DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration: Ferial 

Liturgical Colour: Green 

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Colossians 1:9-14

Gospel: Luke 4:38–44

Theme: Put out into the deep...

And the Lord Whispers: “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).

REFLECTION: Today’s Gospel takes us to the familiar shores of Gennesaret, where weary fishermen had toiled all night in vain. Then Jesus steps into their boat and invites them to a deeper trust: “Put out into the deep.” Peter’s obedience, even in exhaustion, becomes the doorway to abundance. The whisper here is clear: when human effort collapses, divine grace takes over. As Carey Landry, a Catholic musician and composer in his classic wrote: "Great things happen when God mixes with us." 

How often do we, like Peter, feel that our “nets” of prayer, service, or daily struggles come back empty? Yet, God calls us not to give up but to trust in His timing. The empty nets are not signs of failure but of preparation for the miracle that follows obedience.

The Catechism reminds us that “faith is first of all a personal adherence of man to God” (CCC 150). To cast the nets again is an act of faith, not logic. Pope St. John Paul II often used this phrase “Duc in altum” (“Put out into the deep”) to encourage Christians to embrace mission without fear.

Beloved in Christ, today, in whatever area you feel most weary work, prayer, family, vocation listen to Christ’s whisper and try again with Him at the center. Approach your duties with faith, not mere calculation or professionalism but with utmost trust in the Lord. Indeed, what seems impossible becomes fruitful when Christ steps into your boat.

Finally, we pray thee O Lord to give us courage to launch again at Your word and to trust that in Your hands my little efforts will bear fruit in abundance.

+ Peace be with you. 

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