DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE TENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration:  The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. 

 This celebration honours the spiritual motherhood of Mary in the life of the Church. It reminds the faithful that Mary is not only the Mother of Christ but also the Mother of His Mystical Body, the Church.

This celebration follows Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, emphasizing Mary’s maternal presence in the Upper Room as the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles (Acts 1:14). Mary was there at the birth of Christ, and she was there at the birth of the Church.

Table of the Word: 

First Reading: Genesis 3:9–15, 20

Gospel: John 19:25–34

Theme:  Mary: the Mother who nurtures the Church.

Reflection:

Dearest friend(s) in Christ Jesus, with joy I welcome you to the second part  of the Ordinary Time of the Year Cycle (C) with your favourite "E-Ambo" - Divine Whisper. 

Fortunately, we begin with one of the outstanding Marian celebrations:  Memorial of Mary: the Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesia) a title proclaimed by Pope St. Paul VI at the close of the Second Vatican Council, which points to her maternal care and support to the Universal Church.  This title is not a theological novelty but a profound recognition of Mary’s maternal role in the mystery of salvation and in the life of the Church.

In the Gospel oericope following Evangelist John, we find Mary standing at the foot of the cross. In the midst of pain and suffering, Jesus entrusts His beloved disciple to Mary, saying, “Behold your mother.” (cf. John 19:25–34)

In that moment, John represents all of us - the Church - and Mary becomes our spiritual mother. Her maternity transcends biology; it is rooted in love, faith, and a deep union with Christ’s mission.

The first reading drawn from Acts 1:12–14 shows Mary with the apostles in the Upper Room after Jesus’ ascension. She is there, not merely as a passive figure, but as a woman of prayer, leading and nurturing the community. Her presence at the birth of the Church on Pentecost echoes her presence at the birth of Christ. She is with the Church at every stage, guiding with a mother’s care.

From the beginning, in Genesis 3:15, God promises a woman whose offspring will crush the head of the serpent, a foreshadowing of Mary and her Son’s victory over sin. And in Genesis 3:20, Eve is called “the mother of all the living,” a title that Mary ultimately fulfills in the spiritual sense as the New Eve, giving life through her obedience and faith.

However, as we gather yoday to celebrate thebmaternity of this great Woman wwho nurtures the Church evry now and then, let us welcome Her  into our homes and hearts, as John did. Her example teaches us how to remain faithful, prayerful, and courageous in times of suffering.

As a Church, we recognize Mary’s ongoing maternal intercession. She continues to bring our needs before her Son, especially in times of spiritual desolation and confusion.

Finally, in our day-to-day living experience let us carry our Moother Mary along, let us involve her in our daily task then the miracle at the wedding feast will not be far fetched from us, for she wil say: "Do whaatever He tells you." 

+ Peace be with you!

© ARCHIVE 09062025