DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Saint of the day

St. Apollonia

The details of the birth of St. Apollonia are not known. The details available about her are only the details written by Dionysius, bishop of Alexandria to Fabian, Bishop of Antioch. She was one of the virgin martyrs of Christianity. She was martyred in Alexandria for not renouncing her Christian faith during the reign of Emperor Philip, the Arab. One of the poets prophesied that a calamity could happen in Alexandria due to the presence of Christians there. On hearing this prophesy the people of Alexandria got furious and committed bloody outrages against innocent Christians. But the Government took no efforts to safeguard the Christians from the atrocities of other people. An old Christian man named Metrius and a Christian woman Quinta were martyred in the outrage. St. Apollonia who was a deaconess then, did not flee Alexandria, when all other Christians were fleeing from Alexandria to escape death. She was arrested and was threatened to be killed by fire. Her entire teeth were knocked down before killing her. But she voluntarily jumped into the fire to safeguard her modesty in the year 249. Some people considered the voluntary jumping into the fire by St. Apollonia as a suicide, which is not permitted in Christianity. But St. Augustine considered the voluntary martyrdom of St. Apollonia as a special inspiration from the Holy Spirit. 

She is venerated as the patron saint of dentistry and dental diseases.

Reflection of the day

Theme: The promise kept.

"O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people." (Psalm 106: 4a)

True friendship lies in trust, on the ground of human level, when mistrust sets into relationship, the centre could not hold it again, as envy, hatred and doubt become the order of the day. 

In contrary to this, God's promise to His people is always kept despite our shortcomings and weaknesses. To buttress this fact, that the Psalmist today reechoed God's faitfulness in the antiphon of today's psalm saying:

"O Lord, remember us with the favour you show to your people." (Psalm 106: 4a)

In the past, His faithfulness was told everywhere. And in our days, the story is not different. Let us be hopeful that God is in charge and He will do beyond our expectation. Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and merciful God, we thank You for yet another opportunity to see the light of the day, grant we pray the grace to be true to Your words ,so that we may be counted among the elects. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE                1202222

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

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

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Saint of the day:  

St. Scholastica

She was born in the year 480 and she was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine Order. She founded a monastery of nuns at Plombariola. Her brother went to Monte Cassino and founded his Benedictine Order. St. Scholastica and her brother St. Benedict used to meet once in a year for joint prayer and religious conversation. St. Benedict never used to stay outside his monastery in any night. During a visit to his sister Scolastica, when St. Benedict tried to return to his monastery in the evening, St. Scholastica requested her brother St. Benedict to stay that night with her in her monastery. But he refused to stay. So St. Scholastica prayed God and there was a wild thunder storm outside and St. Benedict could not return and stayed with St. Scholastica. St. Benedict went to his monastery only next day. But after three days St. Scholastica died on February 10, 547. It is reported by Gregory the Great in his book Dialogues that St. Benedict saw from his monastery, his sister St. Scholastica’s soul leaving the earth and ascending to heaven in the form of a shining dove. St. Scholastica was buried in the tomb prepared by St. Benedict. She is the patron saint of nuns, convulsive children and she is also invoked against storms and rains. 

Reflection for the day 

Theme: Being upright brings about God's blessing 

"...for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen." (1 Kings 11:13)

Obviously, being faithful to the detects and ordinances of God brings about blessing from one generation to another. So was the case of David, whom God delighted in Him and kept to His promise to many generations of his ; which later on became the foundation in which man's redemption came forth -Jesus Christ, who originated from the stock of David.

Amidst the shortcomings recorded by David, God did not abandon him, but stood by him and was faithful to His words. That is why the author of the Book of Kings reminded us today: 

"...for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen." (1 Kings 11:13)

That, for this same sake, He will never punish Solomon (his son), together with his descendants. 

Therefore, beloved in Christ, God's faithfulness is always sure no matter the situation. His plans for us cannot be cut-off come what may, because He is true to His Words now and always.

Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, thank You for the wonders of Your Being. We beseech Thee to give is the grace to see in the light of faith Your faithfulness to us. And may we be ever believe in Your Word. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                 10022022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Saint of the day

St. Jerome Emiliani

St. Jerome Emiliani was born in the year 1481 in Venice. His father was Angelo Emiliani and mother Eleonora Mauroceni. He joined in the army in the year 1508. During the battle in defense of Castelnuovo, he was taken as a prisoner. He was released miraculously, said to be at the intercession of Our Lady of Treviso. He was later appointed as the Venetian Magistrate of Castelnuovo. During the time of the plague in 1528, he helped the orphans, whose number increased due to continuous death of persons by plague. He founded a religious society in 1532 and was later raised to a Religious Order by Pope St. Pius-V. Education of the youth was the main program of the Order and their colleges at Rome and Pavia became renowned institutions. He fell victim to a disease and died at Samasca on February 8, 1537.

He was beatified by pope Benedict-XIV in 1747 and canonized by pope Clement- XIII in 1767. He is venerated as the patron saint of orphans.

Reflection for the day

Theme:  The power of the Word.

 "Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth." (John 17:17)

Every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God comes with power, it illuminates the darkness of our hearts, waters the dryshod land to make it fertile, it becomes hope for the weary minds and succour to the afflicted. 

No wonder the Scripture described it as a lamp unto our feet, which lead us to the greener pasture. 

In our reflection today, we bare our minds with the epistle of Evangelist John in his gospel pericope which forms the gospel acclamation: 

 "Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth." (John 17:17)

These Words is truth itself, as very truth brings about life in Jesus. Evangelist John in this proclamation prays to God to sanctify us in truth which is His Words.

This implies that, we need to eat the Word as Prophet Jeremaiah, proclaim it as John the Baptist and then lives out like St. Stephen who bore witness to this Truth. We must not die by stoning as Stephen, but day-to-day self-sacrifice will certainly go a long way to make us faithful to this Word, which is Christ.

Finally, let our lives speaks more than our utterances, so that the world will see it and glorify our father in Heaven. 

Peace! Be with you

Let us pray

Eternal Word, You are Truth indeed. Grant, we beseech Thee the grace to live out Your Word in every situation we may find ourselves. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

@ The ARCHIVE                   09022022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Saint of the day

St. Colette

St. Colette was born at Corbie in Picardy, France on January 13, 1381. Her father was Robert Boellet and mother Marguerite Moyon. The birth name of St. Colette was Nicole Boellet. Colette's mother Marguerite prayed to St. Nicholas for a child and St. Colette was born when her mother was 60 years old. Her conception was considered a miracle of St. Nicholas. St. Colette received the habit of the Third Order of Francis in 1402. She founded the Colettine Poor Clares, a reformed branch of the Order of Saint Clare. She also founded 18 monasteries. She prescribed extreme poverty, observance of perpetual fasting and abstinence to the members. She used to go to all places by bare foot. When, once she stayed in the house of her friend, the house owner’s wife was having major difficulties in child birth for a third child. Colette went to a nearby church and prayed. The house owner’s wife later gave birth to a girl child and that child later entered the monastery of Colette and became the biographer of Colette (Pierinne). One day a man brought a child, died at birth to the parish priest for baptism. But the priest refused and advised the man to go to the nuns. The man then came to mother Colette and she gave her veil to the father of the dead child and asked him to cover the dead child in it and take to thⁿe priest. When the father arrived at the priest’s house with the dead child, the child was conscious and was crying. The priest then baptized the child. Colette died on March 6, 1447. 

She was beatified by pope Clement-XII on January 23, 1740 and canonized by pope Pius-VII on May 24, 1807.

She is the patron of women seeking to conceive, expectant mothers and sick children.

Reflection for the day

Theme: The healing power of Christ

"... and as many as touched it were made well. (Mark 6:56)

Christ's primary mission was reconciliation of the fallen race to the Father after the great fall. (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) The reconciliation came in various forms, as He taught the ill-minded to understand the secret of the Kingdom of His Father, and healed the broken hearted, and restorating man back to his wholeness.

This power of healing is what, Evangelist Mark reechoed in the gospel pericope today as he wrote:

"... and as many as touched it were made well. (Mark 6:56)

This is a matter faith, we need to make a move to God in faith. We need a touch of the fringe of His loin. 

Our situations cannot be superior to the grace God has given us. All we need is a movement of faith. 

As we are beginning this week, let us not loss consciousness of His amazing grace in every situation. For He will be there for us. Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty God, we thank you for Your love and kindness. We beseech Thee, to give us the grace to be closer to You in thought, words and action, so that we may see You as You are. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE            07022022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Saint of the day

St. Agatha

She lived in Christian antiquity and born in the year 231 A.D. She was born in a place called Catania in Sicily in a rich and noble family. At her very young age she dedicated her virginity to God and refused to marry anyone. Since she was very beautiful many persons wanted to marry her or to have sexual relation with her. A Roman Prefect named Quintianus also wanted have sex with her but she refused. So Quintianus brought her before a magistrate for trial to punish her for her faith in Christianity. Quintianus expected that she would relent in the face of torture and possible death. Her breasts were cut off during the torture in prison. She died of the torture in prison in the year 251 A.D. She died in the reign of the Roman Emperor Decius. But before her death the breasts cut off by the guards during the torture, were restored by an apparition of St. Peter to her, in the prison. The intercession of St. Agatha through an apparition to a Benedictine nun is reported to have saved Malta from Turkish invasion.

St. Agatha is the patroness of Bakers, jewelers and also invoked against breast cancer, against fire and against earthquakes.

Reflection for the day

Theme: Wisdom the hub of all things.

"... and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." (1 Kings 3:4ff.)

Man remains a beggar before God, he begs even what he is not needed. As a result of insatiability nature of humanity, man continue to be in constant search for comfort. 

For instance, if God were to put before us this question: 

"... and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." (1 Kings 3:4ff.) 

In sincerity of heart, our various responses will raise dust. Some will ask for food in expense of sanctity of life, wealth in place of wisdom as Solomon did, connection instead of a forgiving heart etc.

In the light of this, that I invite you to reflect with me on what I could refer to as: "Solomonic desire" - wisdom; for he did not desire wealth or connection but wisdom which superceeds knowledge we are all struggling for.

In need, man most often asked for material things which are merely temporal; just to satisfy the present need.

However, we are being exhort to seek first the kingdom of God, and every other thing will be added unto us.

Peace, be with you

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, grant we pray the grace to desire what is immaterial that is spiritual things which we know, as You added more to King Solomon when he asked for wisdom. You will never fail to give us what is good. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                 05022022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Saint of the day

St. Joseph of Leonissa

Joseph was born on January 8, 1556 at Leonissa in Italy. His birth name was Eufranio Desiderio and he became a Capuchin at the age of 16 years. He made his novitiate at the Friary of the Carcerelle near Assisi. He was ordained a priest on May 21, 1581. In 1587 he was sent to Constantinople by the Minister General of his Order to do missionary work there. In Constantinople, he was appointed as the chaplain for about 4000 Christian slaves who worked in the penal colony of Qaasim-pacha. He used to walk through the streets by ringing a bell to remind the parents of children to send their children to catechism classes. In the course of his missionary work one day he went to the palace of Sultan Murad-III to preach the Gospel before him. But he was seized by the guards and condemned to death by the Sultan. He was hung on the gallows for three days, held up by two hooks driven through his right hand and foot. But on the evening of the third day, the guards cut him down at near death position only, due to the miraculous intercession of an angel and escaped from death. He then returned to Italy and took up the work of Home Missions in his native province. He preached to poor people and gave them food also. He lived a saintly life. He died in Amatrice on February 4, 1612.

St. Joseph was beatified by pope Clement-XII in the year 1737 and canonized by pope Benedict-XIV in the year 1746.

Reflection for the day

Theme: Beware of Herodian's promise

"Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom."  (Mark 6:22-23)

Most often we are being carried away with situation, either in pains or joy. This plague our sense of reasoning.Thus,  pushing us to do what will bring regret at the end. We promise to delight the minds of others, even though we know within us that we won't fulfil it, we say what we don't mean, we use "honey coated lips" just to gather people around us.

In the light of this ill-way of life that we invite you to reflect with is, taking cognizance of the Herodian's promise as Evangelist Mark reported in the gospel pericope of today. 

"Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom."  (Mark 6:22-23)

From the excerpt above, we have seen how King Herod was carried away with amusement of life, he could not had control of his will and wish. He was carried away by mere relationship of friends and leading men and suddenly forgot himself in the midst of the sea. 

On another note, the request of the little girl as directed by the mother would have still been turned down, only if he wish to; but he was afraid to loose his relationship with these leading men in the society.

On our own path, at times we tend to please others in detriment of our relationship with God, to satisfy the immediate hunger, and and go empty stomach afterwards, we sale our hard earned dignity on the plater of  cheap popularity by pursuing empty glory and honour. How long will we continue like this? 

The caveat now is: watch what you think, say and do. Let every promise or pledge made be moderated by reason and right judgment and not by who is to be offended or not.

Peace, be with you

Let is pray

Almighty God, we are grateful to You for the gift of reason and right judgement. In our day-to-day living grant us we pray the grace to be able to seive the corn out from the chaff; so that our lives may be a sweet smelling fragrance before You. We ask this through Cbrist our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               04022022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Glorious

Celebration

Presentation of the Lord

The Presentation of the Lord is the fourth joyful mystery of the Rosary in the Latin Catholic Church. The presentation of the Lord is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (2:22-40). Child Jesus was taken to the Temple to perform the redemption of the first born in the family and to complete the ritual purification of Virgin Mary after child birth as per the Law of Moses. When the Infant Jesus was brought to the Temple, Simeon and another prophetess Anna praised Jesus as the savior of the world. As per the Law of Moses every male child that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord. Therefore every Jewish boy child must be circumcised and named on the eighth day after his birth. Circumcision was so holy to Jews at that time that it must be done on the eighth day even though the day is a Sabbath day. There was also a ceremony called'Redemption of the First born (Numbers 18:16). Five shekels have to be paid to the priests by the parents of the boy to ceremoniously redeem/buy back the child from the God. Purification after child birth is necessary for the mother. She is considered as unclean for 40 days after child birth if the child is male and unclean for 80 days if the child was female. In the purification ceremony, the mother should bring a lamb for burnt offering and a young pigeon for a sin offering. If she could not afford a lamb, she can bring another pigeon. If two pigeons were brought, it was considered as the offering of the poor. Mother Mary brought the offering of the poor.

Reflection for the day

Theme: 

"When David's time to die drew near, he charged Solomon his son, saying, "I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies... " (1 Kings 2:1-4)