DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY 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 9:5–9

Gospel: Luke 9:1–6

Theme: 

And the Lord Whispers:

“Take nothing for your journey… and proclaim the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:3, 6)

Reflection

From today's table of the Word, we see Ezra’s prayer as a confession of weakness and a thanksgiving for God’s mercy: though Israel had sinned, but God granted them “a little space of grace” to rise again (cf.Ezra 9:5–9). This reveals God’s faithfulness and restoration fow His people. Even if when the fail.

St. Luke in today's Gospel pericope gives an account of how Jesus sends His disciples on mission with nothing but trust in divine providence (Luke 9:1–6). 

The instruction to carry neither staff, bag, bread, nor money is a radical reminder that God alone sustains the mission. Success in God’s work does not depend on human security but on reliance on Him.

The common thread is clear: God’s mercy restores, and His mission sustains. When we are emptied of self-reliance, His grace fills us a.s His mercy carries us along this the thorny path of mission. The mission here is not only for the priests,  pastors or other teachers of faith  who have been entrusted with the care of the soul but it is for all with the mark of Christianity. As Christians we are obliged to continue the mission task of our Lord within our space amidst life threatening challanges. That is why the Scripture says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

And St. John Chrysostom taught: “He sends them without gold, without bag, without shoes, to signify the greatness of the power which is in them.” Today the Church reminds us that mission flows from trust in God, not from abundance of resources (cf. Ad Gentes, 5).

Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are called to trust God in our weakness; for His mercy rebuilds what sin or failure has broken. As we begin our daily mission task, we ought to approach with zeal and reliance on He (God) who sent us. That is why the ancient maxim says: "Sometimes less is more".  Let detachment free us to proclaim Christ with authenticity.

Finally, God’s mercy restores us, and His providence sustains our mission, as He gently whispers: "My child travel light, trust deep, and proclaim boldly".

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 24092025