DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: I will deliver you...

The Word: . "And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, says the LORD. I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless." (see Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

(1491-1556). Born in Loyola (Spain), he became a soldier. Converted by God, he went to Paris to study theology. There he gathered his first followers. With them he founded the Society of Jesus in Rome , which is dedicated to the greater glory of God and to the service of the Church, in total obedience to the Pope.

Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21

Resp. Psalm:  Psalm 59:2-3.4.10-11.17.18 (R. 17d)

Verse before the Gospel:   John 15:15

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

Inspiration: Today we join the Mother Church to celebrate the memorial of a zealous missionary whose effort has left an indelible mark in the sand of time - St. Ignatius of Loyola. His doggedndess and zeal could be seen in the light of Jeremiah's prophetic experience which we read in the course of the liturgy of the Word today. The first reading highlighted or revealed the prophet's obedience,  and trust in God. (cf. Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21) 

In the course of this passage we have seen Jeremiah's expression of anguish and complaint, which amidst it he stood firm in his resolve to be committed to God's word and his prophetic calling. He also reaffirmed his confidence in God's deliverance in his persecution. That is why the Psalmist also acknowledged God as his refuge in the day of his distress. (cf. Psalm 59:17d).

However, we are exhorted to cling to God always no matter the situation we may find ourselves. Jeremiah's experience encouraged us to remain faithful and obedient to God's calling even in the blueish moment of our lives. 

We ought to be aware that God is always present in our struggles, offering guidance, protection, and deliverance. That is why St. Paul posed a question to us: What shall separate us from the love of God? Is it hardship? Is it pains? Is it ill-health? That amidst all that we are passing through we cannot compare it with the future glory. And that of all these challenges in life we are more than conquerors. (cf. Romans 8:1ff.)

Finally, it is quite obvious that the cost of discipleship entails suffering and hardship sometimes, but there will certainly be refinement and healing along the path. We need to seek for Jesus just as the merchant who on seeing the treasure went back and sold all that he had to acquire that piece of Land (cf. Matthew 13:44-46). For us to be Christlike, we have to let go, and be ready to make a paradigm shift from our comfort zone to where the Lord will direct.

As St. Ignatius of Loyola whose memorial we celebrate today let us be hopeful in our situations and with certainty know that there is absolutely nothing that God cannot handle in our situation. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church to further the greater glory of your name, grant that by his help we may imitate him in fighting the good fight on earth and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven. 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                       31072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Be merciful to us for we have sinnned

The Word: . "We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror. We acknowledge our wickedness, ..." (see Jeremiah 14:17-22)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 14:17-22

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 79:8.9.11.13 (R. 9bc)

Verse before the Gospel:  The seed is the word of God, and the sower is Christ; all who find him will abide for ever.

Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43

Inspiration: The greatest sin in man is when he lost the sense of sin. That is a situation whereby sin becomes his nature (habit), at this point he feels nothing wrong with it. Therefore, such an ill-living tentamounts to an attitude of feeling at ease by staying far-off from God; for when we are closer to God we are far away from sin.  But our closeness to sin makes us far from God.

It is on this note that Prophet Jeremiah in the first reading cries out: 

"We looked for peace, but no good came; for a time of healing, but behold, terror. We acknowledge our wickedness, ..." (see Jeremiah 14:17-22)

An extract of a poignant passage which reveals the prophet's anguished prayerful plea to God amidst judgement and desolation. That is why our today's reflection called on our admittance of sin before God. 

However, Jeremiah having seen the iniquities of the people lamented and made a confession of Judah's sin.  He acknowledges God's judgement and shows empathy over the devastation and suffering that engulfed the people. Amidst this, he appealed to God's unfathomable mercy's character keeping in mind His unfailing covenant while appealing that He should relent the punishment. 

In the light of this text, there is a complexity of God's character where judgment and mercy are highlighted. 

In our day-to-day living experience,  we have gone wrong, derailed from the right path as a result of our shortcomings and weaknesses.  Thus calls for judgement which enshrined in Mercy. As Jeremiah, we are called to be hopeful in God's ultimate redemptive power amidst desolation and frustration in life. But on our path, we ought to be humble and sincere to ourselves by re-examining our relationship with God, acknowledging our sin, appealing to His mercy, and trusting in His character, even in difficult times. In doing this the words of the psalmist which he acknowledged God's mercy: "For the sake of the glory of your name, free us O Lord." (Psalm 79: 9bc) will be fulfilled in us. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty ever-living God, we acknowledge our weaknesses before you. Grant we pray the grace to be hopeful amidst every situation,  that with you we will surmount every challenge that comes our way. 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                       30072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE SEVENTEENTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Pride goes before fall...

The Word: . "Thus says the LORD: Even so will I spoil the pride of  and the great pride of . This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be lie this waistcloth, which is good for nothing." (see Jeremiah 13:1-11)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: St. Martha

Our Lord Jesus Christ liked the home of Martha, her brother Lazarus, and her sister Mary. As our Lord's friends in , they took loving care of Him. We should ask God to help us unite Martha's intense work and Mary's contemplation. In this way, we live unity of life by which we always stay close to the Lord.

Table of the Word: I R.: Jeremiah 13:1-11

Resp. Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:18-19.20.21 (R. see 18b)

Verse before the Gospel:  James 1:18

Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

Inspiration: 

It was Confucius who said that: "Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues." and the author of the Book of Proverbs affirmed that: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18). 

In the light of this thoughtful thinking, it is obvious that pride in its world opposed the virtue of self-abasement of our weaknesses and short-comings.

In today's first reading,  God asked Prophet Jeremiah to carry out an assignment which will in turn aimed at teaching us the emptiness of self-pride which has disobedience, hatred, envy and all other vices as its product.  

Here God frowns at our obstinacy in sin and outward show of our emptiness in the guise of vain glory and fame. 

However, to what extent will these vices lead to, bearing in mind that there is nothing absolutely that we can call our own that we were not given by God; not by our own merit but by God's amazing Grace which surpasses every human intellect. 

Therefore we ought to be humble as humility is the ability to learn from others, to recognize our own limitations, and to appreciate the value of others' contributions. That is why St. Paul in his epistle to the Philippians Church says: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves."  (Philippians 2:3) Imbibing with this attitude will win us God's blessing and favours against His position in today's first reading:

"Thus says the LORD: Even so will I spoil the pride of  and the great pride of . This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who stubbornly follow their own heart and have gone after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be lie this waistcloth, which is good for nothing." (see Jeremiah 13:1-11)

As we celebrate the memorial of St. Martha the sister to Lazarus and Mary whose life was defined by the virtue of humility and loving gesture. We are exhort to live out these Gospel values for the sanctification of our souls. 

Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty ever-living God, whose Son was pleased to be welcomed in Saint Martha’s house as a guest, grant, we pray, that through her intercession, serving Christ faithfully in our brothers and sisters, we may merit to be received by you in the halls of heaven. 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                       29072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE THIRTEEN WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: I will restore...

The Word: . "I will restore the fortunes of my people , and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land which I have given them," says the LORD your God." (see Amos 9:11-15)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Table of the Word: I R.: Amos 9:11-15

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 85:9.11-12.13-14 (R. see 9b)

Verse before the Gospel:  John 10:27

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17

Inspiration: 

In moment of trial and confusion, our minds fill up with many suggestions and ideas. Sometimes ideas that will be far from the prompt of the Holy Spirit. And when this occur, we begin to experience disorderliness and all sorts of confusion. Amidst this, God speaks to us through Prophet Amos in the first reading saying:

"I will restore the fortunes of my people , and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land which I have given them," says the LORD your God." (see Amos 9:11-15)

An assurance that at the appointed time He will restore all that have been lost and everything will fall into its right position. 

Beloved in Christ, there is no need to be afraid when the going is rough and rocky but be conscious of the fact that God is always at the steering of every event in life.

Finally, cheer up for the Lord will restore all that is lost and will make everything new as the gospel pericope today called for new wine in new wine skin. (cf. Matthew 9:14-17) Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty everliving God, we are grateful to You for the wonders of our being. We pray May you O! Lord grant us the grace to be conscious of Your ever abiding presence in our lives. 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                       06072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE THIRTEEN WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Come, follow me...

The Word: "'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Amos 8:4-6.9-12

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 119:2.10.20.30.40.131 (R. Mt 4:4)

Verse before the Gospel:  Matthew 11:28

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

Inspiration: The unfathomable love of God goes beyond human calculation and understanding.  This attribute of His set man aglow in Spirit as it defines the salvific mission of Christ.

In today's iiturgy of the Word, the first reading reminded us of the consequences of treating others unjustly (cf. Amos 8:4-6.9-12). While the gospel pericope on the other hand reechoed the mission of our Lord as Messiah and Redeemer whose coming was to reconcile humanity with Divinity despite his failings (Matthew 9:9-13).

However, we are being invited to follow Him no matter our weaknesses or failings as the Scripture in many instances give account of many who were called out of their emptiness to fullness in God.

In the light of this, that I wish to share with you some of the instances or events where God calls to equip not minding the weakness and emptiness. 

- Exodus 3 and 4:12: God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, equipping him with miraculous powers and speech despite his stutter.

- Judges 6:15: God calls Gideon, the weakest in his family, to deliver Israel from the Midianites, whittling down his army from 32,000 to 300 men.

- Jeremiah 1:6-7: God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet despite his youth, charging him to speak God's commands without excuse.

- Matthew 4:19: Jesus equips ordinary fishermen to become "fishers of men."

- 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 and 15:10: God chooses the weak and foolish to confound the strong and wise, using Paul's ministry as an example.

- 1 Samuel 16:11-13: God chooses David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be king over Israel.

- 2 Corinthians 3:5 and 12:9-10: God equips believers for service, using Paul's ministry as an example of dependence on God.

- 2 Timothy 3:14-17: God equips believers for service, giving them courage to step out in faith.

Beloved in Christ, in consideration of this we cannot but come to the understanding that God's love is beyond human telling. In the aboved instances we must have seen ourselves in any of the pictures.  Let us therefore be disposed with docility of heart to allow God to use us. It is in doing this that we can be truly disciples of Christ, and thus responding to the call as Matthew did in the gospel pericope "Come, follow me..."  Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Eternal Word, we are grateful to You for the many blessings we receive. Grant us we pray the grace to be docile and open to the promptings of the Spirit so that we may with love follow You without reservation.  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                       05072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE THIRTEEN WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Be good...

The Word: "Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you." (Amos 5:14)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Amos 5:14-15.21-24

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 50:7.8-9.10-11.12-13.16bc-17 (R. 23bc) 

Verse before the Gospel:  James 1:18

Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34

Inspiration: 

Every Christian calling is a call to holiness and fulfilment of the essence of creation. As our Peniel Catechism says: the primary purpose of human existence is to honour and worship God, and to experience joy and fulfillment in our relationship with Him so that at the end of this earthly journey we may be with Him. 

In that case, to behold this beatific vision God spoke through Prophet Amos today saying: "Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you." (Amos 5:14). Here we are being reminded of God's expectation of us in our day-to-day living experience.  We ought to seek good for ourselves and others. We need to exercise th virtue of love beyond measure and not merely practicing it but match our words with actions. 

We all long to live, the life talking about here goes beyond this earthly life but that which we hope to live when we must have passed away from this earthly dwelling. Our daily efforts serve as a preparatio to this life. This implies that, if we do good we will be crowned with the glory of beatific vision and if we find ourselves doing the opposite we will certainly miss out of this Divine arrangement. 

Beloved in Christ, as we continue to make effort to gain this life beyond the grave let us be focused and conscious of the fact that God's grace is sufficient unto us. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O God, author of peace and lover of charity, we thank You for the many blessings and favours we receive from You. Grant we pray the grace to live out the gospel values so that at the end of this earthly dwellings we may see You as You really are. 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                       04072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE THIRTEEN WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: In faith we believe...

The Word: "You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." ." (John 20:29)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: St. Thomas Apostle

Among the apostles, Thomas is remembered mainly because of his doubts about the resurrection of Christ. He did not want to admit anything that went beyond the bounds of his experience and reason. Eight days later he made up for that unbelief with a profession of faith, "My Lord and my God" (Jn 20:28). According to tradition, he preached the gospel in  India where he suffered martyrdom.

Table of the Word: I R.: Ephesians 2:19-22

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 117

Verse before the Gospel:  Psalm 130:5

Gospel: John 20:24-29

Inspiration: 

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we join the Mother Church today to celebrate the Feast of one of the outstanding Apostles - Thomas whom many designated as "the doubting Apostle." I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "In faith we believe." This phrase expresses the core of Christian theology and defines the personality of every one marked with the sigh of the Cross (Christian). Faith as one of the theological virtues is the foundation of Christian life and through it we believe in God's existence and His unfathomable love and mercy for us. It is through faith that we come to the understanding of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour; we also come to the full understanding of sacraments and their significance which out of love our Lord hand over to the Church.

However, this phrase is often used in liturgies, prayers, and hymns to affirm the centrality of faith in our relationship with God. It is a declaration of our trust and confidence in God's promises and provision.

In the light of this that we bare our minds today on the essence of our faith in God as the Lord says: "You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." (John 20:29). 

On our journey of faith, how much of faith do we have? In moment of difficulties and uncertainties do we trust in God? Do we allow our doubt to weigh us down? These and many other questions called for deeper reflection today. Amidst this doubt, God will certainly manifest Himself in our various situations and events of life to re-order the disorderliness in life, and make the crooked lines straight. 

As St. Thomas the Apostle finally profess his faith in God saying "My Lord and my God" (Jn 20:28).He stripped himself of the blindess which created douth in him. This profession of faith of his call us to a life of faith in acknowledging God in every situation of our lives. 

Finally, let us in faith believe that there is nothing absolutely that God cannot do for us; while praying for the grace to see beyond our doubt. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                       03072024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE THIRTEEN WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Peace be still...

The Word:  "What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?" (Matthew 8:27)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 5:5-6.7.8 (R. 9a)

Verse before the Gospel:  Psalm 130:5

Gospel: Matthew 8:23-27

Inspiration: 

Beloved in Christ Jesus may the peace of the Lord be with you and forevermore.  Amen. 

It is with joy and gratitude to God that we are back after some weeks off. 

However, on this day: Tuesday in the 13th week of the Ordinary Time we present to you glad tidings, a message of hope and peace. 

Today's liturgy of the Word brings to our consciousness the unfathomable love of God and His power over every creature in creation. Here we are being told of the turbulent situation the disciples faced in the middle of the sea. The raging wind as the boat was being swamped by the waves. They were all frightened, out of fear they cried to Jesus for help. (cf. Matthew 8:23-27) 

Our Lord who is ever ready to assist us in moment like this spoke to the stormy sea and there was a great calm. 

In our day-to-day living experience do we reach out to God when the going is tough? Or do we rely in our capacities and support of our friends which cannot in any way help us beyond an inch? Where do we turn to when the raging wind tossed our boat of life around? Do we recognise the presence of Jesus in our boat? 

Obviously,  our God is always and every ready to listen to us whenever we call upon Him. His presence in our life situation, challenging moment always give us hope to our troubled minds. This omnipotency attribute of God is also seen in the first reading where God revealed His power to Prophet Amos as the "unmoved mover" whose power cannot be outshined by any other in creation. (cf. Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12)

Beloved in Christ, our hope is built on the solid foundation which is Jesus our Lord. Independent of this very foundation we will continue to be tossed beyond our limit. Let us therefore be mindful of the ever abiding presence of God in our midst; in doing this we will certainly enjoy that serenity and stillness of soul. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty ever-living God, we thank You for Your love and mercy. Grant we pray the grace to be faithful to Your Word with hope that we cannot do without You whom we live, move and have our being. 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                       02072024