DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE 23RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration: Ferial 

Liturgical Colour: Green 

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Colossians 1:21-23

Gospel: Luke 6:1-5

Theme: Called, Healed, and Sent in Christ.

And the Lord Whispers: “All in the crowd were trying to touch Him, for power came out from Him and healed them all” (Luke 6:19).

Reflection

From today's table of the Word, St. Paul in the first reading an extract from his epistle to the Colosian Church reminded us once again of our identity as Christ faithful. Here he invited us to keep the faith intact for Christ paid the debt of our transgressions and thus reconciling us with God after our fallen state.

In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus choosing the Twelve Apostles and then healing the multitudes who came to Him. The teaching here is that Christ not only calls but also restores. The apostles were ordinary men with weaknesses, yet chosen to carry an extraordinary mission. Likewise, the sick and broken who touched Him found new life.

This passage reveals two sides of discipleship: being chosen and being healed. To follow Christ is to be touched by His power, transformed by His love, and then sent forth as a witness.

And that is why St. Paul reminded the Colossians: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” (Colossians 2:6). Our calling is not a one-time event but a daily walking in the grace of Christ. And the psalmist also paid great attention to the supernatural power of Christ's healing power when he said: "He sent His word and healed them..." (Psalm 107:20)

However, the Catechism on the other hand teaches that the apostles’ call is the foundation of the Church’s mission: “The Lord Jesus endowed His community with a structure that will remain until the Kingdom is fully achieved” (CCC 765). Through their witness, we too are drawn into this healing mission.

Beloved in Christ, allow Christ to heal the wounds you carry through prayer, Eucharist, and reconciliation. Live as one who is both called and sent; share God’s love by bringing comfort, healing, or encouragement to someone today.

Indeed amidst every chaos and confusion He whispers: “Come close to Me, and My power will make you whole. Go forth, My child, and be a vessel of My healing to the world.”

+ Peace be with you. 

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