DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

The Word: "Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1-6).

Table of the Word: 

I R.: Hosea 6:1-6

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4.18-19.20-21ab (See Hosea 6:6)

Verse before the Gospel: See Psalm 95:7d.8a

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Theme: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.

Inspiration: Every sick person desires healing and restoration. But when healing does not come, mind blowing question surfaces. Where is God? But most often we suddenly forget that: "every event in life is a lesson."

Thus implies that, God often writes in a crooked line. That is, He does whatsoever He Wills. Our distress, tribulations and ugly situations does not mean to pull us down but to strengthen us. It is in this same spirit that, Prophet Hosea proclaimed:

"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1-6).

This points to God's ever readiness to heal us of our infirmities, infirmties of hardshisp, distress, hatred, envy, etc. at His appointed time.

He desire to be merciful upon us and not in our "ill-burnt offering of sin." Trust and obey, He will not fail us. Healing upon us we pray O! Lord. Peace be with you!

Thought for the day

"If you have no mercy toward others, how can you ask God to have mercy on you?" - St. John Chrysostom 

Let us pray

Rejoicing in this annual celebration of our Lenten observance, we pray, O Lord, that, with our hearts set on the paschal mysteries, we may be gladdened by their full effects. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.