DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM
FRIDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
(1007-1072). Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk, was the author of many important works of liturgy, theology and morals. He supported St. Gregory VII in his struggle for the rights of the Church.
(1007-1072). Peter Damian, a Benedictine monk, was the author of many important works of liturgy, theology and morals. He supported St. Gregory VII in his struggle for the rights of the Church.
Table of the Word
RI. Genesis 11:1-9
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 33:10-11.12-13.14-15 (R. 12b)
Gospel: Mark 8:34-9:1
Theme: Self-denial
Reflection:
Today the Holy Mother Church in her continuous effort to feed us presents before us two readings in the course of today's liturgy of the Word: Genesis 11:1-9; Mark 8:34-9:1. Both passages offer us deep reflections on human ambition, divine intervention, and the path to true discipleship with eschatological nuances.
The first reading gives an account of the famous narrative of how humans out of pride and self-confidence set out to build a tower to reach God while undermining God's sovereignty (cf. Genesis 11:1-9).
On the other hand, the gospel pericope reflects on the radical discipleship which we are called on, to deny ourselves and take up the cross and follow Christ (cf. Mark 8:34-9:1)
Juxtaposingly, the gospel exhorted us to make sincere effort to deny ourselves and then follow the road of the Cross with confidence and trust in God that He is: "all-in-all." Unlike the Tower of Babel, which was built on self-glorification and self-sufficiency.
Both passages highlight human pride and the pursuit of personal glory. In Genesis, humanity tries to build a tower to make a name for themselves which we often refer to as: "cheap popularity", while in Mark, Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, detaching from that which tend to separate us from God and attach ourselves with things of God. It is also a call for a paradigm shift from our comfort zones to where God leads.
The Tower of Babel represents human efforts to reach God without humility, while the call to discipleship in Mark invites us to approach God in humility of heart, and surrendering of our own ambitions.
In essence, both passages teach us that human ambition, when detached from God’s purpose, leads to confusion and destruction. True fulfillment comes not from striving for self-glory, but from self-denial and submission to God's will, exemplified in Jesus’ call to take up the cross.
Finally, the end of the discussion is that: our sufficiency is only in God who made heaven and earth as the Scripture says (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:5-6). Let us therefore with joy carry our daily cross and follow where He leads, for in doing this that we can at the past enjoy in fullness the beatific vision we all anticipated.
Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.
Let us pray
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may so follow the teaching and example of the Bishop Saint Peter Damian, that, putting nothing before Christ, and always ardent in the service of your Church, we may be led to the joys of eternal light. 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 21022025
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