Tuesday, March 11, 2025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM


Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

Mystery of the day: Glorious

Table of the Word:

RI: Jonah 3:1-10

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 52:3-4.12-13.18-19 (R. see 19b)

Verse before the Gospel: Joel 2:12-13

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Theme: A call for repentance

Reflection: "If you repent of your sin, I will forgive you." (cf. Jonah 3:10). God is merciful and loving. It is out of His love that He sent Prophet Jonah to the land of Nineveh to preach for repentance. And Ninevites heard and repented. However, "When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God repented of the evil which he had said he would do to them; and he did not do it." (Jonah 3:10). This word is being addressed to us on this day as we continue our Lenten observances. We need a U-Turn in our way of life; there should be some elements of detachment. If we do this, He will not inflict pain on us, closed doors will be opened, barren womb will conceive, desert will have water flowing out of it; our lands shall be fertile and yield in hundreds and thousands. We need His mercy to forge ahead, as He further invited us in the Gospel acclamation: "Even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, for I am gracious and merciful." (Joel 2:12-13)

Finally, dearest friends in Christ, what then are we waiting for? Let us join the psalmist today in prayer: "Create a pure heart for me, O God, renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).  In doing this, we will make amends of our shortcomings, and God whose promise has never failed will certainly hearken to our plea. Peace be with you!

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“As Lent is the time for greater love, listen to Jesus’ thirst. He knows your weakness. He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you.”  - St. Teresa of Calcutta


© ARCHIVE 12032025

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