DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

Reflection on SHROVE TUESDAY

           (Ash Wednesday Eve)

Table of the Word: James 1:12-18; Psalm 94:12-13a.14-15.18-19 (R. 12a); Mark 8:14-21.

Celebration for the day: Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Roman Catholics, who "make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God's help in dealing with." This moveable feast is determined by Easter. The expression "Shrove Tuesday" comes from the word shrive, meaning "absolve."

As this is the last day of the Christian liturgical season historically known as carnival or Shrovetide, before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one might give up as their Lenten sacrifice for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations. The term Mardi Gras French for "Fat Tuesday", referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Many Christian congregations thus observe the day through eating pancakes or, more specifically, the holding of pancake breakfast, as well as the ringing of church bells to remind people to repent of their sins before the start of Lent.On Shrove Tuesday, churches also burn the palms distributed during the previous year's Palm Sunday liturgies to make the ashes used during the services held on the very next day, Ash Wednesday.

In some Christian countries, especially those where the day is called Mardi Gras or a translation thereof, it is a carnival day, the last day of "fat eating" or "gorging" before the fasting period of Lent. (credit: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

The Word: "...but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death." (see James 1:12-18)

Theme: Be disciplined.

Reflection: 

     Beloved in Christ by God's special grace we are rounding up the first part of Ordinary Time today, which is also referred to as "Shrove Tuesday"; a day set aside for preparation for the service of Ash Wednesday. 

    Today, the Church invites us to prepare ourselves to embark on this spiritual journey. In the light of this that St. James in today's first reading says:

"...but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death." (see James 1:12-18)

     However, to drive home the message we are being called to exhibit discipline; because with it we can put under control or check our desires and excesses. As we are getting set to start this spiritual walk with the Lord let us joyfully accept every cross that will come our way devoid of complaim; rather present it to Him in prayer.

     Finally, as we are burning the palms of last year Passion Sunday to be used tomorrow as part of Shrove Tuesday Exercises let us with joy burn out those weakness of ours through the sacramebt of reconciliation; so that we may be refilled by the Spirit and be part of the many who will on that Mother of all Nights sing the great Alleluia. Peace be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, we thank You for the many blessings we receive from You. We appreciate the wonders of our being. As we begin this spiritual journey, grant us the grace to be faithful to Your Word and be ever conscious of Your detects and ordinances. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

© The ARCHIVE                       13022024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY IN THE SIXTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67.68.71.72.75.76 (R. 77a); Mark 8:11-13.

Celebration for the day: Ferial

The WORD: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (see James 1:1-11)

Theme:  Ask and it will be given unto you.

Inspiration: 

     God remains the creator of every creatures in creation. It is out of this, that He blesses us with every good thing. The Scripture says ask and it shall be given unto you, seek you shall find and knock the door will be opened. (cf. Matt. 7:7)

     It is against this backdrop that St. James in his letter avers: 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." (see James 1:1-11)

     However, wisdom as in the Old Testament, is a God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical issues in life. This is different knowledge, for knowledge is acquired while wisdom is bestowed by God Himself. As St. James exhorted us to ask for it, he knows everything revolves around it. Recalling the encounter King Solomon had with God, when he was asked to make a request. He did not ask for any other thing other than wisdom (cf. 1 Kings 3:1-15)

     It is in line with this, that God added every other thing to him, stressing that since he desires this (wisdom) He expanded his coast and bless him with bountiful blessing.

     Beloved in  Christ Jesus, when we pray what do we often ask? Where lies our interest whenever we pray? Are we praying because we are in need? No. We ought to pray always, we must mean what we say and say what we mean when we pray. Let us ask and wait and God from the treasure of His abode will provide us with our daily needs.

     Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Eternal Word, we thank You for the favours we all received, may Your name be praised both now and forever. We pray that we may be aware of Your abiding presence while making sincere effort to be faithful to Your detects and Your ordinances. 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                       12022024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word:  1 Kings 10:1-10; Psalm 37:5-6.30-31.39-40 (R. 30a); Mark 7:14-23

Celebration for the day: Ferial

The WORD: "What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man." (see Mark 7:14-23)

Theme:  ... purify your intention 

Inspiration: 

     Every action begins from within - the mind. That is to say we cannot talk of action without making reference to thought.  It is against this backdrop that Evangelist Mark in today's gospel pericope gives account of our Lord's teaching on defilement saying: 

 "What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man." (see Mark 7:14-23) 

     The teaching here has nothing to do with what we take in rather it revolves around what we conceive in our minds. Most often our outward shows contradict our thoughtful thinking, we make our hearts incubating ground for all the vices mentioned today and many other ones. 

     In today's first reading we have heard the testimony of Queen of Sheba in the course of her visit to King Solomon as she said:

"The report was true which I heard in my own land of your affairs and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me; your wisdom and prosperity surpass the report which I heard." (see 1 Kings 10:1-10) How true are what they heard about us?

    Obviously, this interesting picture invites us to a life where our thoughts, words and actions are in tandem with each other. In this narrative we have seen that what Queen of Sheba heard about King Solomon was not built on packaging or lies. Thus, we are to live out what we represent. Let our outward shows corresponds with our thoughts; for it is in doing this, that what will come out of us will not defile us. 

     Finally, we are obliged to make use of our  senses to purify every defilement. Let our eyes sees the brighter part of others and not that little dark spot; let our tongue proclaim praises of God in others; may our mouths utter only what will encourage one another and our minds be engaged in thinking what good can we do to salvage the situation of one another. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, Amighty we are grateful for the many favours we receive from You. Never forsake us as we call by Your Name, grant us the grace to match our thoughts with our words and actions. Let us be the gospel others can easily read for the greater glory of Your Name. 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                       07022024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY IN THE FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word: 1 Kings 8:22-23.27-30; Psalm 84:3, 4, 5 and 10, 11 (R. 2); Mark 7:1-13

Celebration for the day: Ss. Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

(+ 1597). Paul Miki, a Japanese Jesuit, and his twenty five companions were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. They were the first martyrs of East Asia to be canonized. They were killed simultaneously by being raised on crosses and then stabbed with spears. Their executioners were astounded upon seeing their joy at being associated to the Passion of Christ. Every Christian is to bear witness, in life and death, to the Faith.

The WORD: "... O LORD my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you this day; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, 'My name shall be there,' that you may listen to the prayer which your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; yes, hear in heaven your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive." (see 1 Kings 8:22-23.27-30)

Theme:  We are God's Temple.

Inspiration: 

     "... O LORD my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you this day; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, 'My name shall be there,' that you may listen to the prayer which your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; yes, hear in heaven your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive." (see 1 Kings 8:22-23.27-30)

     The above excerpt is an extract from King Solomon's prayer for the dedication of the Temple which is known in history as the First Temple. This text is also recorded in the second book of Chronicles 6:12-42. The Temple here represents the present day Church  where we gather every now and then to adore, seek for reconciliation with our God, thanking Him and then supplicate for favours.

     The Church of Christ is beyond the physical edifice that we can have contact with, It also has to do with us, as the Scriptures says we are God's temple. (cf. I Corinthians 3:16-17). Here St. Paul reminded us of our true nature as the body of Christ. He went further to challenge us to keep holy this temple as the Spirit dwells in it. For the temple of God is holy, which temple we are. Being Temple of God implies that we are Community of Christ faithful - "the Church" which is a holy dwelling place for God's presence. As such we are obliged to keep the holiness of this temple intact so that when we gather to pray our supplications and offerings may be acceptable before God.

     It is against the defilement of this sacred place that aroused the anger of our Lord in the course of His public ministry when He entered the temple He saw what His eyes could not behold, the desecration that took place there and in anger He overthrew the table of the moneychangers and then said: "... it is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." (See Matthew: 21:12-14)

     Beloved in Christ, how effective is our temple? Does it still carries the Divine fragrance? How do we treat the holiness of the temple -the Church? These and many are pertinent questions we are to answer. In our daily spiritual journey let us be conscious of the fact that we are God's temple thus, we need to keep it holy for our God is holy.        

       Finally, let us pray to God through the intercession of Ss. Paul Miki and Compannions that our daily efforts be sown for eternal harvest, so that when we call on God He may hear us. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, strength of all the Saints, who through the Cross were pleased to call the Martyrs Saint Paul Miki and companions to life, grant, we pray, that by their intercession we may hold with courage even until death to the faith that we profess. 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                       06022024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY IN THE FIFTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Table of the Word:  1 Kings 8:1-7.9-13; Psalm 132:6-7.8-10 (R. 8a); Mark 6:53-56.

Celebration for the day: St. Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

(+ 251). She was martyred in Catania (Sicily) probably during the time of Decius. Her name appears in the Roman Canon.

The WORD: "... and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well." (see Mark 6:53-56)

Theme:  ... and He healed them.

Inspiration: 

     Our reflection today as drawn from the gospel pericope according to Evangelist Mark (cf. Mark 6:53-56) underscores the central mission of Jesus Christ, which His Father entrusted to His care for the redemption of humanity. 

     However, man after losing the original Grace, lost out in companionship with God and a Messiah was needed to restore him, to bind and heal this wound of friendship with God. That is why God at appointed time sent His begotten Son for this purpose. (cf. John 3:16)

     Today, the table of the Word presents us with the event of healing the sick by our Lord which borne out of faith as they made the request:

"... and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well." (see Mark 6:53-56)

     Denotatively, the word healing is understood as sozo in Greek usage which also means "saved." And it is related to those who are either sick or infirm. Therefore, anyone who has survived a serious illness is known to be healed  and at the same time being saved from the thorns of pains.

     The extract of our today's reflection began with crowd having recognized Jesus whom they heard of His healing power rushed to their houses and neighbourhood to bring all the sick. The Scripture says, they all gathered with their mats, an image which portrays the poorly and sickly state of these people; for mat which in Greek is krabattois meaning mattresses commonly used by the poor. This shows that most often the poor and needy are always receptive to Jesus than prosperous people.

     This scenario created an awful picture as people in hundreds converged with all their cares and worries seeking for Jesus' help. In faith they were healed not only by His touch but by a mere contact with the fringe of His cloak (cf. Mark 6:56)

     Beloved in Christ, in our moment of difficulties let us not forget that God's hand is upon us. He will never desert us in our situations rather we will certainly triumph over every life struggle.  Indeed, we need faith in God so as to receive healing from our infirmities. Infirmities here goes beyond physical ailment but includes other inadequacies in our lives.

    Finally, as we join the Universal Church to celebrate the heroic life of St. Agatha today let us ask her to interceed on our behalf that we should hold on to God in every situation. It is my earnest prayer that we may be healed of our infirmities of every kind. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

May the Virgin Martyr Saint Agatha implore your compassion for us, O Lord, we pray, for she found favour with you by the courage of her martyrdom and the merit of her chastity. 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                       05022024

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Table of the Word:  Malachi 3:1-4; Psalm 24; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

Celebration for the day: The Presentation of the Lord (Feast)

The feast commemorates the purifying of the Blessed Virgin according to the Mosaic Law, 40 days after the birth of Christ, and the presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple. The feast was introduced into the Eastern Empire by Emperor Justinian I, and is mentioned in the Western Church in the Gelasian Sacramentary of the 7th century. Candles are blessed on that day in commemoration of the words of Holy Simeon concerning Christ “a light to the revelation of the Gentiles” (Luke 2), and a procession with lighted candles is held in the church to represent the entry of Christ, the Light of the World, into the Temple of Jerusalem. “Candlemas” is still the name in Scotland for a legal term-day on which interest and rents are payable 

The WORD: "... a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel." (see Luke 2:22-40)

Theme:  The great LIGHT has come. 

Inspiration: 

     One of the greatest creatures in creation  is the power of light. Light comes in different sources ranging from: The Sun (and other stars), natural fires (bush fires), fire, torches and fireworks. Amidst these sources, there is a Light beyond human telling, that which illuminates the darkest of the night. That is why Evangelist described it as a "revealed light to the Gentiles" And that is Jesus Christ. 

     The term "Gentile" is used to denotes  "someone who is not a Jew". Other groups that claim Israelite heritage, notably Mormons, have historically used the term gentile to describe outsiders. More rarely, the term is used as a synonym for heathen or pagan. Here Christ is presented as a "revealed Light" which seems to have been beclouded by sin, but His coming cleanses and illuminate our paths. 

     Jesus is being described as the Light  (cf. Luke 2:32; John 8:12), which came “to light a fire on the earth” (Luke 12:49). When Jesus ministered to people, their hearts burned within them (cf. Luke 24:32) and they passed on that light to others (cf. Luke 24:33ff). 

         The Church teaches us this truth in the course of Easter Vigil liturgy where service of fire is being carried out and paschal candle subsequently lit. The Chief celebrant leading the solemn procession into the church building in darkness, and the light of Jesus from the Easter candle is passed from one person’s candle to another. Soon, the entire church is illuminated by the strength of everyone’s candlelight. Jesus provides the light. All we must do is be willing to be set on fire. To be a “lamp, set aflame and burning bright” (John 5:35).

   Today as we are commemorating that solemn event of Christ's presentation in the Temple, let us put on our light to go and meet him. Let the breeze of our  sins and shortcomings never quench this light rather with sincere effort let us journey with Him so that at last we may behold Him as He really is. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. 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                       02022024

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY IN THE FOURTH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Table of the Word:  2 Samuel 24:2.9-17; Psalm 32:1-2.5.6.7 (R. see 5a); Mark 6:1-6

Celebration for the day: St. John Bosco, Priest

(1815-1888). St. John Bosco founded the Salesian Society, named in honor of St. Francis de Sales, and the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. His lifework was the welfare of young boys and girls, hence his title, "Apostle of Youth". He had no formal system or theory of education. His methods centered on persuasion, authentic religiosity, and love for young people. He was an enlightened educator and innovator.

The WORD: "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and..." (see 2 Samuel 24:2.9-17)

Theme:  The man with authority. 

Inspiration: 

     The personality of Jesus has been questioned right from the moment of birth by the Jews and Scribes. His attributes was quite overwhelming as He taught with authority and firmness of speech. His fame was every where which even the unclean spirit in the demoniac attested to (cf.Mark 5:1-20).

       However, Christ came in as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and a ransom for humanity. Thus, He was embedded with all wisdom and integrity.  That is why in today's gospel pericope His people were overwhelmed with the power of His wisdom saying:

"Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and..." (see 2 Samuel 24:2.9-17)

         Above all, He did not count Himelf equal with His Father but emptied Himself to take the form of man except in sin (kenosis). He did all these so as to reconcile humanity with the divinity. 

       Beloved in Christ, do we recognise the authority of Jesus in our lives and conducts? This suggests that, by recognising Him we are bearing witness to the gospel values. We therefore need to live out the gospel pages , so that even if the unclean spirit sees us he will acknowledge the power and authority of Christ in us.

      In the same way, one who has not encountered Christ but heard about Him will ask us: "Are you Christ?". Until when we prove ourselves as faithful stewards of the good news then our righteousness will be subjected to  questions.

      My beloved in Christ, let us live out this message of salvation for the world to see in our actions the power and authority of Christ the Lord. As we are journeying along this ephemeral path, we pray earnestly that through the intercession of St. John Bosco - the Apostle of Youth we may be attracted to what is good in God so that we will be conscious of His Son's power and authority in us. Peace! Be with you!

Let us pray

O God, who raised up the Priest Saint John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone through our thoughts, words and actions. 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                       31012024