DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT 

The Word:  "Take away all iniquity: receive graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘you are our gods.’ For in you the fatherless finds mercy.” (Hosea 14:2-3).

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Table of the Word: I R.: Hosea 14:1-9

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 81:6c-8a.8bc-9.10-11ab.14and 17 (R. see 11a.9b)

Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 4:17

Gospel: Mark 12:28-34

Theme: Be Renewed.

Inspiration: Every spiritual renewal goes with renouncing of the former ways, stripping-off the old-self and putting on of the new-self. It can as well be seen in the light of renewal where walk awy from our confirt zone to where Gid will lead me.

In our reflection today, we have seen a call for total renewal from Israelites as Prophet Hosea says: "Take away all iniquity: receive graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. Assyria shall not save us, we will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘you are our gods.’ For in you the fatherless finds mercy.” (Hos. 14:2-3). This clarion call was to bring to our consciousness the need to be spiritually renewed by deserting former ways and seek for the way of the Lord as Israel renounced theirs today  (cf. Hos. 14:1-9). In another place St. Paul exhorts us thus: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Rom. 12:2). This admonition has to do with an act of renouncing our former ways and take up a new path in Jesus.

To buttress this, the Psalmist prays: “Send out your breath and life… and you renew the face of the earth.” (Ps. 104:30) This should be our daily prayer, as we continue our Lenten walk. We ought to be conscious of our thoughts, words and actions; and once in a while pause to reflect on how is it pleasing to our God. Peace be with you!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

“Let us make a firm resolution during Lent: to detach our hearts from earthly things, and seek only the love of God.” - St. Teresa of Avila.

Let us pray                            

We call on your loving kindness and trust inyour mercy, O Lord, that since we have from you all that we are, through your grace we may seek what is right and have strength to do the good we desire. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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