DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration: St Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

(540-604). He was a Prefect of Rome and later became a monk. He was papal legate at Constantinople. Five years after returning to his monastery, he was elected pope. He greatly influenced the life of the Church. He unified the liturgy and compiled the Gregorian chant named after him. One of Gregory's most far reaching actions was to send missionaries to England. This was to have been prompted by the sight of fair-haired Anglo-Saxon youths exposed for sale in the Roman slave market. He wrote many works on morals and dogma.

Liturgical Colour: White 

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Colossians 1:1-8

Gospel: Luke 4:38–44

Theme: You will be my witnesses.

Reflection

Today's reflection begins with the opening passage of Pauline's letter to the Colossians, here St. Paul introduces himself and Timothy, then immediately turns to thanksgiving and prayer. His words reveal three deep truths about the Christian life: faith, love, and hope - what are being described as theological virtue in the Church’s teaching. Significantly,  faith anchors us in Christ, love makes that faith visible in action, and hope sustains us as we journey toward eternal life. He further told them that what stands out is the source of these virtues: the Gospel; while emphasizing that the good news they received is not limited to Colossae and that it is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world (cf. Colossians1:6). This reminds us that the Gospel is alive, dynamic, and transformative. When received in faith, it changes lives, communities, and entire cultures.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and many who were sick. Yet when the people wanted to keep Him for themselves, He told them: “I must proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is what I was sent to do.” (Luke 4:43). Here Christ reminds us that His mission is not confined to one place, one group, or one need just as St. Paul exhorted his hearers in the first; and that He was sent for all, and so His ministry of healing, teaching, and saving must keep moving outward.

However, today's table of the Word beautifully ties with the life of St. Gregory the Great (540–604). Though he desired a quiet monastic life, God called him to shepherd the universal Church as pope during difficult times of political instability, famine, and plague. He responded not by withdrawing but by pouring himself out in service: organizing relief for the poor, sending missionaries (notably to England), reforming the liturgy, and teaching with wisdom that earned him the title "Doctor of the Church." He once said, “The pastor should be pure in thought, exemplary in conduct, discreet in keeping silence, profitable in speech, sympathetic in compassion, and a companion in humility.”

Beloved friends in Christ, the message here is for us as an admonition to live out our faith in charity, and above all love one another as Christ loved us even when the going is tough. We as Christ's ambassadors  need to go out with message of salvation to others, not with mere words but with action, that is matching our words with action without reservation. Also, it is obvious that the Gospel bears fruit only if we let it take root in us through obedience and perseverance.

In conclusion, the Gospel shows Jesus leaving comfort zones to fulfill His mission. St. Paul shows the same dedication; while St. Gregory embodied it in his papal ministry. The lesson for us is clear: the Christian life is not about clinging to what is easy or familiar but about being available and always ready to serve, teach, heal, and bring the Good News wherever God sends us as the Lord whispers: "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose."

+ Peace be with you. 

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