DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE EIGHT WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: We are all... by His Grace

The Word: "By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading..." (1 Peter 1:3)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:    1 Peter 1:3-9

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 111:1b-2.5-6.9 and 10c (R. 5b)

Verse before the Gospel: 2 Corinthians 8:9

Gospel: Mark 10:17-27

Inspiration: Man by nature is weak and short-lived. On his own he is futile and incapacitated, it is only by God's bounteous grace and mercy that He is redeemed from the shackle of this emptiness. 

In our reflection this morning we shall bare our minds with the Words of St. Peter in his first letter when he said: 

"By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading..." (1 Peter 1:3)

That is to say that, without God's grace we cannot move an inch in life, our boast should be only in Him and Him alone who through the paschal mystery of our Lord and Saviour has given us a new life; life that we cannot afford on our own. Our inheritance is in Christ Jesus who is our bedrock when our steps fail, solace in distress, light in darkness and satisfaction beyond human telling. 

Today's gospel acclamation reminded us of the unfathomable love of God through His Son who generously emptied Himself for our sake: "Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

This self-emptiness (kenosis) invites us to a life of humility and debasement for there is nothing we have that was not given to us by God Himself. 

Beloved in Christ, as we set out today may the Word of God be manifested in our lives so that we may be witnesses of Hisblove and mercy. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Merciful Lord we are grateful to You for Your faithfulness and love, grant we pray that Your grace in us may not be futile but enrich us to be harbinger of good news. 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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