DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 29th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration:   St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr (+107). He was the successor to St Peter as Bishop of Antioch. He suffered martyrdom in Rome during the persecution of Trajan. On his way to the Holy City, he wrote seven letters concerning the Person of Christ, the constitution of the Church, and Christian life. In these letters, he expressed his great love for the Lord and his ardent desire for martyrdom. His name is in the Roman Canon.

Table of the Word:  Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:13-21

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, ..." (Ephesians 2:9)

Theme: Boast not, except in Christ

Reflection for the day:

Absolutely, there is nothing we have or status we occupy that was not given to us directly or indirectly by God. For some who in their foolish paradise think that, it is as a result of hard work that they are at the crescendo of life, or as a result of their intellect, whimps and caprisces lost it out because of ignorant.

Obviously, their claim is far from the truth, for it is about God's providence and grace. And it is our obligation every now and then to acknowledge this source of our strength as St. Paul in the first reading avers:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, ..." (Ephesians 2:9)

In our failure to boast in Him who is the beginning and the end correlate us with that rich fool which Evangelist Luke in the gospel pericope recounted. (cf.Luke 12:13-21)

A man who trusted in his strength, who was all for himself without recourse to anyone. He saw himself as the beginning and the end, and as it pleases the Creator his soul was demanded of him when he thought he had all at his beck and call?

O! What an empty life, his late to bed and earlier rising all in vain.

In contrast to this, St. Ignatius of Antioch whose memorial we celebrate today, gave us exemplary life of following the gospel, when he considered wealth and royalty as a barrier for him to attain the highest good - Heaven.

To this end, beloved in Christ, where do we place God in our success story? Is He at the apex or consultant when the going is bad? Think well of the goodness of the Lord in your life and be humbled to acknowledge the "Source of the sources". Else, you will prepare a banquet for unexpected guest/as the rich fool in the gospel pericope. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty ever-living God, who adorn the sacred body of your Church with the confessions of holy Martyrs, grant, we pray, that, just as the glorious passion of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, which we celebrate today, brought him eternal splendour, so may it be for us unending protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               17102022

DIVIINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 28th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration:   St Teresa of Jesus (St Teresa of Avila), Virgin and Doctor of the Church

(1515-1582). Born in Avila (Spain). She was a Carmelite who reformed the Order with the help of St. John of the Cross. Although she suffered many hardships, she was faithful to the Church in the spirit of the Council of Trent. she contributed to the renewal of the entire ecclesiastical community and wrote outstanding works of asceticism and mysticism. Her spiritual teachings are a guide to a life of union with God. She was declared Doctor of the Church in 1917.

Table of the Word:  Ephesians 1:15-23;  Psalm 8:2-3a.4-5.6-7 (R. see 6a); Luke 12:8-12.

"...for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12.)

Theme: The Power of His Name.

Reflection for the day:

In the theology of the Truine God, we have come to the understanding that there is no bond so close as that of the Holy Trinity - the three persons in One God. That is God the Father - who is Creator of Heaven and Earth, God the Son - the Redeemer of the world and God the Holy Spirit - Our teacher, Comforter and Counselor. The Trio work hand-in-hand to give man serenity of life. 

From today's table of the Word we reflect with Evangelist Luke in his gospel account who recounted the word of our Lord to us about the Holy Spirit saying: 

"...for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” (Luke 12:12.)

Obviously, Holy Spirit is the teacher only when we listen to His prompting. Most often we run into problems because we close our minds to the prompting of the Spirit, for we lean on our understanding and intellect which God warned us, stating that we need to trust in Him, submit our wills to Him, and in doing so He will direct our path (cf. Proverbs 3:5-6)

However, same power is found in Christ - God the Son as He is made the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (cf. Ephesians 1:23).

This therefore defined the authority in the name of Jesus who is all-in-all. But we tend to lost it out when we fail to come to the realisation of the fact that, God is over everything. How often do we seek the direction of the Holy Spirit before we undertake any action? 

When last did we call on that powerful name of Jesus in other to get rid of evil power? 

The Psalmist has said it all in its antiphon:

"You have given your Son power over the works of your hands." (Psalm 8:6a). 

This proclamation invites to faith in God, for we cannot do it on our own, except God. As St. Teresa whose feast we celebrate today, entrusted her care and worries to the Truine God. We pray that she may intended on our behalf for grace to see God in every situation. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray 

God, who through your Spirit raised up Saint Teresa of Jesus to show the Church the way to seek perfection, grant that we may always be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching and fired with longing for true holiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               15102022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day:  Sorrowful

Table of the Word: Ephesians 1:11-14;  Luke 12:1-7

"...you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7)

Theme: Fear not, for He knows our trouble.

Dearest in the Lord, beautiful morning to you. Do you know your worth? How can you value your worth? 

Indeed, it will surprise you to know that you worth more than your imagination. Most often, we based our net-worth only on what human eyes can see such as: flips of cars, buildings, how greenish our account is, the number of asset et certera.

Obviously, our net-worth is beyond our physical eyes. For if we are to be priced none of us would have been below billions dollar worth. Consider our security, air we breath, daily bread offered by God not that we have worked so hard for it, (even if we do) without God, our late to bed and early rising will certainly be in vain. Who among us can buy good health? And the list go on and on.

In consideration of this undoubtful facts that our Lord Jesus whispers through Evangelist Luke saying:

"...you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7).

This is enshrined in the unfathomable love and mercy of God upon us through His only begotten who came to redeem us. He knows it all, to the extent that even the hairs of our head are all numbered. What then are we afraid of? 

Is it because the trouble of this life has hit us hard? Does it mean that the challenges of life has pressed us so much that we suddenly forget the tender mercy of God? 

Absolutely, it should not be so, for St. Paul in addressing the Church in Rome pointed out that, what we are going through now cannot be compared to the future glory awaiting us. (cf. Romans 8:18).

Therefore, beloved in Cbrist gird your loin, look beyond where we are to a home where sickness, envy, trouble, fear etc. will not be found. Trust in Him and only in Him for He knows our trouble. And finally He solemnly whispers "Be still and know that I am God."

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Eternal Word, receive we pray the homage of our lips at this morning offering. Bless our day and ignite in us the consciousness of who we are without you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                14102022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 25th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Table of the Word: Ephesians 1:1-10; Luke 11:47-54.

"He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us." (Ephesians 1:6-8)

Theme: He destined us in love.

Reflection for the day:

St. Paul's testimony before the Church in Ephesus is a great profession of faith, which we are being called to embrace. He publicly professed the love of God through His Son Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind, the love He freely bestowed notwithstanding, the disobedience of humanity and above all He still lavished grace upon grace on us. The account of this profession of faith says:

He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us." (Ephesians 1:6-8)

What a great love he has for us! What a grace lavishly poured on us, even though we have sin and come short of the glory. The blood of the Lamb speaks in the way we could not understand. It left us in the state of bewilderment as a result of our weaknesses. 

In testimony to this gratituous gift of God that the Psalmist today joyously proclaimed:

"The lord has made known his salvation."   (Psalm 98:2a)

This salvation can only be found in His Son -Jesus Christ who has paid our debt in full through His paschal mysteries of agony, death and resurrection.

Therefore, beloved in Christ let us make sincere effort to hold tenaciously the grace which God has lavished on us with tender care, let it not be wasted or take it for granted. 

Finally, as we behold the dawn of this day let us acknowledge the fact that, it is not the alarm that woke us up but that "gratuitous grace of God"  that has led us this far. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Immortal and Invisible God, we thank You for the love, care and grace showered upon us. Grant us we pray, that this grace may has effect in us so that we may be true witnesses to Your works. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               13102022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 27th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day:  Sorrowful

Celebration: Our Lady of the Rosary

This Marian celebration originated from the victory of Lepanto (1571). The combined Christian fleet defeated the forces of the Turks, thus arresting their occupation of Europe. This favor was attributed by Pope St. Pius V to the recitation of the Holy Rosary. The Rosary is very pleasing to our Mother in heaven who recommends it herself. The Popes, too, greatly recommend the Rosary. The elements of the Holy Rosary are two: the meditation of the mysteries and vocal prayer. The Rosary is Mary's favourite prayer, a prayer that surely reaches her motherly heart and moves her to give abundant graces.

Table of the Word: Galatians 3:7-14; Luke 11:15-26.

Theme: Faithfulness in God pays

“Those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.” (see Galatians 3:7-14)

Reflection for the day:

Obviously, faithfulness in God pays beyond human calculation. There is no substitute to this spiritual ordinance. We are obliged to be faithful to God in every situation, whether the going is good or not. The ancient aphorism.which says: "at the end of tunnel lies a light" borne out of faith. For a man who journeyed through the darkest of night with faith will surely behold the dawn t the end of it all. 

That is the central message from today's table of the Word where St. Paul in his epistle to the Galatian Church reminded his hearers the efficacy of faithfulness in God, citing example with Abraham our patriarch in faith, whose steadfastness gives rise to his friendship with God. 

“Those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith.” (see Galatians 3:7-14). 

This same faith that made itself manifested in the life of our Mother -  which her favourite and remarkable prayer we give credence to in today's liturgy. 

Hence, Holy Rosary - a prayer of faith, which many have testified that mountains are removed when faithfully prayed, once barrened now becomes a mother, with it comfort returned to the broken hearted and many other testimonies. 

Therefore beloved in Christ, what are you waiting for? What is the measurement of your faith in God? We need to live by faith so as to be blessed as Abraham was. 

Remember, the invitation to sacrifice his only begotten which was a test; he willingly knowing fully well who God is that He will provide from His abundance responded to the invitation. (cf. Genesis 22:1-19)

Even though, the son asked: "we have everything for the sacrifice, where is the lamb?" In faith he responded, the Lord will provide.  

I pray for you today dear friends in Christ may the good Lord from the abundance of His kingdom provides you with beautiful gift today. May the faith of Abraham whom we are his children in faith push us to greater height, may we never doubt God anymore. 

Finally, faith is trusting God when situation gets out hand, and when there are unanswered questions.

Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Faithful God, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You, increase our faith that we may believe You in every situation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               07102022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY OF THE 27th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Luminous 

Table of the Word: Galatians 3:1-5; Luke 11:5-13

Theme:  Peserverance in prayer

“And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (cf. Luke 11:5-13)

Reflection for the day: 

The invitation to perseverance in prayer has a repeatition also in one of the synoptic gospels ((cf. Matthew 7:7-8). It is a wake up call to our Christian duty to persevere in our prayer life, for God knows our cares and worries. 

In the light of this, that Evangelist Luke reminded us today in the gospel pericope the words of our Lord saying:

And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (cf. Luke 11:5-13)

This is a pointer to the fact that He knows our needs, but we must first of all ask in order to receive. The essence of this caveat is to enable us have value for the needed gift. For if we receive it on the platter of gold we may likely loose its value. 

However, this does not nullifies the attribute of God as "all-knowing" (Omniscience), but it permeates our consciousness with this aura of being sensitive that there is nothing that we own that is not given to us by God (directly or indirectly).

In our day-to-day endeavour, we need to be ever-concious of our beings as weak and short- lived. We need to acknowledge our inadequacies and weaknesses and recognize with confidence our total dependence on God, that without Him we are nothing. 

Finally, let our trust, desire and need be built on Him and only Him alone. For in doing this, we will know that our strength comes from Him and only Him alone. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Eternal Word, thank You for the wonders of our being. As we journey along this ephemeral path grant us the grace to be humble and ask whenever we are in need. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               06102022

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE 27th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day:  Joyful

Table of the Word: Galatians 1:6-12, Luke 10:25-37.

Theme: Love Conquers.

"A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, even as I have loved you." (John 13:34)

Reflection for the day:

The language of love cuts across every culture, race and tribe. While some understood it on the level of what to get in return, others see it beyond mere words, but above all none can be compared to the love of God upon humanity. 

Right from time immemorial God has been faithful in His love upon us despite our inadequacies, He proved to Man that Love is His attribute.

Thus, inviting man to reciprocate this kind gesture to his fellow man. 

In today's liturgy of the Word, the gospel antiphon avers:

"A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, even as I have loved you." (John 13:34)

This made itself manifested in the gospel narrative on the Good Samaritan, who went outside the comfort of himself to love. (cf. Luke 10:25-37). He did not do it for fame, or any personal gain as it is being done today by some attention seekers, who gave out charity worth N10:00, and paid media for publicity N50:00.There was no update on his status that he did service of charity as it is the case today. 

However, the fundamental question is: How much do we love? Can we love beyond ourselves? Can we translate the language of love into action? 

Until we do this, there and then that we will come to the full realization that love is beyond words.

Finally, let love leads so that chaos, anarchy, envy, and hatred will cease to exist. Peace, be with you!

Let us pray.

Merciful Lord, thank You for the wonders of creation which is founded upon Your love for man. Grant us the grace to love as You love, for it is in loving that we are being loved. We ask this though Christ our Lord.

 Amen.

© The ARCHIVE               03102022