Tuesday, January 21, 2025

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

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