DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:  Ferial 

Liturgical Colour: Green

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Ezra 1:1–6

Gospel: Luke 8:16–18

Theme: Jesus the light of the World.

And the Lord Whispers:

“No one lights a lamp and covers it with a vessel…” (Luke 8:16)

Reflection

God is the master of restoration. Through Cyrus, a pagan king, He opened the way for His people to return from exile and rebuild His temple (cf.Ezra 1:1–6)

 This shows that God can use anyone even unexpected instruments to accomplish His saving plan.

In the Gospel pericope (cf. Luke 8:16–18), Jesus reminds us that the light of faith, once received, is not to be hidden but shared. Just as the temple was meant to be a visible sign of God’s presence among His people, our lives are to be visible witnesses of His grace in the world.

However, in the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah prophecied the coming of the light to the world to dispel the darkness that has engulfed the earth by saying:  “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)

In fulfilmebt of this prophecy,  Jesus tells us: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).  To buttress this St. John Chrysostom linked this attribute of our Lord to the call of discipleship as Christians when he said: “The light of Christians is not only for themselves, but for the whole world.”

The Church  therefore teaches that every baptized person is called to be “light of the world” (cf. Lumen Gentium, 31), reflecting Christ’s presence in daily life.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, let us trust that only God can restore and rebuild our lives, no matter how broken it may seem. Let us refuse every attempt to hide our light out of fear or complacency, and then live our faith with courage.

Today, let our words, actions, and kindness be a lamp shining for those around us;  for He who restores also sends us forth as bearers of His light. As He gently whispers: "My child do not hide it, let it shine wherever man is found."

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 22092025