glory, power and fame as He emptied Himself took human form with humility, and became obedient to the point of death – even death on the cross - kenosis (cf. Phil. 2:7-8). This virtue of obedience is enshrined in love, for if we truly profess our love to God we have to keep to heart His detects and ordinances. As imitators of Christ, we are obliged to keep God’s law in our daily living experience through our thoughts, words and actions. Then in doing this without any feeling of pride or arrogant we stand to experience the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living; as God is ever ready to assist us in every way.

Finally, let us try our best to respond positively to this wonderful call for salvation; for when we do this, the steadfastness of God's love will enrich us. Peace be with you!

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“The Devil doesn’t fear austerity but holy obedience.''

-         Francis de Sales:

Let us pray            

We call on your loving kindness and trust in your mercy, O Lord, that since we have from you all that we are, through your grace we may seek what is right and have strength to do the good we desire.  Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       07032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 

Forgiveness beyond boundaries

The Word:  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Table of the Word: I R.: Daniel 3:2, 11-20

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 25:4-5ab.6 and 7cd.8-9 (R. 6a)

Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35

Inspiration: It is not strange that forgiveness has been a recurring theme during this period. As a matter of fact, we cannot talk of reconciliation without forgiveness. Though both terms are similar but have different meanings as reconciliation means “to cease fire”; while forgiveness denotes an act of showing pity or clemency. There must be forgiveness before we can think of reconciliation.  That is why today’s gospel pericope exhorts us to forgive one another if we long to be forgiven by God. (cf. Matt. 18:35).

The steadfastness love of the Lord is ever renewed every now and then, and His readiness to reconcile us to Himself is certain provided we are ready to be reconciled. The Psalmist says: “If you, Lord, should keep account of sins, who could hold his ground? But with you is forgiveness, so that you may be revered.” (Ps. 130:3-4).

If God out of His gratuitousness does not count our iniquities, who are we then to hold grudges against one another? We are nothing but beggars before the Lord pleading for mercy for our sins. The story of that “wicked servant” as addressed by the King paints us in clear picture (cf. Matthew 18:21-35). We are always asking God to forgive us, show us mercy and answer our calls. But how often do we forgive others? When last did we give a leaning shoulder to one who hurts us but in danger? Why do we create comfort zone out of suffocating space of others? It is against this attitude that St. Paul while addressing the Church in Ephesus says:  “Be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” (Ephesians 1:7).

On another note, we are obliged to acknowledge our transgression no matter how dirty or scandalous it may seems as Prophet Daniel did in the first reading; since God is ever ready to purge us of our iniquities and make us anew in Him. But when we lost the sight of our sins, then we are swimming into doom which drown us.

The gospel acclamation gives us an instant invitation to seek for reconciliation with God through Prophet Joel: "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful." (Joel 2:12-13); let us in faith approach God with a contrite heart and humble spirit, for in doing this we will certainly regain our rightful place.

Finally, Let our hearts be torn and not our garments. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 “If a man finds it very hard to forgive injuries, let him look at a crucifix, and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him, and not only forgave His enemies, but even prayed His Heavenly Father to forgive them also. Let him remember that when he says the ‘Our Father,’ everyday, instead of asking pardon for his sins, he is calling down vengeance on himself.”

-        St. Philip Neri

Let us pray            

O God, our founder and ruler, drive away the sins that assail us, that we may always be pleasing to you and ever safe under your protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       05032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 

Faith in little things.

The Word: “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.” (see 2 Kings 5:1-15)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Table of the Word: I R.: 2 Kings 5:1-15

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 42:2.3; 43:3.4 (R. 42:3)

Verse before the Gospel: see Psalm 130: 5.7

Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

Inspiration: According to James Hudson Taylor “Little things are little things but faithfulness in it makes it great.” Most often what we consider to be little following human calculations are great in the sight of God. Biblically, the image of children are used in teaching us lessons on humility. Why using children? Whom we consider to be ignorant and naïve. But God chooses this image for a purpose to teach us that, what the world consider to be filthy and worthless, He can transform it into an object of glory. Among such is the story of David, Joseph, Elizabeth who was barren, and the rest of other related events. In another place, the scripture also reaffirmed that God chooses the weak of the world to shame the strong and thoughtless to shame the intelligent (cf. I Cor. 1:27).

In today’s liturgy of the Word, we can see some elements of pride in Naaman, when Prophet Elisha sent a message to him. In anger Naaman replied: “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.” (see 2 Kgs. 5:1-15). Here, out of pride, we can see lack of faith in him. His disregard to the instruction of the prophet, maybe as a result of his position or expectation. This act is what the scripture exhorts: “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” (Lk. 16:10). For Naaman, his expectation betrayed him, as he felt that the prophet has to perform series of rites for his healing.

However, this is one of the major problems facing our spiritual lives. We often tend to expect our blessings to come in the form of a thunder, until we believe that we are serving a mighty God. Abraham believed in God despite the uncertainties of his journey that is why the book of Habakkuk says: “The righteous live by their faith.” (Hab.2:4). And St. Paul while addressing the Church in Corinth says:  “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Beloved in Christ, until when we look at every event in the eyes of faith, it is there and then that we would come to the realization that mighty things happen with a gentle breeze. We ought to allow the spirit to speak to us, in moment of difficulties through prayer and meditation. In doing this, we will overcome every doubt that may engulf us. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

  “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary,. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”

-        St. Thomas Aquinas

Let us pray  

May your right hand, we ask, O Lord, protect us that make entreaty to you: graciously purify us and give us instruction, that finding solace in this life, we may reach the good things to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       04032024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT 

Contrition

The Word: “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (Luke 15:18)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Table of the Word: I R.: Micah 7:14-15.18-20

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2.3-4.910.11-12 (R.8a)

Verse before the Gospel: Luke 15:18

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3.11-32

Inspiration: The concept of contrition remains the first step towards the act of reconciliation. God every now and then invites us to Himself despite our short-comings. The action of contrition requires repentance for all our sins, a desire for God over our transgression, believing that through the Cross of Jesus we are redeemed.

Biblically, the following texts make allusion to this term: Psalm 34:18; 51:17; Isaiah 57:15, which “smitten” as in Isaiah 66:2 gives meaning to it. The term is often used alongside with the heart as “contrite heart” that is “broken heart.” In a nut shell, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia defined contrition as a grief experienced as a consequence of the revelation of sin made by the preaching of law (cf. Jer. 23:29).

However, Psalm 51 really gives a clear picture on this, when Prophet Nathan came to rebuke David for taking Bathsheba. In the like manner, that Prophet Micah on behalf of the people in the course of today’s first reading say this prayer for forgiveness having acknowledged the sin of the people (cf. Micah 7:14-15.18-20). In the gospel pericope, we have seen the man who squandered the share of his living, expressing remorse over his attitude and accepting to return to his father: “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (Luke 15:18)

Obviously, many fall into sins but never think of making true contrition as David or the young man in the gospel did, God showed His mercy to every sinner who approached Him with a contrite of heart. In fact, sin in itself do not draw God’s mercy and forgiveness, but true contrition in humility by acknowledging our weakness and shortcomings open the fountain of His mercy for forgiveness and reconciliation.

As we continue our Lenten spiritual experience, we are exhorted to acknowledge our failings with contrite of heart, letting go the hurt by others, and then approach sacrament of reconciliation. It is at this Temple of Mercy that we will be dressed with the best of the robes, with ring and treated with the feast of fatted calf. Peace, be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

 “The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works. You do the truth and come to the light.”

-        St. Augustine

Let us pray            

Bestow upon us, Lord, abundance of grace and protection; grant health of mind and body; grant fullness of fraternal charity, and make us always devoted to you.Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       02032024