DIVINE WHISPER With Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG: SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day:  Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 10:11-18

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 110:1.2.3.4 (R. 4cd)

Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

Theme: Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Reflection  

"Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin." (Hebrews 10:18)

This is the last verse of today's first reading which is the résume of the priestly life of Jesus. Here we can deduce that, through that single sacrifice made by our Lord in the course of his paschal mysteries, all sins have been paid in full. 

As the first reading highlights, Christ sacrifice as a perfect High Priest is in all ramifications higher that every other sacrifices.

However, it is in contrast to the Old Covenant, which the priest stood daily offering sacrifices that could never fully atone for sin. Whereas Christ offered just once and then sat at the right hand of the Father as the dispenser of God's grace and mercy. Through this, we have been assured of our sanctification, and being called to live out the gospel in obedience to God, knowing that we have been sanctified and set apart for the kingdom.

Beloved in Christ, through the water of baptism we have been sanctified and decorated with beauty of holiness with an expectation to bear fruits, fruits that will last. 

To buttress this fact, that Evangelist Mark in the gospel pericope presented before us the teachings of the Lord, who reminded us the need to keep that which we were given: "The Beauty of life at Baptism." That is in keeping this beauty faithfully without stain thrpugh hearing of the Word and putting it into action that we may be like a good soil that will bear fruit in thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold (Mark 4:1-20). 

Finally, it is our hope that the good Lord who has blessed us, will grant us the grace to persevere in our tribulations so as to be faithful to our baptismal promises.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Merciful Father, yours is the earth and uts fullness. Grant that we may be faithful to our baptismal promises sonthat its effect may grant us goodness of the gospel.  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  29012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day:  Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 9:15.24-28

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 98:1.2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6 (R. 1ab)

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

Theme: Christ the mediator of the New Covenant 

Reflection  

The love of God upon us cannot be measured, even when we must have lost the original grace through the disobedience of our first parents (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) Amidst this, His love for us remains  intact for He is too faithful to disappoint when he promised. 

From today's Table of the Word, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, one that is superior to the old covenant.(cf.Hebrews 9:15)

That is why his sacrifice was not just a symbolic act, but a real and effective sacrifice that:

- Paid the price for our sins.

- Reconciling humanity with divinity.

- Enabled our sanctification.

However, these three facets of his serve as the products of His paschal mysteries of passion, death and resurrection.

In view of this, our redemption would not have been possible without his sacrifice, for He has paid the debt in full.  On another part, Christ's redemptive power is unlimited, in today's Gospel acclamation, St. Paul in his second letter to Timothey reaffirmed this by saying: "Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10)

While the gospel pericope gives an account of authority and power of Jesus; who through this He reminded us of the source of His power which contrasted the notion of the Scribes. For them, Christ is possessed by unclean spirits, whereas in reality the Holy Spirit was upon him, giving him the unction to function as Son-God.

Beloved in Christ, how many times have doubted the presence of God in our life challenging situations, by giving honour, fame and glory to Satan? Let us have a rethink:, that is the essence of this whisper from the Lord this morning; calling to mind the essence of being aware that in every situation God is all-in-all, through His Son who is our mediator.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Almighty God, we are grateful to You for the many blessings we have received.  At the dawn of this day, we pray may our faith in You never fail but relying on Your grace may we hold on to You as all-in-all. 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  27012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day:  St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 

                 (1567-1622). 

Born in  (France). With apostolic zeal, St. Francis de Sales fought Calvinism. He was Bishop of Geneva. With St. Francis Fremyot de Chantal, he founded the Order of the Visitation. He wrote Introduction to the Devout Life, a classic of spiritual direction. He died in Lyons and was canonized in 1655. In 1877, Pius IX proclaimed him Doctor of the Church. Pius XI declared him as Patron Saint of Journalists and Other Writers. 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 8:6-13

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 85:8 and 10.11-12.13-14 (R. 11a)

Gospel: Mark 3:13-19

Theme: ... and I will establish a new covenant.

Reflection  

Today's reflection highlights the superiority of the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. 

The author of the letters to the Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, and therefore, He is the mediator of a better covenant. While the old covenant, established through Moses, was imperfect and temporary. The Israelites failed to keep the covenant, and it was unable to bring them to spiritual maturity.

However, in contrast, the new covenant established by Jesus is eternal and perfect as it is characterized by: God's laws written in our hearts; establishing a personal relationship with God, and provides forgiveness of sins through the sacrifice of Jesus.  In Christ, old things have passed away and everything becomes new in Him.

The new covenant is not just a set of rules or regulations, but a relationship with God. It's a covenant of: love, intimacy and transformation. 

By implication,  we are being invited to a personal relationship with God,  by being attentive to His words and allowing Him to transform us. When we allow this to take place, then we can rightly say we are of the new covenant, for the old way of life has been put fo death. As the old covenant speaks of the law, the new covenant emphasizes righteousness, which is the hallmark of every true Christian. 

This attribute is exemplified in the life of St. Francis de Sales whose memorial we celebrate today. He left the old way for a new relationship with Christ. We earnestly pray through his intercession,  we may find the right path to follow Jesus our master.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

O God, who for the salvation of souls willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales become all things to all, graciously grant that, following his example, we may always display the gentleness of your charity in the service of our neighbour. 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  24012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 7:25-8:6

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 40:7-8a.8b-9.10.17 (R. see 8a.9a)

Gospel: Mark 3:7-12

Theme: "You are the Son of God."

Reflection  

Beloved in Christ, it is with joy and gratitude to God that we have behold the dawn of this great day - Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time of the year. From the table of the Word, we are being presented with readings from the Letters to the Hebrews 7:25-8:6 which gives an account of Christ's priesthood, the perfect priesthood which is not under the law. 

The Gospel pericope on the other way round brings before us the miraculous healing and cleansing by Jesus, and the acknowledgment of the supernatural power and authority of Jesus by the unclean spirits as: "The Son of God." which the theme of our reflection is extracted from (cf.Mark 3:7-12)

The first reading highlighted the superiority of Jesus Christ's priesthood and the new covenant He establishes. The Epistle described the Perfect Priesthood of Jesus Christ (cf.Hebrews 7:25); as the perfect High Priest, who "is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:25).

It further gives an account of Jesus' ability to save completely and forever those who approach God through Him. The Priesthood of Jesus Christ contrasted the human priesthood, as it highlighting Jesus' sinlessness, His eternal nature, and His lack of need for daily sacrifices (cf.Hebrews 7:26-28).

 

These attributes of our Lord, defined his healing power and authority which the unclean spirits in the gospel reading recognized and cried: "You are the Son of God." (cf. Mark 3:7-12)

Beloved in Christ Jesus, if the unclean spirits acknowledged and recognized our Lord as the Son of God with full authority and power whose priesthood goes beyond human priesthood; then why do we get worry when He is there always as a perfected High Priest. Thus, attesting to his capacity to change impossible situations in our lives. We ought to recognize Him in our day-to-day living experience as all-in-all who is able to heal us of our infirmities and grant our heart desires.

Finally, the Priesthood of Jesus Christ is the affirmation of God's unfathomable love upon humanity, so that man will not be left without a mediator or sanctifier.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Etrrnal Word, we are gratrful to You for the wonders of our being. We pray, O! Lord that we may acknowledge your presence within us in every situation.  We make our prayers through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  23012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 7:1-3.15-17

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 110:1.2.3.4 (R. 4cd)

Gospel: Mark 3:1-6

Theme: Jesus' Power and Authority 

Reflection  

Beloved in Christ Jesus, the authority and power of Jesus cannot be over emphasized as it goes beyond every other power one can think of. This power and authority transcend all powers as it is rooted in God the Father and His Son whom He is well pleased. 

Today's Gospel pericope attest to this authority and power of our Lord in His encounter with the Pharisees (cf. Mark 3:1-6). Jesus' healing of the man with the withered hand highlights the tension between compassion and legalism; as He prioritizes showing kindness and mercy over strict adherence to the Sabbath law.

As Christ followers, we ought to live out the Gospel values by eschewing the vices of hypocrisy and hardness of heart which Christ condemned today. As for the Pharisees whose interest was on keeping the Sabbath instead of exercising the virtue of charity, Christ healing power challenged this outrageous attitude of theirs.

Dearest friends in Christ, in our journey of faith we may be confronted with these realities of chosing between obedience to God and obedience to human traditions.  Therefore, let today's Gospel challenge us to prioritize God's commands over human traditions. 

Finally, as Christ's faithful through the sacrament of baptism we need to make sincere effort to be christ-like in thoughts, words and actions. 

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

God of mercy and compassion, yours is the earth and its fulness, grant we pray the grace to acknowledge your power and authority over every other power, so that we may entrust our cares and worries to you in faith. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  22012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: St. Agnes (Virgin and Martyr)

(+304). St. Agnes came from a noble Roman family. She was about thirteen years old when she suffered martyrdom. She was tortured and beheaded. Her name is included in the Roman Canon. Pope Damasus wrote a celebrated epitaph about her.

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 6:10-20

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 111:1bc-2.4-5.9 and 10c (R. 5b)

Gospel:  Mark 2:23-28

Theme: Perseverance in faith

Reflection  

One of the outstanding virtues of every Christian is perseverance. 

Perseverance could rightly be defined as the quality of continuing to try hard to achieve something, even when faced with difficulties, obstacles, or setbacks. It involves persistence, determination, and resilience in pursuing a goal or objective.

As Christians this virtue I of great importance as far as our faith's journey is concern. That is is why in the course of today’s liturgy of the Word,  the author of the Letter to the Hebrews acknowledges God's justice and faithfulness, noting that he will not overlook the believers' work and love with  Perseverance. (cf.Hebrews 6:10)

 

However, the first reading also highlighted the importance of Perseverance, as the author encourages the us to persevere in the faith, demonstrating the same diligence as those who inherited the promises. 

To buttress this point, he cited an example in Abraham who trusted in God's promise and persevered, receiving the promise as a result. 

Beloved in Christ Jesus, God is quite certain in His promise provided we on our part coparticipate in the grace He showered upon us. He has never sworn to disappoint, but faithful to His promise as we saw in the first reading this morning (cf. Hebrews 6:16-18). 

In the light of this we have seen this virtue of Perseverance in the life of this Holy woman whom we celebrate today: St. Agnes, who was a vrgin and martyr. We earnestly pray through her intercession, our effort in persevering in our daily struggle may win us a place in God's kingdom. 

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Almighty ever-living God, who choose what is weak in the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the heavenly birthday of your Martyr Saint Agnes, may follow her constancy in the faith. 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  21012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: Blessed Cyprian Tansi, Priest (Feast)

Table of the Word

RI. Philippians 2:1-11

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 12:2-3.4bcde.5-6 (R. Ide)

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

Theme: Talent for common good.

Reflection  

In our reflection today, we will take a look at: "Talent for common good" as the central theme of our reflection.  The first reading called to mind the virtues every Christian supposed to exhibit: unity and  humility which are founded in Jesus who was humble (kenosis) to the point of death (cf. Philippians 2:1-8). As a result of his humility, God exalted and gave him the name that is above every other name.

At his name, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Philippians 2:9-1).

The gospel pericope on the other hand brings before us two parables: The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl (cf. Matthew13:44-46).

In the first parable, Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field." When a man finds it, he hides it again and then sells all he has to buy the field. While in the second parable about the Pearl he says: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls." When he finds one of great value, he sells everything he has to buy it.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we continue our journey of faith here in this ephemeral path, we ought to be ever conscious of life beyond the present.

As a reminder, all that we have, whoever we feel we are and the status we all occupied are nothing but through the amazing grace of God. We need to be humble,  we need to pay a price of sacrifice to attain this Kingdom as the merchant did when he was looking for fine pearls, and when he saw one with great value, he sells everything he has to buy it. Therefore, to attain this echelon we must stripped ourselves of vain glory and pride, above all detach ourselves from that which becloud our vision of seeing the glory of Christ in us and attach ourselves with the Divine. 

Finally, let us in our daily endeavours see to it that we put smile on each other face, leaving a mark wherever we left. It is in doing this, that we can say that we are indeed true witness of the gospel as Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi whose feast we celebrate today. 

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

In the priest Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi you joined the apostolic zeal of a pastor to the way of life of a monk. Grant us by his intercession the grace to live out the gospel values. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  20012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 2:14-18

Resp. Psalm:  Psalm 40:2 and 5.7-8a.8b-9.10 (R. see 8a.9a)

Gospel: Mark 1:29-39

Theme: What is man that you are mindful of him, ...

Reflection  

The love of God upon humanity cannot be quantified or measured. It goes beyond human understanding,  for He adorned him with beauty beyond imagination and power above every other powers.

In our reflection today, we will extract our text from the first reading: Hebrews 2:5-12. Here the author of Hebrews reflects on Psalm 8, highlighting humanity's dignity and role in God's creation.

On the other hand, the psalmist marvels at humanity's place in the universe, asking, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4); which is the central theme of our reflection. The author of Hebrews notes that God has crowned humanity with glory and honour, giving us dominion over the earth. 

Also, as the creation account states, ... come let us create man in our own image  (cf. Genesis 1:26) This ofcourse is the manifestation of God's unfathomable love upon humanity; taking cognizance of the fact that every other creatures in creation were the products of mere words, except man whom God blessed with His image, breathed upon him and above all gave him dominion over every other creatures.

However, amidst this gratuitousnes of God upon us, there is a limit as the author of the first reading acknowledged.  

By implication, humanity has not yet achieved its full potential. We have not yet seen all things put under our feet. 

In the gospel pericope, we have the completion of this act of God with Jesus our Saviour in focus where 

Jesus, the Son of God, has taken on human flesh to bring humanity to its intended glory. Through his suffering and death, Jesus has tasted death for everyone, freeing us from the fear of death. 

However, to reciprocate this kind gesture of His, we are obliged to acknowledge our weaknesses and shortcomings.  Our emptiness can only be filled in Christ alone for He is our sufficiency. 

Finally, may this beauty God has adorned  us with, never fade rather may it lead us to life beyond.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we thank you for the beauty of this day. Grant us we pray the sufficient grace to acknowledge our emptiness without you, who is all in all.  Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  14012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 2:5-12

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 8:2ab and 5.6-7a.7b-9 (R. cf. 7a)

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Theme: ...because they recognised Him.

Reflection  

In today's Gospel, Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law and many others, demonstrating his compassion and power.

Also, the gospel pericope counts how Jesus “cast out many demons” and then “prevented them from speaking because they recognized him.”

Why did Jesus prevented them from speaking? 

An extract from one of the Church's classics states that: "although the demons knew Jesus was the promised Messiah, they didn’t fully understand His mission and ultimate victory. To prevent them from spreading half-truths, as the devil often does, and misleading others, Jesus silenced these demons from speaking publicly about Him."

However, it is quite important to note that, these evil spirits didn’t grasp that Jesus’ death would ultimately destroy death and free everyone. Because of this, they continuously plotted against Him throughout His life at different point in time ranging from provocation of Herod to kill Him at infancy which warranted His escape to Egypt; the temptations He faced before the beginning of His public ministry and many other attack in the course of Hisbpublic ministry. 

 

However, Jesus’ wisdom always overcame these demons, transforming their evil actions into a triumph over sin and death through His resurrection. This power transforms us into terror unto evil spirit.

Finally we are called upon to reflect on the importance of confidently rejecting the evil one and the many lies he tries to convince us of; through the power we received at Baptism. We need to stand firm with Christ’s truth and authority to rebuke him and ignore his deceptive words, while publicly recognising Him as all-in-all.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, you showed compassion and care for the sick and suffering. Help us to follow your example and demonstrate your love for us in being compassionate to one another. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  15012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 1:1-6

Psalm: Psalm 97:1 and 2b.6 and 7c.9 (R. see 7c)

Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

Theme: Follow me...

Reflection 

As we joyfully celebrated the solemn feast of the Baptism of the Lord yesterday,  we liturgically closed the curtain of Christmastide, and officially begins the first part of the ORDINARY TIME which will culminate with the service of Ash Wednesday in the course of the year.

However, reflecting on today's liturgy of the Word,  the first reading reminded us of the channel which God used to address our fathers; that in the past He spoke to them through the Prophets and in our time He speaks through His Son - Jesus Christ whom he appointed the heir of all things (cf. Hebrews 1:1-6).

The gospel pericope on the other hand gives us the summary of the mission of Jesus in the slavific mystery of humanity. Here He highlighted the central message of His saying: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel." (see Mark 1:14-20)

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we begin this solemn season of hope - the Ordinary Time,  let us journey in faith and hope in the Lord. Let our daily lives be modelled after Christ whose mission is to reconcile us with the Father after that great fall. As the gospel challenges us to follow Him without reserve as the apostles did, may we let go all the luggages of malice, hatred, envy, false accusation and then embrace the virtues of love, peace, care for one another and sincere effort in embracing the gospel values. 

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

O God, Creator of Heaven and Earth, we thank you for the many blessings we received. Grant we pray the grace to be more docile in following your footstep wherever you lead us. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  13012025

REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY AFTER EPIPHANY with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY AFTER EPIPHANY 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word

1 John 5:14-21

John 3:22-30

Theme: The joy of humility.

Reflection 

On this day, Saturday after the sacred feast of our Lord's Epiphany, and the solemn eve  of His baptism, the liturgy of the Word revolves around the virtue of humility as exemplified by John the Baptist. He though a precursor of our Lord, humbled himself for the exaltation of our Lord as he said: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30).This statement highlights John's willingness to surrender his own importance for the sake of Jesus.

In today's Gospel, John the Baptist is asked about his role in relation to Jesus. Instead of seeking to promote himself, John humbly acknowledges Jesus as the superior one. He equally employs the image of a best man at a wedding, who rejoices when the groom takes his bride. Similarly, John finds joy in seeing Jesus take center stage.

In our day-to-day living experience,  how do we exhibit this virtue? Do we consider one another to be better than ourselves or do we allow our ego to becloud our sense of nothingness which we are?

However, what does humility look like in our own life? Also, how can we decrease our ego and ambitions so that God may increase? These and many others are questions that we ought to reflect on. It is in doing this that we will certainly live out this virtue of humility as Christ followers.   

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

O God, whose eternal Word adorns the face of the heavens yet accepted from the Virgin Mary the frailty of our flesh, grant, we pray, that he who appeared among us as the splendour of truth may go forth in the fullness of power for the redemption of the world. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE 11012025