LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Theme:... and He heard my cry.

"The waves of death rose about me; the pains of the netherworld surrounded me. In my anguish I called to the Lord and from his holy temple he heard my voice." (Cf. Ps 18:5.7)

In the light of human existence, trouble, disappointment, frustration etc. encompassing man. Though some are self-made or being inflicted by enemies.

The Psalmist today in the entrance antiphon seen himself in the dungeon of pains, and cried out with hope in God:

"The waves of death rose about me; the pains of the netherworld surrounded me. In my anguish I called to the Lord and from his holy temple he heard my voice." (Cf. Ps 18:5.7).

This is therefore a sure reminder of our dependency on God. For we cannot do anything without the help of God. He remains our begining and the end. 

However, let us be reminded that He had promised before hand that He will fight our battles, and that we only need to be silent (cf. Exodus 14:14).

Therefore, let us put our trust in God for He is too faithful to disappoint us. Keeping in mind that, trust hinges on faith, so a little of faith urges us on.

Peace! Be with you

Let us pray

May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for without your grace, we cannot find favour in your sight. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                  25032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Theme: Let us encompass him.

"Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training." (Wisdom 2:1.12)

Every act of righteousness challenges our enemies, for they don't want us to be closer to God. As the Scripture says:  "... they accuse us day and night before our God..." (cf. Revelation 12:10). 

In another part, the Book of Wisdom in the course of today's liturgy of the Word reminded us of the plan of the evil one against God's children:

"Ungodly men reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, "Let us lie in wait for the righteous man, because he is inconvenient to us and opposes our actions; he reproaches us for sins against the law, and accuses us of sins against our training." (Wisdom 2:1.12).

Therefore, this is a reminder to watch our steps, thoughts, words and actions as we continue our penitential walk with the Lord.

Let our hearts remain the seat of judgment where conscience directs every deed. If this happens, they will oppose us, but they won't succeed, they will encompass us, and we will triumph; for the blood of the Lamb has spoken on our behalf.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who have prepared fitting helps for us in our weakness, grant, we pray, that we may receive their healing effects with joy, and reflect them in a holy way of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 ©The ARCHIVE           24032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

THURSDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Luminous

Theme: I will forever keep you in mind.

 "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

God has been, He is and will continue showering His bountiful love upon humanity. 

Today's text taken from the second Isaiah (which was written during the Exile) speaks of God's special love for His children, which is quite touching and striking. Here Isaiah projects an image of God as Mother; who cuddles, and tenders her children with care. As a Mother, sometimes she denies herself comfort for the well-being of her child.

 "Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

Consequent upon this, God also reminded us of writing our names in His palms. (cf. Isaiah 49:16). Assurance that even if the mother fails, He will never fail us.

There is no better way of loving than a "fulfilled promise." He is too faithful to disappoint us. As we keep on journey together, may His love sustains us now and forevermore. 

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who reward the merits of the just and offer pardon to sinners who do penance, have mercy, we pray, on those who call upon you, that the admission of our guilt may serve to obtain your pardon for our sins. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE          23032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Glorious

Theme: Turn to the Lord...

 "Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it,..." (Exodus 32:7ff.).

Beloved in Christ, warm greetings to you. The weakness and fragility of man is being discovered when he derails from the right part, or missing out of Divine path through sin. (Cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) 

At this very moment the fragility of man becomes obvious such that, he needs a leaning shoulder, or a hand to raise him up from the dust of his weakness. 

On this note, that the Psalmist reminded us of the need to turn to God through concientious observance of pious acts in this sacred season in the life of the Church. 

"Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strengthened; constantly seek his face." ( Cf. Ps 105:3-4)

In the light of this, God spoke to  Moses in this way:

 "Go down; for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves; they have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them; they have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshipped it and sacrificed to it,..." (Exodus 32:7ff.).

This Divine directive is merciful and love oriented, which are His attributes. He desires not the death of a sinner as the scripture tells us, but delights with a remorseful heart who seeks forgiveness and reconciliation.

Finally, let us cry to Him to  remember us with the favour He shows to His people.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray 

We invoke your mercy in humble prayer, O Lord, that you may cause us, your servants, corrected by penance and schooled by good works, to persevere sincerely in your commands and come safely to the paschal festivities.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE     22032023

ĹENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Theme: Come to me...

"All who are thirsty, come to the waters, says the Lord. Though you have no money, come and drink with joy." ( Cf. Is 55:1)

Beloved in Christ, a beautiful morning to you and your household. We are at it again, "God's unfathomable mercy" upon humanity. We are grateful to Him for His love and enduring provision. 

Today, on our tabloid Prophet Isaiah prophesied:

"All who are thirsty, come to the waters, says the Lord. Though you have no money, come and drink with joy." ( Cf. Is 55:1)

Dearest friend, are you thirsty?   And thirsty of what? Healing? fortune? Fertility of the womb? Employment? Open door in business? etc.

Then the time is now, as God is inviting us to come and have a drink of fertility, open heavens, success etc. even without cost and connection. While others boast in connections, our boast is in the Lord who made Heaven and Earth and all that is in it. 

The invitation is going round,  grab yours and drink it to the full. He gives without charge and connection. Make haste to draw water from this source of life, never allow anything to hamper your effort in drinking from this fountain of life. Remember, no condition is attached to it. 

Finally, be reminded that no one drinks from this source and go back thirsty. 

Peace be with you!

Let us pray 

May the venerable exercises of holy devotion shape the hearts of your faithful, O Lord, to welcome worthily the paschal mystery and proclaim the praises of your salvation.

 Through Christ our Lord. Amen

© The ARCHIVE     20032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Theme: Seek good and not evil.

"Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord will be with you." (Amos 5:14)

God spoke to us every now and then, as a reminder of our responsibility. Today, through Prophet Amos, He left us with a caveat to choose between good and evil as a determinant factor to either live or die. 

"Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and the Lord will be with you." (Amos 5:14)

In the light of this scenario, while journey with the Church within this solemn season of lent; let us use this great opportunity to reconcile with our Creator through our relationship with our fellow men. Also, let us not loose sight of this great chance through negligence or being carried away with the aura of petty pleasure.

Finally, may we keep our eyes fixed on the way of the Cross of our Lord so as to chastised this mortal body for the salvation of our souls.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who renew the world through mysteries beyond all telling, grant, we pray, that your Church may be guided by your eternal design and not be deprived of your help in this present age. Amen. 

© The ARCHIVE                  19032023

LENTEN DIGEST with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Theme: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.

"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1-6).

Every sick person desires healing and restoration. But when healing does not come, mind blowing question surfaces. Where is God?

But most often we suddenly forget that: "every event in life is a lesson."

That is, God writes in a crooked line. This implies that, He does whatsoever He Wills.

Our distress, tribulations and ugly situations does not mean to pull us down but to strengthen us.

It is in this same spirit that,

Prophet Hosea proclaimed:

"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn, that he may heal us; he has stricken, and he will bind us up." (Hosea 6:1-6).

This points to God's ever readiness to heal us of our infirmities, infirmties of hardshisp, distress, hatred, envy, etc. at His appointed time. 

He desire to be merciful upon us and not in our "ill-burnt offering of sin." Trust and obey, He will not fail us. Healing upon us we pray O! Lord.

Peace be with you!

Let us pray 

Rejoicing in this annual celebration of our Lenten observance, we pray, O Lord, that, with our hearts set on the paschal mysteries, we may be gladdened by their full effects. 

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                17032023