Monday, February 17, 2025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM 

TUESDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word
RI. Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5.10
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 29:1a and 2.3ac-4.3b and 9c-10 (R. 11b)
Gospel: Mark 8:14-21

Theme: The gory state of human condition.

Reflection:

The human condition is marked by sin, corruption, and moral decay. We are prone to making mistakes, hurting others, and succumbing to our feelings. Though life itself is characterized by suffering, pain and hardship. This aspect of human state is the product of man's insatiability and cravings which led to God's anger as the Scripture says:

"After the Fall, God tells Adam that the ground will be cursed, and he will have to work hard to earn his bread. This passage implies that suffering and hardship are a consequence of humanity's disobedience." (Genesis 3:16-19). Job on the other hand avers: "Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." (Job 5:7) This verse, spoken by Eliphaz, suggests that suffering is an inherent part of the human experience. And the Psalmist summarised the state of man thus:  "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." (Psalm 90:10) Here the psalmist acknowledges that life is short and often filled with trouble and sorrow.

However, situating this within the context of today's reflection the "gory state of human condition" might refer to the consequences of humanity's rebellion against God, in the first reading (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.; Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5.10), the situation that prompted God to regret ever creating man. This text emphasizes the depth of human sin and the brokenness of creation. God’s judgment is not arbitrary, but comes in response to the pervasiveness of evil. Amidst this, He still shows humanity mercy through Noah who found favour before Him (Genesis 6:8).

Beloved in Christ, in our brokeness and shortcomings let us not delay in approaching the throne of mercy for reconciliation because every now and then He gives us an opportunity for a new beginning. For in His merciful nature, He offers a way of salvation for the righteous, even in the face of overwhelming sin.
Though in the stubborness of our hearts, we fail to see this merciful spark of God and continue to swim in the ocean of our sinfulness.  

In the gospel pericope we also see the same scenario coming to play as the disciples were beclouded by doubt from understanding Jesus' message that was beyond the immediate concern. And He further warned them against the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod (cf. Mark 8:14-21)

Finally,  beloved in Christ Jesus, let us be conscious of our personal relationship with God so that we may not loose out from His mercy and love despite the gory state of our existence. 
Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray
Eternal Word, impart in us Your Word so that we may acknowledge our weaknesses and seek for strength in 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  18022025





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