DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (I)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious
(1568-1591). An Italian Jesuit of a noble family, he died as a result of his devoted and heroic nursing of the plague-stricken.

Liturgical Colour: White

📚 Table of the Word 

First Reading:  : 2 Corinthians 12:1–10

Gospel: Matthew 6:24–34

Theme: Seek ye first his kingdom...

Reflection

Today we join the Mother Church to celebrate the memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, a model of purity, humility, and self-giving love. From the table of the Word for today's liturgy, the two readings call us to a deeper reliance on God’s strength, detachment from wealth, and the pursuit of the Kingdom of God. These themes beautifully align with the life of St. Aloysius, who renounced wealth and privilege to live for Christ alone.

However, St. Paul in the first reading shares a mystical vision of heaven but quickly shifts focus to his "thorn in the flesh", reminding the Corinthians that God’s power is made perfect in weakness (cf.  2 Corinthians 12:1–10), an allusion to the text: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Paul's humility in not boasting about spiritual gifts, but rather about his dependence on grace, a life which mirrors St. Aloysius Gonzaga’s spiritual path. Aloysius, despite noble birth and opportunity for worldly greatness, saw God’s grace as the only true treasure and renounced wealth and status to become a Jesuit novice and care for plague victims.

 It is on this account, that the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) affirms that: “Grace is favour, the free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call…” (CCC 1996) And that: “Humility is the foundation of prayer.” (CCC 2559)

In the same spirit, Jesus in today's Gospel pericope teaches that no one can serve two masters: we cannot serve both God and mammon. He goes further to address human anxiety about food, clothing, and the future: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33).

The radical simplicity and total trust in God’s provision expressed here found perfect expression in the life of St. Aloysius. His life is a rebuke to materialism and a witness to what it means to “seek first the Kingdom”.

Finally, dearest friend(s), as we celebrate this great man of faith, let us allow his life to challenge our priorities; so that as pilgrims of hope we may at last see Jesus as truly is.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 21062025