DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration: Ferial 

Liturgical Colour: Green

📚 Table of the Word 

 First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6–11

Gospel: Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18

Theme: You will be enriched in every way for great generosity.

Reflection

Obviously,  we are in an era where 5 Million Naira (N5,000,000) is budgeted for media and publicity, while a chicken change of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) is meant for charity outreach. Why is it so? We wish to have wider publicity, to be celebrated as "Global philanthropist," to receive thumb ups and thousands of likes from various social media handles. Today, the Holy Scripture has bluntly condemned this "Pharasiac attitude" as Christ rightly says: 

"Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward" (see Matthew 6:1–6, 16–18).

This exhortation points to the fact that, our almsgiving, prayer, and fasting which are hallmarks of Christian piety must not be mere performances. That is why Christ in His teaching calls us to live not for applause, but for the Father’s reward as He said: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you;” not once but three consecutive times (cf. Matthew 6:4, 6, 18).

However, this “secret place” is not only a physical one. It is the interior space where grace works quietly, where intentions are purified, and where the soul meets God in truth. To buttress this, Pope Benedict XVI beautifully captures this exhortation in few words:  “True worship is not a show,

it involves the whole heart, and not just outward forms” (Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth, Vol. I).

On the other hand, the Psalmist reechoes this quiet righteousness: “Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need… He gives to the poor; his justice shall endure forever” (Psalm 112:5, 9).

This actually serves as the reminder of how Holy men and women lived out the Gospel value. That is why the Catechism tells us that such works of charity are not optional; they are the fruits of our faith (cf. CCC 1829, 2044).

In conclusion, 

- when we give, may it be out of love, not vanity.

- When we pray, may it be in intimacy, not display.

- When we fast, may it be to open space for grace, not to appear holy.

Let us be like the poor widow, who gave in secret (cf. Markk 12:43); like Mary, who treasured all things in her heart (cf. Luke 2:19); like Jesus, who often withdrew to pray (cf. Luke 5:16). And so, let us live generously, pray quietly, and fast humbly, not to earn God’s love, but to respond to it. As St. Augustine beautifully said:

 “God gives where He finds empty hands.”

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 18062025