DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

TUESDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Our Lady of Lourdes 

This day marks the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858 to fourteen-year old Marie Bernade (St. Bernadette) Soubirous. There were eighteen apparitions in all, the last of which was on 16 July 1858. The message of  is a call to personal conversion, prayer, and charity.

Table of the Word

RI.Genesis 1:20-2:4

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 8:4-5.6-7a.7b-9 (R. 2ab)

Gospel: Mark 7:1-13

Theme: Be fruitful and multiply...

Reflection  

The first reading taken from the book of Genesis 1:20-2:4, gives an account of the creation of the world as it reaches its climax. At the end of each creation He endorses with an acclamation: "good" to show its perfection.

However, what stands out in these verses is the act of God creating humanity in His image and giving them dominion over creation. This reveals both the special dignity and responsibility of humans in God's design; and above all the unfathomable love God has for humanity. 

The gospel pericope presents before us Jesus' confrontation of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law over human-made traditions rather than the commandments of God (cf. Mark 7:1-13). Here Jesus challenges their legalistic approach, pointing out that they are more concerned with outward rituals than with inner purity and righteousness.

Juxtaposingly, the two readings invite us to reflect on what truly matters in our relationship with God. As the first reading shows us a world that is good and meant for flourishing, with divine mandate to go and multiply and care for all creatures in creation. The very vocation that we have failed through Climate change, Biodiversity loss, Deforestation, Water Pollution, Soil Degradation etc. 

Moreover, as a result of man's insatiability, there is a paradigm shift from the realities which God entrusted to us to the shadow created by us to quench our cravings. That is why Evangelist Mark in the gospel pericope challenges us to go beyond the surface and examine whether our practices and traditions align with God’s intentions for righteousness, love, and justice. 

In the light of this, that we are exhorted to be conscious of our vocation of multiplying and care for the earth and not the reverse by destructing what we cannot create. 

Finally, as we enjoy the goodness of God's creation let us on our own part contribute to its care and multiplication as God commanded us. It is in doing this that we can boldly say that: we have appreciated the work of creation by God.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Merciful Lord, we thank You for the beauty of the creation. Grant us we pray for the grace to appreciate this handwork of yours by caring for it in our day-to-day endeavours. 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  11022025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful

Celebration of the day: St Scholastica, Virgin

(480-547). She was the twin sister of St Benedict. Following the rule of her brother, she founded the Order of Benedictine nuns.

Table of the Word

RI.Genesis 1:1-19

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 104:1-2a.5-6.10 and 12.24 and 35c (R. 31b)

Gospel: Mark 6:53-56

Theme: ... and as many as touched it were made well.

Reflection  

The first reading describes the first days of creation, where God brings order and restoration to the universe by speaking it into existence. In the opening verses, we witness God’s creative power as He forms light, separates it from darkness, and establishes the first day. Here the passage emphasizes the goodness of God’s creation, as each part is declared "good" after its creation, culminating in the creation of light and the establishment of the cycles of day and night. Through this ordered process, God reveals His sovereign will and power, and His creation reflects His glory. (cf. Genesis 1:1-19)

While the gosoel pericope according to Mark 6:53-56 recounts the moment when Jesus, after walking on water and calming the storm, arrives at Gennesaret, where people recognize Him. They bring the sick to Jesus, hoping to touch even the fringe of His cloak, and those who do are healed. In this text, Jesus' healing power is recognized, while highlighting the faith people have in him.   

However, our reflection this morning is extracted from the gospel pericope while paying allusion to the love of God in the creation account as we have seen in the first reading (cf. Genesis 1:1-19).

In the Gospel, we see that Jesus’ mere presence is enough to heal and restore. People bring their sick to Him, and those who touch His cloak are healed. The healing power of Jesus reminds us that He continues to be present and active in our lives today. His power to heal goes beyond the physical; it also includes spiritual healing, healing of brokenness, and the restoration of relationships. Just as the people of Gennesaret recognized Him and sought His healing touch, we, too, are called to approach Jesus in faith, trusting in His power to restore us.

In our daily tribulations we need to see Jesus in our situation just like the Gennesaret people who on seeing him had healing and restoration.  I don't know what you are going through at this point in time, but I  pray for you that this Word of God may bring a testimony in your life. I pray earnestly for restoration upon the sick, broken marriages and relationship, open doors amd divine reconnection. And as the readings: Genesis and Mark highlight the theme of restoration, may we be restored recalling the words of Prophet Habakkuk who says:

"Even though the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no fruit on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food; even though there are no sheep in the pen, and no cattle in the stalls; yet I will celebrate before the Lord; I will sing praises to God, my Savior!" (Habakkuk 3:17-18,). Indeed the God of possibilities will speak for us amidst every impossibilities. 

Finally,  God is still at work in us, both in creating and renewing us. We are continually shaped by His love and grace. 

Let us therefore draw near to Jesus with faith, as the people of Gennesaret did, trusting in His power to restore us. And let us be mindful of the beauty of creation, recognizing that everything around us is a reflection of God’s goodness

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

As we celebrate anew the Memorial of the Virgin Saint Scholastica, we pray, O Lord, that, following her example, we may serve you with pure love and happily receive what comes from loving you. 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  10022025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI.Hebrews 13:1-8

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 27:1.3.5.8c-9abc (R. 1a)

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

Theme: ...some have entertained angels unawares. 

Reflection  

From today's table of the Word, the first reading offers exhortations and encouragements for a sound Christian living on the theme of love and community living; hospitality which our central theme is extracted from; compassion and support; marriage and morality; contentment as well as leadership. These multiple themes are but subsumed in the first which is love and community living. 

However, the author who at the beginning encouraged us to let mutual love continue; and further emohasizes the importance of love within the Christian community. 

On the other hand, he highlighted the essence of hospitality to the strangers which he said: " ...some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:1). This is a solemn call not to neglect showing hospitality to strangers because in them dwells the image and likeness of God. Thus, we are serving God-in-man.

However, "the virtue of love" is the hub of our reflection, thereby calling to mind God who first loves us. As the central theme goes, the importance of welcoming and showing kindness to those who are outsiders, marginalized or ill-treated is highly emphasized.

In our daily endeavours, what is the kind of treatment do we measure out for ourselves, friends and associates? And what is the measure meant for those at the edges of our streets, the weak and vulnerable around us?

It is on account of this, that we are exhorted to love one another as God who is our Heavenly Father loves us (cf. Luke 6:36).

This can only be achieved when we keep true to the Word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart. There and then will it bring forth living fruits (Luke 8:15); as the gospel acclamation proclaimed. 

Finally, beloved in Christ Jesus,  as Jesus our Lord and master remains eternal and the light unto our path, let us in reciprocation to this kind gesture give out a leaning shoulder to others who are weak, make sincere effort to wipe their tears through consoling words and act of charity. It is in doing this that our righteousness will supercedes that of the Scribes and Pharisees.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Eternal Word, you are the light and salvation of our souls. We thank you for many blessings you bestowed upon us. Grant we pray the grace to be contented with what we are blessed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  07022025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day: St Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

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

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 12:4-7.11-15

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2.13-14.17-18a (R. see 17ab)

Gospel:   Mark 6:1-6

Theme: The Divine Discipline.

Reflection  

May the name of the Lord be praised both now and forevermore. Amen. 

From the Table of the Word, today's first reading revolves around spiritual discipline, perseverance, and the Christian life. At the first instance, we have seen what could be referred to as: "The Divine discipline" which is motivated by God's unfathomable love (cf. Hebrews 12:4-7). Here the author emphasizes that God's discipline is not punitive, but rather a sign of His love and concern for our spiritual well-being. And he further highlighted the purpose of the discipline. 

On the other hand, the Psalmist reminded us that those who keep the detect and ordinances of the Lord will experience God's everlasting mercy (cf. Psalm 103:17ab). While the gospel pericope presents before us the wonders of God through His Son in the course of His public ministry. 

However, dearest friends in Christ Jesus through these readings, the outstanding feature is our call to embrace perseverance in the face of hardship, while trusting in God’s love and mercy. 

We are also invited to share in God's holiness. An act which was outstanding in the life and times of St. Agatha - a virgin and martyr whom we celebrate today. 

We are to make effort to be spiritually disciplined, by being focused in our prayer life, sustained the tempo with God's word and then living out the gospel values. It is not a one-way effort, it is the combination of different  facets keeping in mind that we will certainly be blessed with His mercy if we keep His commands close to our hearts. 

Finally, let us ask God to help us become more like Him, and seek to cultivate a deeper sense of holiness and righteousness in our lives.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

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  05022025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 11:32-40

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 31:20.21.22.23.24 (R. 25)

Gospel:   Mark 5:1-20

Theme: Faith and Perseverance 

Reflection  

In the Scripture, faith and Perseverance  are essential themes. They spread through both the New and Old Testaments account,  which highlighted importance of trusting in God and enduring through challenges.

In the Old Tesrament account, we have the renowned figures like Abraham (cf. Genesis 15:1-6, Romans 4:18-22); Moses (cf. Exodus 17:8-13, Hebrews 11:27); Job (cf.Job 1:21, 13:15, 19:25-27) and many others. While the New Testament account begins with Jesus' whose faith in His Father and perseverance in His salvific mission was something worth celebrating.  Also, the virtues of faith and perseverance among the Apostles and Hebrews were highly noticeable (cf. Acts 5:40-42, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Hebrews 11:1-40)

However, in the course of today's liturgy of the Word, the first reading presents in concrete terms the faith of biblical heroes which serve as a lesson for all of us (cf. Hebrews 11:32-40). 

Denotatively, faith is an act of trusting in God's promises. It involves relying on God's character and promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

On the other hand, Perseverance is enduring through challenges. It involves continuing to trust and follow God, despite obstacles and hardships.

In a nut shell, faith and perseverance are intertwined; and they are closely linked, as trusting in God's promises enables us to endure through challenges.

Beloved in Christ Jesus, as we have seen in today's first reading, we are being exhorted to deepen our faith by trusting in God's promises and character. Also, as the biblical heroes we need to persevere though challenges; while seeking support and encouragement. Therefore as Christ's followers we are exhorted to exhibit these heroic virtues so as to be truly christ-like in spirit and in truth. 

Finally, the psalmist this morning invite us to be constant in our perseverance as he proclaimed "Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord." ( Psalm 31:25)

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Eternal Word, we are grateful for the many blessings you bestows upon us. Grant O Lord we pray docility of heart and faith in you; so that we may gladly persevere in our trials. 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  03022025

DIVINE WHISPER With Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG: SMMM

WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Glorious 

Celebration of the day:  Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 10:11-18

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 110:1.2.3.4 (R. 4cd)

Gospel: Mark 4:1-20

Theme: Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Reflection  

"Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin." (Hebrews 10:18)

This is the last verse of today's first reading which is the résume of the priestly life of Jesus. Here we can deduce that, through that single sacrifice made by our Lord in the course of his paschal mysteries, all sins have been paid in full. 

As the first reading highlights, Christ sacrifice as a perfect High Priest is in all ramifications higher that every other sacrifices.

However, it is in contrast to the Old Covenant, which the priest stood daily offering sacrifices that could never fully atone for sin. Whereas Christ offered just once and then sat at the right hand of the Father as the dispenser of God's grace and mercy. Through this, we have been assured of our sanctification, and being called to live out the gospel in obedience to God, knowing that we have been sanctified and set apart for the kingdom.

Beloved in Christ, through the water of baptism we have been sanctified and decorated with beauty of holiness with an expectation to bear fruits, fruits that will last. 

To buttress this fact, that Evangelist Mark in the gospel pericope presented before us the teachings of the Lord, who reminded us the need to keep that which we were given: "The Beauty of life at Baptism." That is in keeping this beauty faithfully without stain thrpugh hearing of the Word and putting it into action that we may be like a good soil that will bear fruit in thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold (Mark 4:1-20). 

Finally, it is our hope that the good Lord who has blessed us, will grant us the grace to persevere in our tribulations so as to be faithful to our baptismal promises.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Merciful Father, yours is the earth and uts fullness. Grant that we may be faithful to our baptismal promises sonthat its effect may grant us goodness of the gospel.  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  29012025

DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day:  Ferial 

Table of the Word

RI. Hebrews 9:15.24-28

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 98:1.2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6 (R. 1ab)

Gospel: Mark 3:22-30

Theme: Christ the mediator of the New Covenant 

Reflection  

The love of God upon us cannot be measured, even when we must have lost the original grace through the disobedience of our first parents (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.) Amidst this, His love for us remains  intact for He is too faithful to disappoint when he promised. 

From today's Table of the Word, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, one that is superior to the old covenant.(cf.Hebrews 9:15)

That is why his sacrifice was not just a symbolic act, but a real and effective sacrifice that:

- Paid the price for our sins.

- Reconciling humanity with divinity.

- Enabled our sanctification.

However, these three facets of his serve as the products of His paschal mysteries of passion, death and resurrection.

In view of this, our redemption would not have been possible without his sacrifice, for He has paid the debt in full.  On another part, Christ's redemptive power is unlimited, in today's Gospel acclamation, St. Paul in his second letter to Timothey reaffirmed this by saying: "Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel." (2 Timothy 1:10)

While the gospel pericope gives an account of authority and power of Jesus; who through this He reminded us of the source of His power which contrasted the notion of the Scribes. For them, Christ is possessed by unclean spirits, whereas in reality the Holy Spirit was upon him, giving him the unction to function as Son-God.

Beloved in Christ, how many times have doubted the presence of God in our life challenging situations, by giving honour, fame and glory to Satan? Let us have a rethink:, that is the essence of this whisper from the Lord this morning; calling to mind the essence of being aware that in every situation God is all-in-all, through His Son who is our mediator.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Almighty God, we are grateful to You for the many blessings we have received.  At the dawn of this day, we pray may our faith in You never fail but relying on Your grace may we hold on to You as all-in-all. 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  27012025