DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: Live out the Gospel values.

The Word:  "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: St. Mark, Evangelist

He was the son of Mary in whose house Peter sought refuge after being freed from jail. He aided St. Paul and St. Barnabas in the evangelization of . Later, Mark became the companion and secretary of St. Peter in . He wrote the second Gospel which emphasizes the miraculous powers of the Saviour.

Table of the Word: I R.:  I Peter 5:5-14

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 89

Verse before the Gospel:   1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Gospel: Mark 16:15-20

Inspiration: Today, we join the Mother Church to celebrate the Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist who is addressed as "one who holds the Messianic secret." Taking a look at today's gospel pericope,  we have clearly seen Mark's active response to our Lord's invitation to go into the world and proclaim the Goodnews to all the whole creation.

 "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15)

By extension we are being called through the Sacrament of Baptism to live out this Gospel value of bearing witness to the risen Lord in our thoughts, words and actions. As priestly, kingly and prophetic people we  are being entrusted with the obligation to spread the gospel wherever man is found. 

Beloved in Christ Jesus, the fundamental question is: How do we respond to this clarion call of saving soul? Today, we have seen Evangelist Mark's active role in this direction.  That is why in celebrating him today the Church invites us to imitate this apostolic zeal for our sanctification and that of the whole world. 

Finally, let our thoughts, words and actions matched with these Gospel values so that on the last day we may meet our Master face to face. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O God, who raised up Saint Mark, your Evangelist, and endowed him with the grace to preach the Gospel, grant, we pray, that we may so profit from his teaching, as to follow faithfully in the footsteps of Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       25042024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: Jesus, the bread of life. 

The Word:  "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord." (John 6:56)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:  Acts 9:1-20

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 117:1.2 (R. Mark 16:15)

Verse before the Gospel: John 6:56

Gospel: John 6:52-59

Inspiration: Our Lord's description of Himself as the "Bread of life" has been a recurring theme throughout this week. One could ask why did He identify Himself with the image of bread? 

Obviously,  in Jewish culture and even in our society today "bread" is seen as one of the cheapest commodities that one can afford no matter the type provided it satisfies hunger at that point in time, so it was in Jesus' time. Jesus employing this image, symbolises availability, ever presence and accessible. It is in the light of this that He says: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord." (John 6:56). The bread here goes beyond that which Israelites ate in the desert and yet were still hungry. Thus He reminded us: "This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever." (see John 6:52-59)

This precious sacrifice for humanity is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah who said: "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name 'Emmanuel,' which being interpreted is, God with us. shall call." (Isaiah 7:14) This reminded us of the ever abiding presence of God through His Son. 

Beloved in Christ, as we gather around the Table of the Eucharist this morning let us be ever conscious of the fact that He is always with us, not only when the going is juicy but  in our  painful moments, distress, and despair. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we who have come to know the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection, may through the love of the Spirit, ourselves rise to newness of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns both now and forever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       19042024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: I am the bread of life.

The Word:  At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:  Acts 8:1-8

Resp. Psalm: Psalm66:1-3a.4-5.6-7a (R. 1)

Verse before the Gospel: John 6:40

Gospel: John 6:35-40

Inspiration: In the Old Testament mention was made of manna in the desert which could well be described as "bread" in the present day usage (cf. Exodus 16:1ff.) 

Etymological, the term "Manna" is derived from (Hebrew: מָן, romanized: mān, Greek: μάννα; Arabic: اَلْمَنُّ; sometimes or archaically spelled mana) is, according to the Bible, an edible substance which God provided for the Jews during their travels in the desert during the 40-year period following the Exodus and prior to the conquest of Canaan.

Interestingly,  the Scripture told us that after they must have eaten this bread from above they were still hungry.  It will be recalled that this God's blessing came when hope must have lost, when they were hungry and weak in their sojourn to freedom. This encounter was the foretaste of what we have seen in today's gospel pericope, where Jesus Himself revealed Hinself to us as the "Bread of life."  "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

Here Evangelist John reminded us of who Jesus is, the bread which satisfies our hunger, gives us strength to forge ahead and above all making us united to the Master. As we daily celebrate the Holy Eucharist,  an encounter with the Son-God at the Eucharistic table; do we actually believe in the Divine presence? If we do, then the sick will be healed, lame will walk, blind will certainly regain sight, those in tears will be comforted, etc. Obviously,  when neither of these come to our way then our encounter with Him is shallow and we need to take a second look at our personal relationship with Him in the Holy Eucharist. 

Finally, our encounter with this living bread (the eucharist) was meant to give us hope beyond telling,  a hope that Israelites had in their exilic experience.  We pray together today, that the good Lord may strengthen us to see Jesus in our life as true "Bread of life" that satisfies our hunger and heals us of our infirmities. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Be present to your family, O Lord, we pray, and graciously ensure those you have endowed with the grace of faith an eternal share in the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       17042024

 

SPIRITUAL EULOGY in honour of REV. FR. ANTHONY OKON by Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: Fr. Tony's Fullness Desire

The Word:  "There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord." (see Psalm 27)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 5:34-42

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 27

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 4:4b

Gospel: John 6:1-15

Inspiration: I intentionally did not want to deviate from the readings of today in my personal reflection considering the pains of losing a trusted friend and a brother - Rev. Fr. Anthony Okon of Uyo Catholic Presbyterium; rather I prefer a sort of spiritual eulogy in his honour within the context of today's liturgy of the Word.  Fr. Tony was more than a friend and a brother to me, whose demise has created a deep vacuum in my heart. 

On this day I recall with tears that D-day when the news of his demise filtered the air. At the first instance, I thought it to be a fairy tale or what could be re-captioned later in the day. I never knew that in reality Fr. Tony has gone to be with the Lord and has reached the fullness of his desire as a Christian. 

Taking a look at today's responsorial psalm, there is nothing so consoling as it response which says: "There is one thing I ask of the Lord, to live in the house of the Lord." (see Psalm 27) The house here goes beyond the physical structure we have seen,  to a beautiful place where there is no sickness, pains, and sorrows.

This indeed was the desire of Fr. Tony right from the moment of his baptism till that fateful day he returned to his Creator marked with the sign of faith. Certainly,  I do not doubt that he is with the master of the vineyard whom he served so well.

As I went through other readings especially the first reading , I saw the image of Fr. Tony in the apostles who were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name of Jesus (cf.Acts 5:34-42). His firmness in faith and docility attested to this fact. 

Those who knew him, can testify that he was a humble and simple pastor whose door was always open to all; he was always at the Service of both the young and the old. Just like the Apostles in the first reading, he was not in doubt of the risen Lord, he bore witness to this salvific event till the last breath irrespective of every challenge.

Tony's life was a testament to his beliefs. He spreads love, joy, and positivity wherever he went. His unwavering commitment to priestly service was above board, and kindness to those in need spoke in volumes.

Beloved in Christ, this commentary on this "man of God" as he was fondly known by friends is a reminder, and a wake-up call on us to put in our best in our day-to-day living experience for the hour will certainly come when we least expected.  And when it eventually comes, can we with smile say: "Master, here is five talents you gave me, I have raised another five talents as interest." And let us be reminded that: "Some people go to bed early, some go late, but the fact remains everyone must certainly go to bed."

Today, we who knew Fr. Tony dip our joy into cup of pains as he will be returned to mother earth, not as pagans but as those whose faith is built only in God who is our beginning and end. 

Fr. Tony, words are not enough to express my pains your departure has left me with alongside  those who knew you. Asiere, eti ufan. We love you but God loves you most. Rest in peace till we meet to depart no more, eti asanga utom.

Let us pray          

Heavenly Father, we ask for your mercy and grace for your servant Fr. Anthony Okon as he pass from this life into eternity. Please bring him into your loving arms and grant him peace and rest. We also pray for those whom he left behind, that they would find comfort and hope in your presence and the promise of eternal life. Fr. Tony, may the good Lord whom you did not doubt while alive grant you an eternal reward in His bosom. Amen

Requiescat in pace!

© The ARCHIVE                       12042024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: We must obey God... 

The Word:  "...We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree." (see Acts 5:27-33)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr

(1030-1079). Stanislaus was the Bishop of Cracow, Poland. A champion of the liberty of the Church and of the dignity of man, he defended the lonely and the poor. When he reproached King Boleslaw II for his immoral life, the king himself killed him during Mass. He is the patron saint of Poland.

Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 5:27-33

Resp. Psalm: Ps 34:2 and 9.17-18.19-20 (R. see 7a)

Verse before the Gospel: See John 20:29

Gospel: John 3:31-36

Inspiration: There is often great confussion whenever we are at the croosroad of faith. That is, when we are facing with situations that directly challenges our faith in God especially the decision of the civil authority,  or that of our employers which are not in tandem with our belief system. In the face of this upsurge, what do we do? The subtle answer to this mind-blowing question is found in today's first reading as the Apostles were summoned before the council for questioning on the ground of their faith in Christ. (cf. Acts 5:27-33)

As men of faith whose thoughts and treasures were in heaven as the gospel pericope highlighted (cf.John 3:31-36) they gave them a stunning answer that came with goose bumps on them saying: "...We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree." (see Acts 5:27-33) This response actually generated confussion among them because the apostles spoke with authority.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, by the water of Baptism and the invocation of the Holy Spirit at confirmation we have been given the unction to bear authentic witness to the gospel values through our thoughts, words and actions. So far so good, whom do we obey? Is it our instinct or the detects and ordinances of God?

Let our lives be solely moderated by the gospel values with hope in life beyond the present life so that we may be able to draw a line between temporality and eternity. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O God, who for the salvation of the world brought about the paschal sacrifice, be favourable to the supplications of your people, so that Christ our High Priest, interceding on our behalf, may by his likeness to ourselves bring us reconciliation, and by his equality with you free us from our sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       11042024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: Life beyond the grave. 

The Word:  "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; that whoever believes in him should have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 5:17-26

Resp. Psalm: Psalm Psalm 34:2-3.4-5.6-7.8-9 (R. 7a)

Verse before the Gospel: John 3:16

Gospel: John 3:16-21

Inspiration: One of the most fascinating gifts God bestowed upon humanity is the gift of unfathomable love which eternal life is enshrined. This love goes beyond every human condition and situation.  It spreads across board to wherever man is found. 

It is in the light of this, that Evangelist John in the opening verse of today's gospel pericope reminded us of the words of our Lord to Nicodemus: "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; that whoever believes in him should have eternal life." (John 3:16) 

This solemn promise borne out of God's love for us that even if we die our lives here has another beautiful meaning beyond the grave. This is the central message of this Joyful season of Eastertide that Christ's solemn paschal mysteries has brought about. 

Dearest friends in Christ, as we continue our earthly pilgrimage let us be ever conscious of this kind gesture of our God, that there is nothing absolutely that can separate us from His love and mercy (cf. Romans 8:31-39)

As we set out to our respective duties let us know for certain that there os invisible hand guiding us in love.  Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

As we recall year by year the mysteries by which, through the restoration of its original dignity, human nature has received the hope of rising again, we earnestly beseech your mercy, Lord, that what we celebrate in faith we may possess in unending love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       10042024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF EASTER

Theme: In desire of Eternal Life

The Word:  "... And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3:15)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 4:32-37

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 93:1abc.1c-2.5 (R. 1a)

Verse before the Gospel: John 3:14-15

Gospel: John 3:7-15

Inspiration: "Glory to God in the highest" angels sing as God has shown greater love upon man by sending His only begotten Son as a ransom for reconciliation of humanity with Divinity. His unfathomable love and mercy has no bounds as it does not consider our inadequacies or weaknesses. 

Taking cognizance of today's gospel pericope we come to terms with this obvious fact that no matter our shortcomings we cannot be left alone along the path but will peacefully lead to that promised home through eternal life in Jesus. 

Evangelist John in today's gospel reminded us of this when Christ said: "... And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." (John 3:15) This becomes the summary of the solemn paschal mysteries which we have just concluded, that gave birth to a new meaning concerning our physical death. It is through Christ's resurrection that we assume a new reality about our earthly dwelling, reminding us that we are sojourners and after life here there lies another life beyond the grave for the believers. 

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we are celebrating the mysteries of the Lord’s Resurrection as Easter people, let us live out the gospel values in our thoughts, words and actions. As witnesses of this great event, let our relationship with one another be christ-like so that when we finally complete this earthly task we may behold the beatific vision, so as to see Jesus as He really is. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Enable us, we pray, almighty God, to proclaim the power of the risen Lord, that we who have received the pledge of his gift, may come to possess all he gives when it is fully revealed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       09042024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE EASTER OCTAVE

we are witnesses

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: Luminous 

Table of the Word: I R.: Acts 3:11-26

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 8:2ab and 5.6-7a.7b-9 (R. 2ab)

Verse before the Gospel: Luke 24:35-48

Gospel: John 13:21-33.36-38

The Word: "You are witnesses of these things." (John 13:38)

Inspiration: Beloved Easter people, it has been a wonderful experience as we journeyed through the desert to the ocean of mercy wrought about by the power of the risen Lord. 

In our reflection this morning,  I invite you to reflect with me on the theme: "You are witnesses of these things." (John 13:38). In the first reading we heard St. Peter in his public confession and testimony on the risen Lord boldy said: "we are witnesses" (see Acts 3:11-26). He confessed this out of his post-resurrection experience from the moment Mary Magdalene informed him and John of the "folded napkin and empty tomb" (cf. John 20:1-9). This was indeed a clear indication that: It is over, and the grave cannot hold him back. 

Dearest friends in Christ, in our day-to-day living experience are we really witnesses to this salfivic event by Lord? If we are truly witnesses we therefore have to profess this in our thoughts, words and actions.  The early apostles eyes were opened at the breaking of the b3read, and they recognised Him. Every day or once in a while we partake in the breaking of the Word and Sacrament; what effect has this great celebration left on us? We are now left to answer this pertinent question for ourselves. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O God, who on this day, through your Only Begotten Son, have conquered death and unlocked for us the path to eternity, grant, we pray, that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit one God forever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       04042024