DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 27TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Celebration:  Commemoration of BVM

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Joel 4:12–21

Gospel: Luke 11:27–28

Theme: God's word 

Reflection

As the liturgical week draws to a close, the Word of God invites us into a space of divine judgment, joy, and fidelity. The prophet Joel presents a dramatic image of the Lord sitting in judgment over the nations, a reminder that God is not indifferent to the injustices of the world. Yet, this judgment is not rooted in wrath but in justice and restoration: “The Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the sons of Israel” (Joel 4:16).

The Gospel reading taken from Luke 11:27–28 offers a brief but profound moment: “As Jesus was speaking, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’ But he replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Here, Jesus does not deny His Mother’s blessedness; instead, He deepens its meaning. Mary is truly blessed, not only because she bore Christ physically, but because she heard and kept the Word. This makes her the model disciple, the first believer who allowed the Word to take flesh within her (cf. Luke 1:38).

In Mary, the Word found both a home and a mission. She teaches us that faith is not mere admiration but obedient listening and living. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that Mary “is the supreme model of this faith, for she believed that ‘there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (CCC 148).

On this Saturday, traditionally dedicated to Our Lady, the Church encourages us to imitate Mary’s contemplative faith. The Second Vatican Council beautifully declares:

 “In the most holy Virgin, the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle” (Lumen Gentium, 65).

Thus, today God gently whispers to us: "Be renewed with a listening hearts, to be bearers of My Words in a noisy world, and to live as Mary lived, in faith, purity, and joyful obedience".

Let us therfore, hear and keep the Word; and imitate Mary’s Faith. 

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 11102025