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

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