DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph

THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Celebration: Ferial

📖 Table of the Word

First Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1–11

Gospel: Mark 1:40–45

Theme: Called by Name, Renewed from Within

Reflection

Today, we are being confronted with so many things regarding true worship, while some hold tenaciously to true teaching others create their own channel all in the name of worship. From today's table of the Word we have seen this replaying among the Israelites (cf.1 Samuel 4:1–11) . Here the Israel goes into battle carrying the Ark of the Covenant, convinced that God’s presence guarantees victory. Yet they are defeated. The shock is theological: holy objects cannot replace holy lives. The Ark, symbol of God’s presence, is treated like a weapon rather than a covenant reminder.

This reading confronts a subtle temptation: confusing religious symbols with true obedience. God refuses to be reduced to a charm. He desires hearts aligned with His will, not rituals emptied of faithfulness.

In the light of this, that the Mother Church teaches that sacraments are not magic; they require proper disposition (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1128). God’s grace works where humility and conversion are present.

It is against the backdrop of defeat and lament, that the Gospel reveals the true heart of God. A leper - a man  isolated, unclean, and excluded approaches Jesus instead of withdrawing, Jesus stretches out His hand and touches him.

This gesture is revolutionary. Jesus risks ritual impurity to restore a broken life. His words are simple yet decisive: “I do will it. Be made clean.”

Here, God is no longer carried into battle; God walks toward human misery.

However, the Church sees in this act the model of Christ’s sacramental ministry especially in the Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, where Christ still touches what the world avoids.

When faith becomes presumption, God allows us to fall, not to destroying us, but to purify our trust. When defeat silences our confidence, prayer becomes more honest. When society excludes, Christ draws near and touches. God is not found in objects used without obedience, but in compassion lived with faith.

Finally, it is obvious that true victory is not winning battles, but being restored in relationship with God.

+ Peace of Christ be with you!

© ARCHIVE 15012026