DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration:  Ferial 

Liturgical Colour: Green 

Table of the Word 

First Reading:  1 Timothy 4:12-16

Gospel: Luke 7:36-50

Theme: God's unconditional love...

And the Lord Whispers: “Her many sins are forgiven, for she loved much.” (Luke 7:47).

Reflection

Beloved in Christ Jesus, each time we gather together around this great Table - Table of the Word. We gather to nourish our souls with the beautiful words from God's lips through His messengers. Today He whispers: "My child, never let your weakness silence your witness; in love and faith, I make you whole."

In the Gospel pericope, we meet the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume. Her past was known, her sins were many, but her love was greater. Where Simon the Pharisee saw scandal, Jesus saw faith and contrition. Mercy triumphed, and forgiveness overflowed (cf. Luke 7:36-50).

St. Paul, in his exhortation to Timothy (1 Tim 4:12–16), encourages him not to let his youth be despised, but to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. The message is the same: our limitations, whether sin, weakness, or inexperience do not disqualify us. What matters is faith expressed through love, lived out in daily fidelity.

Together, the readings invite us to a life of authentic witness: one that is humble enough to seek forgiveness and courageous enough to inspire others. Love redeems, mercy restores, and witness draws others to God.

On the other hand, St. Paul in his epistle to the Roman Church reminded us that: “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” (Romans 5:20).

St. John Chrysostom further declares: “The sinner who is ashamed of his sins is closer to God than the just man who is proud of his good works.” While the Catechism emphasizes that: “Christ’s call to conversion continues to resound in the lives of Christians. This second conversion is an uninterrupted task for the whole Church.” (CCC 1428)

My dear friend(s) in Christ, we let us not allow our past to define us; let love and repentance open us to Christ’s mercy. Like Timothy, let us live as an example, our witness may be the only Gospel some people will ever read.

Finly  let us practice humility and compassion and see in others not their faults but their potential for grace.

+ Peace be with you. 

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