DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)

Liturgical Colour: White

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29

Gospel: Matthew 9:14–17

Theme: New Wine - Fresh Wineskins

Reflection 

The text: 

“Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved”  (Matthew 9:17). 

This forms the basis of our reflection this morning. According to Evangelist Matthew Jesus gives this teaching in response to a question from the disciples of John the Baptist about why His disciples do not fast. Jesus answers with three short parables:

- The bridegroom and the wedding guests (Matthew 9:15)

- The patch on an old garment (Matthew 9:16)

- The new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:17)

The third response is at the centre of our thoughts, where we will take a critical look into what it means to be either old wineskins or new wineskins. In reaction  to this, one of the Church Fathers - St. Augustine in his Sermon avers: “The new wine is the fervor of the faith, the heat of grace... The old wineskin is the heart stiffened in the oldness of the law.” (Sermon 74).

These are metaphors to illustrate the newness of His mission and the incompatibility of the Gospel with old, rigid religious systems.

In furtherance of our discourse, what is "an Old Wineskins": In ancient times, wine was stored in goatskins. New wine ferments and expands, and old wineskins, already stretched and brittle, would burst if reused. Metaphorically, Jesus employed the concept of "old wineskins" to represent the old religious structures, such as: Pharisaic legalism, a tradition that resisted transformation symbolizing a mindset unwilling to change or receive new revelation. While New wine on the other hand refers to the new life, teachings, and spiritual power Jesus brings through His ministry, particularly: The message of grace and mercy that transcends the legalism of the Pharisees (cf. Luke 22:20).

Beloved in Christ Jesus, this invitation called to mind a renewed relationship with God through Christ, internal transformation, not just external compliance.

Finally, we as the community of Christ faithful we are being called to let go of the old wineskins: legalism, pride, complacency and allow the new wine of Christ’s love and mercy to renew us. Like Jacob in the first reading (cf.Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29), we may stumble, but God can still bless us and make us instruments of His covenant. Like the disciples of John, we must move from custom to communion, from ritual to relationship. Let us allow Christ, the Bridegroom, to fill us with the new wine of His Spirit, making our lives vessels of His grace; so that wherever we find ourselves we may spread this fragrance of newness to every heart. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        05072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)

Liturgical Colour: White

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29

Gospel: Matthew 9:14–17

Theme: New Wine - Fresh Wineskins

Reflection 

The text: 

“Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved”  (Matthew 9:17). 

This forms the basis of our reflection this morning. According to Evangelist Matthew Jesus gives this teaching in response to a question from the disciples of John the Baptist about why His disciples do not fast. Jesus answers with three short parables:

- The bridegroom and the wedding guests (Matthew 9:15)

- The patch on an old garment (Matthew 9:16)

- The new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9:17)

The third response is at the centre of our thoughts, where we will take a critical look into what it means to be either old wineskins or new wineskins. In reaction  to this, one of the Church Fathers - St. Augustine in his Sermon avers: “The new wine is the fervor of the faith, the heat of grace... The old wineskin is the heart stiffened in the oldness of the law.” (Sermon 74).

These are metaphors to illustrate the newness of His mission and the incompatibility of the Gospel with old, rigid religious systems.

In furtherance of our discourse, what is "an Old Wineskins": In ancient times, wine was stored in goatskins. New wine ferments and expands, and old wineskins, already stretched and brittle, would burst if reused. Metaphorically, Jesus employed the concept of "old wineskins" to represent the old religious structures, such as: Pharisaic legalism, a tradition that resisted transformation symbolizing a mindset unwilling to change or receive new revelation. While New wine on the other hand refers to the new life, teachings, and spiritual power Jesus brings through His ministry, particularly: The message of grace and mercy that transcends the legalism of the Pharisees (cf. Luke 22:20).

Beloved in Christ Jesus, this invitation called to mind a renewed relationship with God through Christ, internal transformation, not just external compliance.

Finally, we as the community of Christ faithful we are being called to let go of the old wineskins: legalism, pride, complacency and allow the new wine of Christ’s love and mercy to renew us. Like Jacob in the first reading (cf.Genesis 27:1–5, 15–29), we may stumble, but God can still bless us and make us instruments of His covenant. Like the disciples of John, we must move from custom to communion, from ritual to relationship. Let us allow Christ, the Bridegroom, to fill us with the new wine of His Spirit, making our lives vessels of His grace; so that wherever we find ourselves we may spread this fragrance of newness to every heart. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        05072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67

Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Theme: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.

Reflection 

Today being Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year,  the summary of the Liturgy of the Word could rightly be extracted from the gospel pericope, as it captures some elements from the first reading. 

In the light of this, that I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." a theme which has a penitential character and an invitation borne out of God's unfathomable love and mercy. That is why the two readings offer a profound meditation on God’s providence, human response, and divine mercy. From the quiet faith of Abraham seeking a burial place and a bride for his son - an extract from the first reading (cf. Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67); to the shocking call of Matthew the tax collector (cf. Matthew 9:9–13), we are therefore  invited to reflect on God’s ongoing mission to redeem, call, and transform even the most unlikely people.

In our day-to-day living experience,  we encounter set backs, pains and all sorts of  challenging situations; amidst this God's hand is always ready to hold us provided we make sincere effort. The effort here is the acknowledgment of God's working power among us, like Matthew the tax collector who having acknowledging Christ as a Messiah who can redeem him opened his door to Him. We too ought to open the door of our hearts to Him not considering our shortcomings for He has said it all: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." He called Matthew not out of holiness but in his imperfection to perfect the defect in him. 

On another note, the Psalmist presents before us a plea for help from God: “Remember me, O Lord, as you favour your people.” This cry for mercy echoes the Gospel message where God's mercy reaches the sinner like Matthew following human calculation not just the righteous. In answer to this plea, Christ calls him with a simple but life-changing invitation: “Follow me.” And he gets up and follows Him with a radical break from his former life.

 Today, this invitation is being delivered  at the door of our hearts, for God sees us different from human perspective. No wonder 

St. Bede the Venerable one of the patristics comments: “Jesus saw Matthew not merely in the flesh, but with eyes of mercy.” (cf. Homily on the Gospel). 

To buttress this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:

Jesus' call to conversion continues in the life of the Church: “It is a continuing task for the whole Church... to call sinners to conversion and to celebrate God’s mercy” (CCC 1429).

Finally, the mercy, love and peace were at the centre of Christ's public ministry.  Thus, coming with an invitation for us to embrace same  and spread it to wherever man is found. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to hear His voice and follow. Matthew the tax collector becomes Matthew the Apostle. The same call reaches us today: “Follow Me.” Let us respond with generous hearts, embracing a life of conversion, mercy, and mission.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        04072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67

Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13

Theme: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.

Reflection 

Today being Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year,  the summary of the Liturgy of the Word could rightly be extracted from the gospel pericope, as it captures some elements from the first reading. 

In the light of this, that I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." a theme which has a penitential character and an invitation borne out of God's unfathomable love and mercy. That is why the two readings offer a profound meditation on God’s providence, human response, and divine mercy. From the quiet faith of Abraham seeking a burial place and a bride for his son - an extract from the first reading (cf. Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67); to the shocking call of Matthew the tax collector (cf. Matthew 9:9–13), we are therefore  invited to reflect on God’s ongoing mission to redeem, call, and transform even the most unlikely people.

In our day-to-day living experience,  we encounter set backs, pains and all sorts of  challenging situations; amidst this God's hand is always ready to hold us provided we make sincere effort. The effort here is the acknowledgment of God's working power among us, like Matthew the tax collector who having acknowledging Christ as a Messiah who can redeem him opened his door to Him. We too ought to open the door of our hearts to Him not considering our shortcomings for He has said it all: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." He called Matthew not out of holiness but in his imperfection to perfect the defect in him. 

On another note, the Psalmist presents before us a plea for help from God: “Remember me, O Lord, as you favour your people.” This cry for mercy echoes the Gospel message where God's mercy reaches the sinner like Matthew following human calculation not just the righteous. In answer to this plea, Christ calls him with a simple but life-changing invitation: “Follow me.” And he gets up and follows Him with a radical break from his former life.

 Today, this invitation is being delivered  at the door of our hearts, for God sees us different from human perspective. No wonder 

St. Bede the Venerable one of the patristics comments: “Jesus saw Matthew not merely in the flesh, but with eyes of mercy.” (cf. Homily on the Gospel). 

To buttress this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:

Jesus' call to conversion continues in the life of the Church: “It is a continuing task for the whole Church... to call sinners to conversion and to celebrate God’s mercy” (CCC 1429).

Finally, the mercy, love and peace were at the centre of Christ's public ministry.  Thus, coming with an invitation for us to embrace same  and spread it to wherever man is found. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to hear His voice and follow. Matthew the tax collector becomes Matthew the Apostle. The same call reaches us today: “Follow Me.” Let us respond with generous hearts, embracing a life of conversion, mercy, and mission.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        04072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration: 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" (John 20:28). According to tradition, he preached the gospel in India, where he suffered martyrdom.

Liturgical Colour: Red

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Ephesians 2:19–22

Gospel: John 20:24–29

Theme: My Lord and my God.

Reflection

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, today the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, famously known as “Doubting Thomas.” But this feast is not merely about doubt; it is a celebration of faith born from encounter, witness, and mission. It is through this enounter that the Lord teaches us that even our moments of doubt can become the doorway to deeper faith and powerful witness.

As Pope St. Gregory the Great in his homily on the Gospels said that Thomas absence was not by chance rather the working mercy of God to strengthen the faith of the believers. 

The first reading taken from the Pauline's epistle to the Church in Ephesus reminds us that we are no longer strangers or aliens but are part of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone (cf. Ephesians 2:19–22). By implication the apostolicity character of the Church means that her teaching is rooted in the witnessses of the apostles which we celebrate one of them today. 

Moreover, we too are invited to be witnesses to this Gospel values as Evangelist John in today's Gospel pericope account for (cf. John 20:24–29).  Here he presents a powerful scene that took place after Jesus’ resurrection: the absence of Thomas, his doubt, his believe, and the profession of faith - "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). 

Biblically, Thomas had three major encounters with our Lord, in his usual manner each of the event left us with a deeper message. 

- Once when Jesus spoke of the mansions in His Father’s house, Thomas, in his simplicity, asked: “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” 

- The second time, when Jesus turned to go toward Bethany to the grave of Lazarus, the desponding apostle at once feared the worst for his beloved Lord, yet cried out bravely to the rest: “Let us also go and die with him.” 

- The third time, after the Resurrection, incredulity again prevailed, and while the wounds of the crucifixion were imprinted vividly on his affectionate mind, he would not credit the report that Christ had indeed risen. But at the actual sight of the pierced hands and side, and the gentle rebuke of his Saviour, unbelief was gone forever; and his faith and ours has ever triumphed in the joyous utterance: "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28).

In the light of this, Thomas' action did not left us with deeper faith but transcend to the koment wherebour Lord imparted blessings upon believers in the future: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe" (John 20:29).

Finally, today's celebration reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but can be the beginning of a deep and lasting relationship with Christ. Let us therefore, hearken to the exhortation of our Lord in moment of despair and doubt; to be hopeful and believe even all seems to be impossible. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        03072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8–20a

Gospel: Matthew 8:28–34

Theme: The saving God

Reflection 

God’s mercy, justice, and liberating power form the basis of today's reflection.  In the two readings: Genesis 21:5, 8–20a and Matthew 8:28–34, we encounter two dramatic stories: the abandonment of Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, and the healing of two demon-possessed men. Here God revealed Himself as the One who hears the cry of the distressed and delivers the oppressed. These readings challenge us to deepen our trust in God’s providence, even when life seems unjust or chaotic.

Taking cognizance of the first reading, the author narrates the painful episode of Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's household at the insistence of Sarah. Though Abraham is troubled, God assures him to follow Sarah’s request, promising that Ishmael too shall become a great nation (cf. Gen 21:13). This moment of despair in the wilderness experienced by Hagar and her baby evokes the image of countless forgotten people in history; where life tasted sour with no hope. But God who is all merciful and compassionate heard the boy’s cry and responded with provision, promise, and peace.

In a nut shell, this scene reveals God’s universal care not only for the chosen people (through Isaac), but also for the marginalized and outsiders (through Ishmael) as accounted for in the first reading. 

However, the Gospel pericope gives us an account of our Lord's healing of the two men possessed by demons in the region of the Gadarenes. These men are described as so violent that no one could pass by their way. The demons immediately recognized Jesus: “What have you to do with us, Son of God?”

At this point, Jesus commanded the demon out, a demonstration of His Supreme authority over the spiritual realm and His mission to bring healing beyond the boundaries of Israel. Yet, it also raises a sobering truth: People sometimes fear the change Jesus brings more than the evil they endure.

Finally, the summary of today's liturgy of the Word brings about three simple truth about God: viz.

God sees. God hears. God saves. That is to say: He sees us in our situation, listens to our cries and always ready to save us. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        02072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 19:15–29

Gospel: Matthew 8:23–27

Theme: Peace be still.

Reflection 

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, with joy I welcome you to the first day in the 7th month in the year of our Lord - 2025. Today is Tuesday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year. In the course of today's Liturgical celebration the Table of the Word presents us with contrasting scenes: the destruction of Sodom in the first reading (cf. Genesis 19:15–29); and the calming of the storm in the Gospel by our Lord (cf.Matthew 8:23–27). Yet, a unifying thread binds them; God's saving power for the faithful and His call to trust in His providence even amidst chaos, doom and judgment.

In the first reading we  see the angels hastening Lot and his family to flee Sodom before destruction falls. Even though Lot lingers, divine mercy persists. The angelic command, “Flee for your life, do not look back,” shows God's unfathomablelove and mercy upon His people. Amidst this, Lot’s wife lingered on the past by looking back. This however becomes a sign of what happens when we look back with attachment to a sinful past.

In the light of this, when life spells blue, we seems to lost out or meet ourselves at the crossroad, there is always an unseen power of stillness and restoration.  This act of God's gratuitousnes is seen in today’s Gospel pericope where Jesus lord over the storm (cf.Matthew 8:23–27).

The Gospel takes us into the boat with Jesus and His disciples. As the storm rages, the disciples panic, forgetting that the Lord of the universe is with them. They cry out: “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” — a prayer of a man in need, trouble or despair. And God whose ear is always open look down with mercy and speak to the raging sea of life: "Be still" and indeed there comes calmness.

This miracle reveals not just His divine power but His presence amid life’s storms. The Fathers of the Church often interpret the boat as the Church, tossed by the tempests of persecution, sin, or trials, yet safely navigated by Christ.

On this, St. Augustine reflects: “When you have Christ in your boat, fear not the waves; for though He may seem to sleep, He is with you.” (Sermon 63). This is an invitation to faith that overcomes fear, trusting that Jesus is always present, even when He seems silent.

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, whether we are caught in a literal storm or battling an interior one, let us remember that God’s mercy still rescues, and Christ still commands the winds. Let us cry out with faith, “Lord, save us!”, and move forward without looking back — for He who calls us is faithful and true; with a hand ready to lift us up from the dust.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE        01072025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 13TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 18:16–33

Gospel: Matthew 8:18–22

Theme: Interceding with Mercy...

Reflection 

Beloved in Christ, you are most welcome to this day, Monday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year.  From the Table of the Word we are invited to reflect on the two themes: Intercession and Discipleship drawn from the first reading and the gospel pericope. 

In the first reading taken from the first Book of Pentateuch, an account of Abraham's persistent plea over Sodom and God's merciful response are being captured (cf. Genesis 18:16–33).  Evangelist Matthew in today's Gospel pericope beautifully presents a call to discipleship and detachment (cf. Matthew 8:18–22)

 In the course of Abraham's dialogue with God he raised a fundamental question that calls for deep reflection: “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23). This question borne out of his humility and boldness, while negotiating with God down from fifty to ten righteous people. His persistent intercession reveals the power of prayer, especially when made on behalf of others. And the

Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say in her teaching:

 “Abraham's heart is attuned to his Lord's compassion... Abraham is a model of the prayer of intercession” (CCC 2571).

This reminds us that the Church, following Abraham’s example, is called to intercede for the world within and outside liturgical Celebrations especially the wayward, the sinful, and the unjust.

Just as Moses, the prophets, and Christ Himself interceded, so too must we stand before God on behalf of our families, communities, and nations. Intercession is not passive it's a loving act of courage and hope.

Moreover, this act of devotedness (intercession) could only be possible  when we understand the cost of discipleship and be ready to pay it. This cost is being presented by the Lord in the gospel this morning during his encounter with the Scribe who chose to follow Him.   “I will follow you, wherever you go.”  And Jesus replies:

 “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20) Another man asks to bury his father first, likely meaning he wishes to delay following Jesus until family obligations are fulfilled. But Jesus responds: “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.” (Matthew 8:22)

Dear friend(s) in Christ,  these words are not cold or dismissive; they reflect the urgency and totality of the call to discipleship. Following Christ is not a part-time venture, it is a wholehearted, immediate, and sometimes uncomfortable journey.

The Church Fathers emphasize that to follow Jesus is to embrace poverty of spirit, detachment, and complete trust as St. Gregory the Great wrote: “We should not love anything more than the Giver of all things.”

In today's world, many say “I will follow you, Lord,” but on their own terms. Jesus invites us to put God first, even above noble human duties, reminding us that the Kingdom of God is urgent and eternal.

However, as true disciples we are to balance between praying for the world and living for the Kingdom. The two serve as the mark of a true Christian. Abraham shows us the heart of a priest; Jesus calls us to be prophets of His presence.

Finally, as Christians let our words be seen in our actions as a certification of who we are. Let us pray for one another including those outside the faith and at the same time detaching ourselves from what seems to be a barrier to Jesus' invitation.  

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 30062025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Liturgical Colour: White

📚 Table of the Word 

First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11–16

Second Reading: Romans 5:5b–11

Gospel: Luke 15:3–7

Theme: The Heart of Love and Mercy

Reflection

Today, the Church pauses within her Ordinary Season to contemplate the wounded yet ever-beating Heart of Jesus, the fountain of divine love and mercy with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is not simply a devotional celebration; but that which enshrined  in a deep theological reflection on the unfathomable love of God made flesh in Christ and poured out for humanity through His life, death, and resurrection. That is why in one of my thoughtful reflections,  I consider this heart of our Lord to have gotten ear, that is He is not only loving us but listen to every bit of our trouble. 

In the first reading, Prophet Ezekiel described this same heart as: "Tender heart of the Shepherd" (cf. Ezekiel 34:11–16). Here the Lord speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, saying, “I myself will pasture my sheep.” This promise is fulfilled in Christ, the Good Shepherdas St. Luke beautifully captures inn the gospel pericope; whose Sacred Heart seeks out the lost, binds up the wounded, and carries the weak.

The Heart of Jesus is not distant. It is deeply engaged in the reality of our suffering and brokenness. Like a shepherd among his flock, Christ seeks the stray and welcomes the repentant. His love is personal, pursuing, and persevering.

This shepherd imagery connects directly with today’s Gospel in Luke, where Jesus searches for the lost sheep, reflecting the same divine compassion.

While St. Paul in the course of the Second reading gives the résume of this loving gesture while saying: "Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners" (see Romans 5:5b–11). This theological affirmation proves God's love for us in that, while we were still sinners Christ died for us; a move which is the essence of the Sacred Heart - a heart that love without condition and show mercy without limit.

However, the Gospel pericope presents us with the summary of this divine gesture of humility employing the image of a good Shepherd. According to Evangelist Luke, (cf. Luke 15:3–7) Jesus presents the parable of the lost sheep, one of the most tender images of His loving Heart. He says: “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”

This rejoicing reveals a God whose Heart is not indifferent, but moves with joy and emotion at the return of the lost.

To buttress this, Pope Francis in Misericordiae Vultus notes: “Mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.”

This parable shows us that the Sacred Heart is not passive, it seeks, finds, and rejoices.

Beloved in Christ, as we celebrate with joy this great solemnity,  let us be conscious that in times of fear, failure, or sin, the Sacred Heart assures us of God’s unfailing love. As St. Margaret Mary Alacoque heard from Jesus:

“Behold this Heart which has so loved men…”

Finally, we are invited to learn from the meekness and humility of the Heart of Christ (cf. Matthew 11:29). In a world often marked by indifference, let us cultivate compassion.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 27062025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration: Ferial

Liturgical Colour: Green

📚 Table of the Word 

First Reading: Genesis 15:1–12, 17–18

Gospel: Matthew 7:15–20

Theme: Call to discernment and authenticity.

Reflection

Beloved in Christ Jesus, blessings and love of God be upon us both now and forevermore.  Amen.

Today’s table of the Word revolves around reflecfion on God's faithfulness to His promise and invitation to proper discernment and authentic Christian life. 

The first reading drawn from the first Book of Pentateuch gives an account of God's Covenant with Abram, who later became Abraham (cf. Genesis 15:1–18). Here we find Abram in a moment of fear and uncertainty. Despite receiving a divine promise in Genesis 12, he is still childless. Yet God reassures him:

 “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward will be very great." He further took Abram outside and shows him the stars and made a promise to him: “So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5)

However, at this crossroad of life, it  became a turning point in salvation history. Abram’s faith is not based on evidence but on trust in God’s word. As the Scripture says: “He believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). 

That is why the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 145–146) upholds this moment as the paradigm of biblical faith, a trust that is total, even when God’s plans are hidden. This covenant, sealed with a sacrificial rite, anticipates the New Covenant in Christ, whose sacrifice on the Cross fulfills all the promises made to Abraham.

On the other hand, today's table of the Word also offers us another opportunity to reflect on proper discernment and authentic discipleship. This is rooted in an exhortation by our Lord who warns: 

 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

The danger is real, not everyone who speaks religious words or wears spiritual garments is truly of God; as the ancient aphorism says: "Habit does not make a monk." The test of authenticity, Jesus says, is the fruit:

 “By their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:20).

This obviously echoes the biblical principle from Sirach 27:6 which says: “The fruit discloses the cultivation of a tree; so the expression of a thought discloses the cultivation of a man’s mind.”

Moreover, the Church in her teaching has always recognized the need for discernment, especially regarding leadership, doctrine, and spiritual influence. As St. John of the Cross warned, not every vision or prophecy comes from God.

In conclusion, like Abraham, let us trust God even when His promises seem delayed. God does not forget. He has never appoint to disappoint. 

Let us be watchful in the Church and in our lives, discerning truth not by appearance but by the fruit of holiness.

Finally, we are challenged to exhibit a deep and enduring faith as Abraham  so as live out an authentic Christian life. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 25062025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (I)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Born six months before our Lord, St. John the Baptist was the son of Zachary and Elizabeth, cousin of our Lady. He was the last and greatest of the prophets. As the forerunner of the Savior, his mission was to prepare the Jews for the coming of Christ. When Jesus had come, St. John bore witness to Him before his own followers and encouraged them to follow Him.

Liturgical Colour: white

📚 Table of the Word 

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1–6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1b–3, 13–14ab, 14c–15

Second Reading: Acts 13:22–26

Gospel: Luke 1:57–66, 80

Theme: The voice in the desert crying for repentance.

Reflection

The place of St. John the Baptist in the salvation history of man cannot be overemphasized. It goes beyond being the forerunner or precursor of our Lord. John the Baptist was indeed a voice in the crowd, from the scorching heat of the desert to the prison and ended  on a platter for the sake of tye Gospel. This Testament of faith was beautifully captures in Pope Benedict XVI's remark: 

 “John the Baptist is the great prophet who bridges the Old and the New Covenants, who points not to himself but entirely to Christ, the Lamb of God” (Angelus, June 24, 2012).

Beloved in  Christ Jesus, today as a family of God we gather to  celebrate with solemnity the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, a rare liturgical honour shared only by Jesus and Mary. This feast underscores not only the uniqueness of John’s mission, but also the prophetic role he played in salvation history.

The first reading from the prophecy of Isaiah opens with a profound prophetic declaration: “The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.” (Isaiah 49:1).These words apply fittingly to John the Baptist, whose name and mission were divinely ordained.

Even before his birth, John leapt in the womb of Elizabeth at the presence of the unborn Jesus (cf. Luke 1:41), signifying his prophetic recognition of the Messiah. The Church Fathers, like St. Augustine, saw in this moment a sanctification in utero, the first acknowledgment of Christ by a human being.

Moreover, Prophet Isaiah continues, “I will make you a light to the nations.” While this ultimately points to Christ, John’s role was to prepare the people for this Light. He is, as St. John’s Gospel says, “a witness to the Light” (John 1:7–8).

However, John's whole life was an act of kenosis, self-emptying, which captured in his words: “He must increase, I must decrease” (John 3:30). This utmost humility invites us to a life of accepting the fact that, there is absolutely nothing we have that was not given to us, or the space we are currently occupying that is not borne out of God's gratuitousnes. The life and times of St. John the Baptist was symbolic in nature: he was a voice in desert and a precursor figure for the salvation of man.

In the second reading St. Paul connects John’s mission to God’s unfolding plan: “Before the coming of Jesus, John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel” (see Acts 13:22–26).

John was the last and greatest of the prophets (cf. Matt 11:11), the forerunner, and a bridge between the Law and the Gospel. The Catechism of the Catholic Church summarizes this beautifully: “John surpasses all the prophets, of whom he is the last… His coming immediately before that of the Messiah, and his role as a forerunner and herald, make him the greatest of those born of woman.”

Finally, dear friend(s) in Christ, the celebration of John’s birth invites us to reflect on our own calling. Each of us is called, like John, to be a voice not for ourselves, but for Christ. In a world clouded by confusion and moral darkness, the Church needs modern-day “John the Baptists”; that is those who prepare the hearts of others for an encounter with Jesus.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 24062025