DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY IN THE 30TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Be Ready...

The Word:  "Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (see Ephesians 6:10-20)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:   Ephesians 6:10-20

Resp. Psalm:   Psalm 144:1.2.9-10 (R. 1a)

Verse before the Gospel:   Luke 19:38; 2:14

Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

Inspiration: Beloved in Christ, in our reflection this morning we will bare our minds on the concluding part of St. Paul's epistle to the Church of Ephesus where he in his usual manner admonished the faithful to be ready by being strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Also to put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (see Ephesians 6:10-20)

It is against this backdrop that we seek for spiritual Strength to withstand the wiles of the enemy. These enemies are principalities, powers, darkness and above all spiritual hosts which is wickedness.

However,  we can only get rid of these with armour of Faith which include:  belt of Truth (integrity), breastplate of Righteousness (holiness), shoes of Gospel race (readiness), shield of Faith (protection), helmet of Salvation (mind) and sword of the Spirit (Scripture).

Beloved in Christ Jesus, let us be firm in Faith, resist every occasion of sin, pray always and persevere in our daily trials. It is in doing this that we can fortify ourselves for the battle ahead of us. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty and everliving God, we thank You for the wonders of our being. We oray fir grace to be prayerful abd always ready to persevere in our trials. 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                       31102024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE 30TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Obedience 

The Word:  "... doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good any one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. Masters, do the same to them, and forbear threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” (see Ephesians 6:1-9)

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:   Ephesians 6:1-9

Resp. Psalm:   Psalm 145:10-11.12-13ab.13cd-14 (R. 13c)

Verse before the Gospel:   2 Thessalonians 2:14

Gospel: Luke 13:22-30

Inspiration: 

Obedience remains the leading virtue in the light of sound spiritual journey, it is that which bridge the gap between humanity and divinity. That is why the Scripture upholds that "obedience is better than sacrifice" (I Samuel 15:22). 

In our reflection this morning, we will take a look at the spiritual imports of obedience in doing the will of God and in keeping His detect and ordinance. Today's first reading begins with admonition to the children to respect their parents so as to be well with them, thus classifying this commandment as the first among every other commandments (cf.   Ephesians 6:1-9).

However, this virtue of obedience entails doing God's will from the heart, that is genuine Service, exhibiting mutual respect for one another. For instance in master-servants relationship.

Finally, we are therefore obliged to be obedience to God through our employers, superiors and masters. In doing this we are obeying God who puts them in-charge over you. On the other hand the masters and superiors have the responsibility to tend with care the subject entrusted to their care as instructed by our Lord, so that when the Master of the masters returns He will find us true steward of the asset. May the good Lord bless His words in our heart through Christ our Lord. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Eternal Word, we thank You for the many blessings showered upon us. We beseech You O! Lord to give us the grace to be true imitator of Your humility and simplicity as You were to Your Father.

 in our day-to-day service. 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                       30102024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY IN THE 30TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Submission 

The Word:  "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.:   Ephesians 5:21-33

Resp. Psalm:   Psalm 128:1-2.3.4-5 (R. 1a)

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 11:25

Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

Inspiration: 

Beloved in Christ, greetings to you with God's choicest blessings upon you. In our reflection this morning we are going to bare our minds on the theme: "Submission "  The term "Submission" is a complex and multifaceted concept, often misunderstood or misapplied.

Biblically,  the concept is a Greek derivative ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō) meaning:

1. Voluntary yieldedness

2. Humble obedience

3. Respectful deference

4. Mutual consideration.

By application, it is Christ-centered; that is an  invitation to submit oneself to God and others with its root in reverence to Christ, submission also entails mutual, voluntary and being respectful.

However, the Scripture has elaborate this concept in various ways such as:

1. Spiritual Submission (to God): (cf. Romans 12:1, James 4:7)

2. Interpersonal Submission (to others): (cf. Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5)

3. Civic Submission (to authorities): (cf. Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17) 

The act of submission has never been a sign of weakness, loss of authority, blind obedience or hierarchical oppression as understood by many, rather it is virtuous act of obeying God through constituted authorities. 

Today's table of the Word really made a remarkable reference to this virtuous act, exhorting us to a life of healthy submission, not only in wife-husband's relationship but also in leader-subject's relationship. That is, when there is a healthy Submission,  there is bound to be: Respect of boundaries; it will foster equality; encourages open communication; and above all promotes unity and harmony. While unhealthy submission enhances abuses; suppresses individuality; fosters codependency; and Ignores consent.

In the light of this, we are being invited to be submissive to one another with reverence to Christ who is our Lord and Saviour. Let our lives be tailored towards humility no matter our ranks and files, for with this there is bound to be peaceful co-exitence devoid of chaos abd anarchy. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

O merciful Jesus, the humble servant who came to serve and not to be served, we thank You for the many blessings we have all received. Grant us we oray the grace to be submissive to You through constituted authorities  devoid of rancour and pride. 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                       29102024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY IN THE 28TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: ... the labourers are few.

The Word:  "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” (see Luke 10:1-9)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: St. Luke, Evangelist

A physician from Antioch , he was converted to the Christian faith. He was a disciple of Paul and a faithful companion in all his journeys. He was the author of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles. He was the evangelist who wrote about the childhood of Jesus and who has told us some of the most moving parables of the Lord, such as that of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. In his gospel, he highlights the universality of salvation.

Table of the Word: I R.:   2 Timothy 4:10-17

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 145

Verse before the Gospel: . I chose you from the world that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, says the Lord

Gospel: Luke 10:1-9

Inspiration: 

Dearest friends in Christ, God's blessings upon you and your family. Today we universally celebrate the feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist. He was notably known for his writings. Luke wrote about the childhood of Jesus and who has told us some of the most moving parables of the Lord, such as that of the lost sheep and the prodigal son. In his gospel, he highlights the universality of salvation.

Reflecting on the life and times of this geat disciple of St. Paul we have come to the realization that the Word of God was the foundation of his ministry. He took to heart the great commission which he himself accounted for as Christ's exhortation to each and everyone of us who by the virtue of baptism are the custodians of the gospel values.

 "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” (see Luke 10:1-9)

This great commission goes with divine power and grace to continue the salvic mission of our Lord. Jesus' words emphasized the urgency of the harvest and the need for labourers to spread the Good News.

However, it implies that the harvest is ripe, and that people should be ready and eager to receive God's message. At the moment, there is scarcity of labourers thus making the propagation of the gospel challenging. Then there is need to pray asking the Lord to send labourers with zeal and passion to work for the continuation of Christ's salvific mission. 

Beloved in Christ, as we continue our Christian journey with hope to reach where Christ went ahead to prepare for us, let this admonition of our Lord inspires us to be actively involve in the work of evangelization according to our stae and call; praying without ceasing so as to be filled with the grace to defend the gospel.

Finally, may the Lord in His mercy who strengthened St. Luke to bear witness to His life grant us the grace to be faithful steward of His mysteries. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Lord God, who chose Saint Luke to reveal by his preaching and writings the mystery of your love for the poor, grant that those who already glory in your name may persevere as one heart and one soul and that all nations may merit to see your salvation. 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                       18102024

 

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY IN THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Redemption through Him.

The Word: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." (see Ephesians 1:1-10) 

Mystery of the day: Luminous Table 

Celebration of the day: St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

(+107). He was the successor to St Peter as Bishop of Antioch . He suffered martyrdom in  during the persecution of Trajan. On his way to the , he wrote seven letters concerning the Person of Christ, the constitution of the Church, and Christian life. In these letters, he expressed his great love for the Lord and his ardent desire for martyrdom. His name is in the Roman Canon.

Table of the Word: I R.: Ephesians 1:1-10

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 98:1.2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6 (R. 2a)

Verse before the Gospel: John 14:6

Gospel: Luke 11:47-54

Inspiration: 

Beloved in Christ, greetings in the name of our Lord whose power goes beyond every other power. Today, we join the Universal Church to celebrate the martyrdom of St. Ignatius of Antioch whose works and examplary life bear witness to the gospel values. 

It is in the light of this, that we are to reflect on the theme: "Redemption through Him". In the course of today's liturgy of the words,  the first reading called to mind the source of our redemption which is in Christ Jesus (cf. Ephesians 1:7-10); while the gospel pericope on the other way round puts before us the need to live out the gospel values in our various life situations and callings, that is creating room for others to see Jesus in our various call to service (cf. Luke 11:47-54)

However, it is through the precious blood of our Lord that our redemption came to be, forgiveness of our sins as well as the lavishness of grace upon grace on us as His beloved. And with His paschal mysteries of passion, death and resurrection that God's will upon humanity has been made known; and then humanity is being reconciled with Divinity.

It is therefore a call to our consciousness that we were bought with the blood of the Lamb to serve as priests, kings and prophets by bearing witness to the truth in our various ways of endeavours. 

In conclusion, as the psalmist says: "The lord has made known his salvation." (Psalm 98:2a); let us therefore be counted among those who have seen  salvation of our God. Let us also Shout to the LORD, and break forth into joyous song, and sing out our praise in and out of the season. Peace be with you!

Let us pray        

Almighty ever-living God, who adorn the sacred body of your Church with the confessions of holy Martyrs, grant, we pray, that, just as the glorious passion of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, which we celebrate today, brought him eternal splendour, so may it be for us unending protection. 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                       17102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Living in the Spirit.

The Word: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (see Galatians 5:18-25) 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 5:18-25

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2.3.4 and 6 (R. see John 8:12) 1

Verse before the Gospel: John 10:27

Gospel: Luke 11:42-46

Inspiration: 

The journey of every sound Christian ought to be founded on the Divine detects and ordinances. It is these virtues that give a push to a close relationship with God. The response to today's psalm reminded us that: "He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life" (John 8:12) 

This is indeed a sure reminder to be conscious of the fact that those who follow the way of Christ must be ready to crucify the flesh. That is why St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians' Church says: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (see Galatians 5:18-25) 

 As believers, we have died to our old nature and its sinful desires through our union with Christ. Since we have new life in the Spirit, we must continually choose to walk in harmony with the Spirit's guidance.

However, there is often a clash between the flesh and the spirit; these contrasted  works of the flesh: immorality, strife, envy etc. will be contrasted with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:19-23).

By implication one needs to recognize his identity in Christ: That is to die to sin and be raised to a new life. There should be an act of surrendering to the Spirit's control: by daily submit to the Spirit's guidance.

On another part, one needs to walk in obedience, and to align actions with the promptings of the Spirit. It is through this that the fruits of the Spirit such as: love, joy peace etc. will ne cultivated. 

Finally,  Christ has instructed us to be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit by giving attention to the Word as He says: "My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me me." (John 10:27) It is in doing this, that we will confidently say we are walking in the Spirit. 

Peace be with you!

Let us pray        

Eternal Word, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. Grant that, Your grace may be sufficient to lead us to eternal truth which is You, in order to get rid of the fruits of the flesh. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.    

© The ARCHIVE                       16102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Living in the Spirit.

The Word: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (see Galatians 5:18-25) 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 5:18-25

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2.3.4 and 6 (R. see John 8:12) 1

Verse before the Gospel: John 10:27

Gospel: Luke 11:42-46

Inspiration: 

The journey of every sound Christian ought to be founded on the Divine detects and ordinances. It is these virtues that give a push to a close relationship with God. The response to today's psalm reminded us that: "He who follows you, Lord, will have the light of life" (John 8:12) 

This is indeed a sure reminder to be conscious of the fact that those who follow the way of Christ must be ready to crucify the flesh. That is why St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians' Church says: "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (see Galatians 5:18-25) 

 As believers, we have died to our old nature and its sinful desires through our union with Christ. Since we have new life in the Spirit, we must continually choose to walk in harmony with the Spirit's guidance.

However, there is often a clash between the flesh and the spirit; these contrasted  works of the flesh: immorality, strife, envy etc. will be contrasted with the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:19-23).

By implication one needs to recognize his identity in Christ: That is to die to sin and be raised to a new life. There should be an act of surrendering to the Spirit's control: by daily submit to the Spirit's guidance.

On another part, one needs to walk in obedience, and to align actions with the promptings of the Spirit. It is through this that the fruits of the Spirit such as: love, joy peace etc. will ne cultivated. 

Finally,  Christ has instructed us to be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit by giving attention to the Word as He says: "My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me me." (John 10:27) It is in doing this, that we will confidently say we are walking in the Spirit. 

Peace be with you!

Let us pray        

Eternal Word, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. Grant that, Your grace may be sufficient to lead us to eternal truth which is You, in order to get rid of the fruits of the flesh. We make our prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.    

© The ARCHIVE                       16102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: In Christ we are all adopted. 

The Word: "But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith." (see Galatians 3:25-26) 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 3:22-29

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 105:2-3.4-5.6-7 (R. 8a)

Verse before the Gospel: Luke 11:28

Gospel: Luke 11:27-28

Inspiration: 

"But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith." (Galatians 3:25-26)

Here St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatians' Church explained the difference between the Old Covenant (Law) and the New Covenant (Faith) in Christ; with emphasizes that:

- The Law served as a guardian or tutor until faith came (Galatians 3:24).

- That faith in Christ Jesus brings sonship and inheritance (Galatians 3:26).

- Finally,  that this new relationship is based on faith, not works or obedience to the Law.

Beloved in Christ, in the light of this scenario we are being invited to a life of faith in God through our Lord and Saviour which will lead us to a confirmed sonship and inheritance, freedom from the law as well as unity in Christ (cf. Galatians 3:28)

However,  this privilege given to us is rooted in the spirit of adoption (cf. Romans 8:14-17), adoption as sons (cf. Ephesians 1:5) and then as children of God (cf. I John 3:1-3). Since we have been saved by faith and not by works, united together in Christ and be counted among those whom our Lord saved by the grace, we then ought to embrace our identity as children of God; with this we shall certainly experience freedom from guilt and shame.

In conclusion,  let our daily lives be charaterized with utmost consciousness to the fact that the grace of God through Jesus is every moment renewed in our lives. And that we ought to put it into action, through our thoughts, words and actions. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Merciful Lord, we are grateful to You for yet another opportunity You have given us to see the dawn of this day. As we begin with You, please enlighten the darkness of our minds so that we may understand the difference between the old and the new way of life in Jesus. 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                       12102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Faith above law

The Word: "So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith." (see Galatians 3:7-14) 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 3:7-14

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 111:1b-2.3-4.5-6 (R. 5b)

Verse before the Gospel: John 12:31-32

Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

Inspiration: 

"... in you shall all the nations be blessed." So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be every one who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them." (see Galatians 3:7-14) 

Beloved in Christ Jesus, in our reflection this morning the good Lord who always whispers words of comfort, encouragement and solace to our wailing souls directs us to reflect on "Faith over Law" this morning. 

Faith and law are two distinct concepts that have been intertwined throughout human history, often leading to confusion and conflict. In the biblical sense of it, the term Faith has to do with trust in God, while Law refers to detects and ordinances of the Divine which one is expected to uphold and amidst it trusting in God without doubt. But when one keeps the law and neglect this aspect of virtue "faith" then there is bound to be a question mark. What made Abraham the father of faith goes beyond his obedience ro God's command to leave his homeland to a foreign land (which is law), but his trust in God in the course of the journey thinking that no matter what, God is still handling the steering and that He will never miss the path is what we referred to as "faith."

However, in the light of our spiritual journey we are bound to be convinced of our believe in God, exhibit a sound personal relationship with a higher power or divine being with trust and loyalty as Abraham did. 

Faith is seen to originates from personal conviction, while law originates from societal agreement. And the difference is that, Faith seeks spiritual growth, while law aims to maintain social order. In the sense of scope, faith is personal, while law is universal. Faith also relies on individual conscience, while law relies on external authority.

Dearest friends in Christ, let our day-to-day living experience expresses faith in God above the law, for not all who call: "Lord, Lord, will enter God's kingdom." Let our words continue to match with actions that in doing this we shall all be Christ-like in Abraham our father in faith; whom the Psalmist today joyfully acclaimed in his response: "The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind." (Psalm 111:5b)

In conclusion, Faith alone makes someone just and fulfills the law; faith brings the Holy Spirit through the merits of Christ. The Spirit, in turn, renders the heart glad and free, as the law demands. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty and eternal God, You were, You are and You will continue to be who You are. Thank you for the winders of our being, grant we beseech the grace to live out our Christian's call in faith, while keeping Your detects and ordinances. 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                       11102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Ask, and it will be given you.

The Word: "And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." (see Luke 11:9-10) 

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 3:1-5

Resp. Psalm: Luke 1:69-70.71-72.73-75 (R. see 68)

Verse before the Gospel: Acts 16:14

Gospel: Luke 11:5-13

Inspiration: 

"Ask, and it will be given to you..." This is a recurring text that could be found in two of the synoptic gospels (cf. Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-10)

It points to our act of dependency on God as our Creator and provider. The text could be rightly placed side by side with the Apostles' request of our Lord to teach them how to pray. (cf. Luke 11:1-4) 

However, today's gospel pericope outlined the biblical promises associated with a sound prayer of request, stressing that eventhough our God is all knowing,  still we need to ask, seek and even knock. This practical act depicts our faith and trust in God bearing in mind that He will never let us go empty from His presence. 

In the light of this biblical promise, there is emphasis on: 

- Prayer: That is approaching God with confidence and humility.

- Faith: Trusting that God will provide what is best fpr us at every point in time.

- Persistence: Continue seeking, knocking, and asking shows our perseverance in faith.

Above all, it expresses God's generosity, and His unconditional love as well as as responsibilty on our part; that is we must ask, seek and then knock. 

On another note, we are being called to a life of prayer with reference to God's fatherly love (cf. Matthew 7:7-11); he importance of persistence (cf. Luke 11:5-13) and the promise of answers (cf. Mark 11:24).

Finally,  beloved in Christ Jesus, as we continue in our life long journey along this ephemeral world let us make sincere effort to develop a sound prayer life with trust in God's sovereignty as well as perseverance in faith. It is in doing this that we can scale through most of the hurdles of life we are experiencing. Indeed,  God is always at work in our situation  every now and then. For He says: "Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (cf. John 16:24)

Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Eternal Word, we are grateful for the many favours we receive from You now and always. Your Words remain a light to our path, grant us we pray the grace to trust Your sovereignty and persevere in our journey of faith with You. 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                       10102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Lord, teach us how to pray.

The Word: "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?" (Galatians 2:14) 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 2:1-2.7-14

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

Verse before the Gospel: Romans 8:15

Gospel: Luke 11:1-4

Inspiration: The Pauline's epistle to the Philippians Church and the Psalmist define Prayer as a sincere, heartfelt conversation with God, expressing worship, gratitude, confession, petition, and intercession."  (cf. Philippians 4:6, Psalm 116:1-4)

In other words, prayer is the raising up of heart and mind to God, a dialogue between man and God, that is Father and son or daughter. As such there are needed factors for this conversation which St. Paul in the first reading called to mind when he addressed Cephas over his insincerity: "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?" (Galatians 2:14)  

However, for us to get it right in the course of our conversation with God who is all in all, there is utmost need to be sincere, docile and humble. That is our verbal expression of "Yes" when it is "Yes" should tally with our action and so same with "No." In doing this we will be blameless before our God and our conversation that is Prayer will not be abomination before Him.

Prayer has variety of forms such as: Adoration (worship), Confession (repentance), Thanksgiving (gratitude), Petition (request), Intercession (praying for others) and Meditation  which is reflective prayer. 

In today's gospel reading, the Apostle approached Jesus and requested that they should be taught how to pray. In response our Lord taught them saying: "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation." (Luke 11:1-4). This pattern of prayer which often referred to as: "The Lord's Prayer" embodies all kinds of prayer expected of every Christian as itemised above. 

Sadly, most of often when we pray, or converse with God we don't give God audience to respond to our request, that is no moment of solitude on our part; we keep on requesting. 

In the light of this that we are called to a life of not merely "prayer" but that of "effective prayer," which entails: Setting aside dedicated time, Finding a quiet, distraction-free space, being sincere and honest, using Scripture as guidance, and above all listening to God's voice in solitude.

Finally, let our "identity" as Christians matched with our "actions" so that we may find a suitable platform for conversation or dialogue with our God, who is ever ready and willing to hearken to our plea. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

Almighty and everliving God, we thank You for the many blessings we receive. We are deeply sorry for the many times we have offended You in thoughts, words and actions. Grant us we pray the grace to be sincere so as to have a suitable platform in our conversation with You. 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                       09102024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Theme: Witness to the faith.

The Word: "O LORD, you search me and you know me. You yourself know my resting and my rising; you discern my thoughts from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down; you know all my ways through and through." (Psalm 139:1-3) 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial

Table of the Word: I R.: Galatians 1:13-24

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 139:1-3.13-14.15 (R. 24b)

Verse before the Gospel: Luke 11:28

Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Inspiration: The term "faith" has different nuances depending on the usage. For the Christians the most outstanding definition of this term is the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see  (cf. Hebrews 11:1). And as such,  there is need to have one who testifies to this fact, thus becoming a witness.  

Being a witness to the faith means sharing the message of Jesus Christ and demonstrating His love and teachings in our lives experiences as guided by the Scripture.

From the table of the Word today, the first reading being taken from the Pauline's epistle to the Galatian's Church reveals St. Paul's testament of faith in God after his encounter with our Lord. He concretely expressed his desire and commitment to preach that which was divinely revealed to him against human detects and ordinances (cf. Galatians 1:13-24) He condemned in strong terms adulteration of the Word of God in by exhorting us to match our words with actions. While the Psalmist on the other hand reminded us, as witnesses of the Gospel that we should be conscious of the fact that God knows us through and through:

"O LORD, you search me and you know me. You yourself know my resting and my rising; you discern my thoughts from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down; you know all my ways through and through." (Psalm 139:1-3) 

However, as witnesses we ought to choose a part that will encourage and motivate us along the journey, not to be distracted with ephemeral realities as we have seen in the case of Martha (in today's gospel)  who went about things that were not of great importance, while her sister Mary chose the right path of meditating on the Heavenly realities (cf. Luke 10:38-42).  Through the Sacrament of Baptism we have been given the unction to function as harbingers of the gospel: "Go and make disciples of all nations..." (Matthew 28:18-20) And in Acts 1:8: "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." becomes the trade mark of every Christian. 

As witnesses, we need to be ever ready to defend our believe in God as St Peter says: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (3. 1 Peter 3:15)

Finally,  to be authentic witness of the gospel we need to have:

1. Personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. Understanding of biblical teachings.

3. Sharing the Gospel message.

4. Demonstrating Christ-like behaviour.

5. Testifying to God's work in your life.

These acts have to be founded in Humility (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:2); Courage (cf. Acts 4:29); Compassion (cf. Matthew 9:36); Integrity (Proverbs 10:9) and Authenticity (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:2).

Let us therefore, gird our loin and be steadfast in our faith journey so that on the last day we may see Jesus our Lord and Master as  He is. Peace be with you!

Let us pray            

God of mercy and compassion, we thank You for the many favours we have received. In Your love please help us to be conscious of Your love for us so that we may be true witnesses of Your teachings. 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                       08102024