DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Celebration: St Vincent de Paul, Priest

(1581-1660). Born in France. He was a priest who dedicated himself to evangelization of the poor, the unfortunate, and the suffering. Together with Louise de Marillac, he founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Charity. He also founded the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, known as Lazarists. His life remained deeply rooted in humility in spite of his worldwide fame.

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Zechariah 2:5–9, 14–15

Gospel: Luke 9:43–45

Theme: In the poor we serve the Lord. 

And the Lord Whispers:

“The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:44)

Reflection

In the first reading, God promises to dwell in the midst of His people and make Jerusalem a city without walls, open and filled with His presence (cf. Zechariah 2:5–9, 14–15). This is the vision of God’s closeness: He chooses to pitch His tent among us, which is fulfilled in the New Testament account with Jesus our Saviour as "Emmanuel" - God is with is. His abiding presence keeps us going every now and then. 

Yet in the Gospel pericope,  Jesus speaks of His passion - the paradox of God dwelling with us through suffering and rejection (cf. Luke 9:43–45). His disciples could not understand this, for they expected glory without the Cross.

It is against this backdrop in the spirit of the celebration of the memorial of St. Vincent de Paul that we clearly understood the mystery of God’s presence among the poor, the sick, and the abandoned. He saw Christ in suffering humanity and made his life a “Jerusalem without walls,” open to the least and the forgotten. His whisper echoes today: love of God finds its proof in practical love for neighbor, especially the poor.

However, St. Vincent de Paul tailored his life towards the words ofbour Lord: “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) That os why in his famous thought he says: “Charity is infinitely inventive.”

Wnd the Church reminds us that: true holiness shines in service and mercy (cf. Gaudete et Exsultate, 98).

Finally, bloved in Christ, let us see Christ’s presence not only in the Eucharist but also in the poor and marginalized. And let is jot be afraid of suffering, for it can be the place where God chooses to dwell with us.

 God dwells among us most deeply in the mystery of love and suffering. And He gently whispers to us: "Recognize and serve me in the poor." 

+ Peace be with you. 

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