DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR 

Celebration:  Ferial 

Table of the Word 

First Reading: Romans 1:1–7

Gospel: Luke 11:29–32

Theme: Seek GOD and not PEOPLE. 

Reflection

Obviously,  every now and then God is always at work in us with miracles upon miracles such as the miracles of the basic necessities of life: food, shelter and clothing. Above all the miracle of life every day. Still, out of the insatiability of man, we are not contented with it, then kept on pursing shadow instead of reality (true conversion).  It is against this backdrop that we are being exhorted by the Mother Church on the need to seek for conversion and no longer miracles. 

In today’s first reading, St. Paul introduces himself as “a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God.” He speaks of the obedience of faith, the kind of faith that not only believes but also submits to God’s will (cf. Romans 1:1–7)

For St. Paul, the Gospel is not merely a message to be admired, but a calling to be lived. This obedience of faith is the foundation of true discipleship.

In the Gospel pericope following Evangelist Luke, Jesus rebukes the crowd for seeking signs (cf. Luke 11:29–32). The central point of our deep thought reflection today. 

 They wanted wonders, but not conversion; miracles, but not transformation. Jesus declares that “no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.” Jonah’s preaching brought repentance to Nineveh, just as the Son of Man calls for repentance from a hardened generation. The sign of Jonah thus becomes the symbol of conversion and renewal, the only true sign that matters to a believing heart.

The Church Fathers remind us that faith matures in obedience. That is why St. Augustine once said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of faith is to see what you believe.” When faith is alive, it leads to action, to obedience, charity, and transformation of heart.

Beloved in Christ, let us in faith renew our “yes” to God. As each day offers an opportunity to live the obedience of faith, in prayer, in patience, and in love. Let us Seek signs of grace, not of power, seek for conversion and not miracles for God’s presence often appears in quiet fidelity and small acts of faith.

Finally, let us be a sign to others. Like Jonah, allow our lives and witness to call others to repentance and hope. As the true sign of faith is not what we see, but how we obey when we cannot see.

+ Peace be with you. 

© ARCHIVE 13102025