DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 24TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:  Ferial 

Liturgical Colour: Green 

Table of the Word 

First Reading:    1 Timothy 3:14-16

Gospel: Luke 7:31–35

Theme: To What Shall I Compare This Generation?

And the Lord Whispers: "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.” (Luke 7:32).

Reflection

St. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, reminds us of the dignity of the Church as “the household of God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth.” At the heart of this household is the mystery of our faith: “He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory” (cf. 1 Timothy 3:14-16). In these few lines, Paul gives us a hymn of praise, a summary of the Incarnation, mission, and glorification of Christ. The Church, then, is not a mere human institution, but the dwelling place of this divine mystery—the Body of Christ made visible in the world.

In the Gospel, however, Jesus laments the hardness of people’s hearts. The generation refuses to accept John the Baptist, accusing him of being too austere, nor do they accept Jesus, accusing Him of being too indulgent. They miss the wisdom of God revealed through both the prophet and the Messiah because of their prejudices and closed minds (cf. Luke 7:31–35).

Together, these readings challenge us that:  the mystery of Christ is at the very center of our faith, but it requires openness and humility to truly receive Him. The Church safeguards this mystery and proclaims it, but as members of the Church, we too must avoid the trap of dismissing God’s message because it does not come in the way we expect.

God’s wisdom is always greater than our categories. Christ is the living truth at the heart of the Church, and we are called to be His witnesses. To welcome Him is to welcome life, even when His voice disturbs our comfort or comes through unlikely messengers.

And He whispers: "Stay rooted in Me. Let My Son be your wisdom, your strength, your joy. Then you will truly be a pillar of My truth.”

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 17092025