Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

December 30, 2016. 
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Readings: 1 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Responsorial Psalm PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Col 3:12-21 & Gospel Matthew 2:13-15,19-23.

Theme: Standing Up for the Family.

The Family Institution is suffering a backlash in our age no thanks to the upsurge of gay rights, single parenthood, individualism and exaggerated freedom. The human race may be at the verge of extinction since some people are opting for pleasure for its own sake without the corresponding responsibility that goes with it.                                      

Amidst this sad development, our liturgy presents us with the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as a prototype for all Christian families. Any family, either nuclear or extended is made up of father, mother and children with each member having his or her rights and responsibilities. Our reflection will centre around four things - the responsibility of parents to their children, the responsibility of children to their parents, the responsibility of one parent to another and the responsibilities of parents to both the Church and the State.   

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God – January 1, 2017.

Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Responsorial Psalm PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8(R.v.2a); Galatians 4:4-7 & Gospel Luke 2:16-21.

Theme: To God, through Mary.

On the first day of January 2017, the Church presents us with the Mother of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) so that we can learn from her school of love and fidelity to God’s will. Today, of the four Marian Dogmas of the Catholic Church namely, theotokos – Mary as Mother of God, Perpetual Virginity, Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary, the Church wants us to reflect on theotokos - namely, Mary as Mother of God.

To achieve this, it is important to understand what a dogma is. Briefly put, a dogma is the official teaching of the Catholic Church pertaining to faith and morals proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church) through the Roman Pontiff which is binding on all Catholics. Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate and make faith secure (John 8:31-32). Built upon divine foundations, dogmas are firmly rooted in scripture as evident in the Holy Scripture (Cf. Matthew 18:18 & 16:18-19, John 21:16 & Luke 10:16).      

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

The Nativity of the Lord (Vigil Mass), Year A – Dec 24, 2016

Readings: Is 62:1-5; Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:4-5.16-17.29 (2a); Acts 13:16-17.22-25; Gospel - Matthew 1:1-25.

Theme: Christmas Eve: Joining the Shepherds in the First Vigil!

 

Beloved in Christ, today is Christmas-eve. Here in Nigeria, we are quite familiar with the razzmatazz that is often associated with the day or period of time immediately before an event or occasion like the bachelor’s eve or what is popularly called, before the wedding – Usually, the friends of the groom or groomsmen raise money and throw some kind of a send off party for their crony who is about to graduate from bachelorhood to both familyhood and fatherhood.

Those who have attended these parties claim that such parties are avenues for married guys to give good advice to the groom to be. Aside from the plenty food and drink available, such events are known to be wild and funky. What is clear in this kind of celebration is the spirit of expectation or joyous waiting by the bridegroom for his beloved bride.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Year A – Dec 25, 2016

  Readings: Is 52:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1-6 (R.v.3); Heb1:1-6; Gospel John 1:1-18 or John 1:1-5.9-14.

Theme: Christ Our Light: Lessons Of Christmas From Rural-Africa!

  In Rural-Africa, the excitement of children when light or power supply is restored after it has been interrupted for days or weeks is akin to that joy you feel when Santa Claus knocks at your door on Christmas morning to surprise you with a box of gifts. Perhaps an erstwhile gathering of African kids at the family compound or village square for tales by the moonlight tells the story of light (energy) deficit in Sub-Sahara Africa more.

Drawing from the latest Africa Progress Panel report 2015 titled “People, Power, Planet,” we are told that TWO in every three people in Africa, around 621 million in total, live in darkness – which means that they have no access to electricity. According to the report, the poor spend the most on energy with Africa’s poorest households spending $10/kWh on lighting, or around 20 times the amount spent by high-income households with a connection to the grid. It surmised that on current trends, it will take Africa until 2080 to achieve universal access to light (electricity).

            Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk   

                          Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 18, 2016

Readings: Is 7:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2,3-4,5-6; Rom 1:1-7; Gospel Mat 1:18-24.

Theme: Lessons from the Emmanuel & Joseph Effect!

Friends in Christ, the joy of last Sunday being Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday has led us to the last Sunday of Advent. The four Sundays of Advent have given us four weeks of intense preparation for the Lord’s nativity. Today, the Prophet Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) brings us glad tidings that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son who shall be named Emmanuel. Isaiah’s prophecy is amplified in the gospel (Mat 1:18-24) which presents the circumstances leading to the saviour’s birth culminating in naming him, Emmanuel – much like Isaiah’s Emmanuel which means, God with us. What do we make of this? Well, our reflection will be based on the Emmanuel-Effect in the light of God’s omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience while drawing lessons from the Joseph-Effect. 

Bishop Kukah: Four Decades of Exceptional Service to God and Humanity

By Justine Dyikuk

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, His Excellency, Most Rev. Mathew Hassan Kukah will be forty years as a Catholic Priest on 19 December 2016. This man of God needs no introduction in Nigeria. The quintessential ecclesiastical and elder statesman is a remarkable Nigerian who has stood tall in both spiritual and secular affairs.

While the preparations for the celebration of these forty years of faithfulness in the service of God and humanity for this servant of God are in top gear, it is essential to give honour to whom honour is due. Indeed, we know the celebrant as someone who is not only an idealist in the sense of one who has the theoretical framework of where he wants Nigeria to be but also “a brutal realist” as Africa Confidential describes him, who constantly gives a proviso of how Nigeria should work based on his many years of contact with the faithful on the pastoral field, people of divergent creeds at ecumenical gatherings, academics at scholarly fora and governments at local, state, federal and international levels.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 18, 2016
Readings: Is 7:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2,3-4,5-6; Rom 1:1-7; Gospel Mat 1:18-24.
Theme: Lessons from the Emmanuel & Joseph Effect!
Friends in Christ, the joy of last Sunday being Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday has led us to the last Sunday of Advent. The four Sundays of Advent have given us four weeks of intense preparation for the Lord’s nativity. Today, the Prophet Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) brings us glad tidings that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son who shall be named Emmanuel. Isaiah’s prophecy is amplified in the gospel (Mat 1:18-24) which presents the circumstances leading to the saviour’s birth culminating in naming him, Emmanuel – much like Isaiah’s Emmanuel which means, God with us. What do we make of this? Well, our reflection will be based on the Emmanuel-Effect in the light of God’s omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience while drawing lessons from the Joseph-Effect.
1. God’s Omnipresence: The last Sunday of Advent puts before us the Emmanuel-Effect. It reveals God’s abiding presence among us. There is no doubting the fact that God is ever present with us. Of course, he is not physically present as he was over two thousand years ago in Bethlehem where he was born but his spirit is at work in the Church and among believers. That is not all, we are reminded not to lose sight of God’s omnipresence in the sacraments – the visible presence of God in the Church which gives us new life, provides us with the bread of life, confirms our faith, grants us healing, forgives our sins, raises ministerial priests to shepherd the Church and unites man and woman to adorn the domestic Church with the jewels of offspring. We must allow his presence to be felt in our private and public lives. We must also be seen to live out the Emmanuel-Effect as we approach Christmas.  

Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A – Gaudete Sunday - Nov 11, 2016
Readings: Is 35:1-6a.10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7.8-9a.9bc-10(R.cf.Is 35:4); James 5:7-10; Gospel Mat 11:2-11.
Theme: The Signs of Time and Imperative of Christ’s Coming!
Friends in Christ, the words of John the Baptist in the gospel (Mat 11:2-11) to Jesus through his disciples while he was in prison namely “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” appears scandalous. How can John, who was a forerunner of Jesus, be asking that kind of question? How can the person who gave tax collectors, prostitutes, soldiers and other categories of sinners the baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming one, whom he claimed was mightier than he, whose sandals he was not worthy to untie turn around to ask if Jesus was indeed the Messiah?
Well, we may be scandalised at the Baptist’s reaction and question but in reality, we are guiltier than John in many respects. What is our attitude to persecution, disease, sickness, death and poverty? How do we respond to the inability to get a job, pay our children’s school fees, house rent, PHCN bill or have three square meals per day? What do we make of the economic meltdown Nigeria is currently undergoing in the light of our faith?

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Second Sunday of Advent, Year A – Nov 4, 2016
Readings: Is 11:1-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2. 7-8.12-13.17.CR.cf.7; Rom 15:4-9; Gospel Mat 3:1-12.
Theme: The Imperative of Being Heralds of Christ’s Second Coming!
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the Second Sunday of Advent presents us with realities that are meant to perfectly prepare us for the celebration of Christ’s nativity. We shall reflect on four points in the light of our readings:
1. John as Jesus’ Forerunner – The events leading to the birth of St. John the Baptist clearly reveals the task God had for him. The child, John, had leapt in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth at the greeting of her cousin, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The eventful episode of Ein Kerem (Jerusalem) as found in Luke 1:39-56 reminds us about the remote stages of setting John aside for the great task of preparing the people for the coming of Christ. In no small way did he carry the sacred task of preparing the people for the eventual arrival of Jesus. This has great lessons for us as we shall soon discover.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

First Sunday of Advent, Year A – Nov 27, 2016
Readings: Is 2:1-5; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2,3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Rom 13:11-14; Gospel Mat 24:37-44.
Theme: Of Times & Seasons: Welcoming Jesus in Our Hearts!
Beloved in Christ, the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us about the necessity of change in times and seasons when it says: “To everything there is a season, and a time under heaven” (Ecc 3:1). The Season of Advent is here again – a time when the liturgical colour changes to purple/violet; a time when a new liturgical new calendar begins; a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of the Lord at Christmas.
The word Advent comes from the Latin, adventus which means “coming” – the word is synonymous with the Greek parousia which also stands for (coming). As a season of looking forward and waiting for something really important, Advent is about both the preparation of the annual celebration of the birth of Christ and his second coming. Little wonder in the gospel (Mat 24:37-44) Jesus likens his parousia (coming) to the days of Noah, before and after the flood.

Fr Justine: Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Thirty-fourth Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 20, 2016: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Last Sunday of the Year & Official Closing of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in Rome.
Readings: 2 Sam 5:1-3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5(cf.1); Col 1:12-20; Gospel Luke 23:35-43.
Theme: Living for the King of Kings & the Lord of Lords!
My dear people of God, today is Christ the King - A day in which the liturgical cycle of the Church closes. The celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe reminds Christians about the indefectible place of Christ’s reign over the earth and the call to live accordingly as heirs of the Kingdom.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Thirty-third Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 13, 2016: The Closing of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in Local Churches.
Readings: Malachi 4:1-2a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:5-6,7-9ab,9cd(R.cf9cd); 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Gospel Luke 21:5-19.
Theme: A Merciful Judge, False Prophets & End-time Prophesy!
Friends in Christ, as we prepare to round up the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, our readings speak to us about a merciful judge, false prophets and end-time realities. The readings are timely because today, the Universal Church mandates Local Churches to officially close the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy although the grand finale will be holding in Rome on November 20, 2016. It will be recalled that the Holy Father, Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy on December 8, 2015.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Thirty-second Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 6, 2016.
Readings: 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8,15; 2 Thes 2:16-3:5; Gospel Lk 20:27-38 or Lk 20:27, 34-38.
Theme: Witnessing to the Point of Death
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, as we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical calendar, our readings are apocalyptic in nature. They not only remind us about the four last things namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell, but challenge us to the fact of witnessing without which we cannot see the face of God.
In the first reading (2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14) we hear about the dramatic witnessing of a courageous Jewish woman and her seven sons. This moving story is a one of faith, courage and heroic witness. From this dutiful family, we learn devotion to the law of God and our ancestors in the faith; therein, we also take lessons in the resurrection and on how to witness courageously:
1. Devotion to the Law of God: One thing we cannot take away from this family is their dedication to the law of God.  It would seem that the Old Testament injunction: “You shall thus observe all my statutes and all my ordinances and do the; I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:37) was a creed that spurred them on. Little wonder the second son in Verse 9 of the first reading said: “It is for his laws that we are dying.”

Shikrot Mpwi – All Saints Day Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Solemnity of All Saints, Year C - Nov. 1, 2016.
Readings: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Gospel Mt 5:1-12A.
Theme: In Communion with the Saints.                                      
Beloved in Christ, today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. It might interest you to know that today's celebration has an ecumenical dimension because the Anglican Communion, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church and other Protestant churches observe this day alongside the Catholic Church. This celebration is predicated on the fundamental belief that there is an unbreakable spiritual bond between the citizens of heaven (the Church triumphant) and the living (the Church militant). As a day in which we commemorate all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven, All Saints Day is a solemnity and a holiday of obligation in Catholic countries.                       On this day, we give solemn thanks to God for the known and unknown  lives of the saints. Glorious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful (Psalm 116:15). As we reflect on the spiritual meaning attached to this celebration, we must understand who the saints are and their intercessory role:  

Shikrot Mpwi –Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day, Year C - Nov. 2, 2016 Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk)

Readings: Wis 3:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; Rom 5:5-11 Or Rom 6:3-9; Gospel Jn 6:37-40.
Theme: In Praying for the Dead, We Pray for Ourselves. No other time is appropriate to remember the dead than around this time of the year in which Christian Catholics around the world traditionally dedicate the souls of the departed to God, be they Christians or not. This pious act of charitable remembrance resonates with the spirit of our celebration. Two significant Catholic solemnities namely, All Saints and All Souls Day which are observed on 1st and 2nd November every year respectively are moments of grace and spiritual strengthening for the Church.                                      The observance of All Souls Day on November 2 as a day of prayer for the souls of all the faithful departed is credited to St. Odilo, the abbot of the powerful monastery of Cluny in southern France who added it to Church celebrations in 998. This feast, called All Souls Day soon spread from France to the rest of Europe.

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C - Oct. 30, 2016.
Readings: Wis. 11:22-12:2; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14; Thes. 1:11-2:2; Gospel Lk. 19:1-10.
Theme:  The Challenge of Meeting the Lord & the Sycamore Tree!
Friends in Christ, the wisdom text (Wis. 11:22-12:2) we read today reminds us about God's kindness and mercy as well as his ardent desire to save sinners. It particularly notes that he does that: "...that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in [him]."                                
This implies that God's love is infinite and his mercies unparalleled. Such warm assurances are sure a product of God's benevolence. There is no better moment for appropriating such a salvific gesture than when the Jubilee Year of Mercy is winding up.                            
 The message of the first reading is reinforced in the gospel (Lk. 19:1-10) where the publican Zacchaeus takes advantage of Jesus passing through Jericho. From him, we learn that:            
1. Jesus passes through the Jericho of our daily lives but only those who hunger for him can take advantage of the situation and be the better for it.  

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Thirtieth  Sunday of the Year, C – October 23, 2016: World Mission Sunday.
Readings: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18; Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18; Gospel Lk 18:9-14.
Theme: Siding with the Poor in Prayer, Humility, Charity & Mission
In our first reading (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18) today, God makes a  preferential option for the poor and vulnerable while stamping his authority to not only defend them but grant their heart's desires.             In Catholic theology, preferential option for the poor is a teaching that is based on the Catholic Social Doctrine of the Church which makes a case for all those who are marginalised in society. These include the unborn children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression.                                      
The Church Fathers urge the faithful according to their ability to share and  dispose of their goods to help others by giving them aid which will  enable them to help and develop themselves. (The Church in the Modern World - Gaudium et Spes #69)                                                    
We must realise that the earth belongs to everyone, not only to the rich alone (On the Development of  Peoples - Populorum Progressio, #23) which is why the poor and vulnerable must always be on our agenda.    

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-ninth Sunday of the Year, C – October 16, 2016.
Readings: Ex 17:8-13; Responsorial Psalm Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Tm 3:14-4:2; Gospel Lk 18:1-8.
Theme: Perseverance in Prayer & the Need to Never Grow Weary
Dearly beloved in Christ, our readings this Sunday challenges us on the need for perseverance and synergy in prayer as necessary ingredients of faith. Our liturgy focuses on perseverance as a recipe for petitioning heaven for our needs and the needs of the world. In the first reading (Ex 17:8-13), we are told that as long as Aaron and Hur held Moses' hands up, God granted victory to his people.                                      
What does this mean for contemporary Christians? Well, friends in Christ, it is time we drew lessons from the intercessory role of pastors of souls in intervening for the flock especially at a time of crisis.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Twenty-eightSunday of the Year, C – October 9, 2016.

Readings: 2 Kgs 5-14-17; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4; 2 Tm 2:8-13; Gospel Lk 17:11-19.

Theme: Offering thanks & the Blessing of Giving 

Our readings today centre on the theme of giving. In the first reading (2 Kgs 5-14-17), Naaman, the Syrian army General returns with his whole retinue to offer thanksgiving to God for cleansing him from leprosy. Coincidentally, only one out of the ten lepers who were cured by Jesus return to give thanks to God. 

The action of both Naaman and the Samaritan was an indictment on the people of Israel who often failed to thank God for his numerous blessings in their lives.                                        By singling out the Samaritan for praise, Jesus was presumably directing his rebuke to the sons and daughters of Israel for embarrassingly failing to offer thanks to God.

Elisha, the prophet of God, would reject the gifts offered by Naaman as an example for men of God to work for the Lord out of an ardent desire for saving souls not for sordid gain. In a society that is crazy with donor fatigue occasioned by tithes for blessings, giving for promotion and threats to unwilling givers, pastors of souls must re-access their vocation on the attitude of Elisha bearing in mind the words of ordination: “Work not for sordid gain...” and “Model your life according to the mystery of the Lord's cross.” 

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-seventh Sunday of the Year, C – October 2, 2016.
Readings: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14; Gospel Lk 17:5-10.
Theme: Faith that Moves Mountains
Our Sunday liturgy centres on the theme of faith which the penny catechism defines as "the supernatural gift of God which makes us believe without seeing whatever God has revealed."               The Letter to the Hebrews (11:1) lends credence to this definition when it says: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
The conceptions above confirm the biblical dictum, "For we walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Over the years, I have settled for the definition of faith which describes it as, “the coat that warms us of the cold of unbelief."                                        
The gospel (Lk 17:5-10) starts on a note of requisition. The apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. The reason is not farfetched - in previous chapters of Luke, Jesus had laid  before them the cost of discipleship and implications of scandalising little ones.
By so doing, they knew that following him was not by power or might (Zechariah 4:6). They needed Jesus to consolidate their faith - A requisition that becomes a reference point for would be disciples.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year, C – September 25, 2016.
Readings: Amos 6:1a,4-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7,8-9a,9bc-10(R.v.1b); 1 Tim 6:-11-16; Gospel Lk 16:19-31.
Theme: The Parable of Reversal & a Call to Charity
Most scripture scholars agree that the whole of chapter 16 of Luke’s Gospel revolves around the central theme of material possessions. The chapter is structured into three parts which we have read recently namely, the story of the unjust steward (Vv. 1-13), the Pharisees’ (who loved money) protest and Jesus’ response (Vv. 14-18) and now, the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Vv. 19-31). The entire chapter, talks to the heart of issues surrounding one’s attitude towards material possessions.
On this Sunday, we are presented with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 19-31). It is important to note that the rich man referred to in the gospel is a symbol of the Jews who had been blessed by God as the chosen people but took the graces of God for granted.                                         Let us consider the following points in this reflection:

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year, C – September 18, 2016.
Readings: Amos 8:4-7, 13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 113: 1-2.4-8.R.v.17); 1 Tim 2:-1-8; Gospel Lk 16:1-13.
Theme: The Scandal of Padding & a Call to Faithfulness
Nigerians recently woke up with a new vocabulary in the news namely, “padding.” For the purpose of this homily, padding is inflating or removal of entries in a financial account. The alleged padding of the 2016 appropriation bill has left our country in economic comatose as implementation is way out in the woods.
While Nigerians are waiting for the outcome of the purported budget padding and perhaps bringing the culprits to book as President Muhammadu Buhari has promised, this Sunday, we are presented with the story of a servant who padded his Master’s accounts for future favours.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year, C – September 11, 2016.
Readings: Ex. 32:7-11, 13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13,17&19(R.cf.Luke15:18); 1 Tim 1-12-17; Gospel Lk 15:1-32.
Theme: The Scandal of Working for Reward and a Call to Repentance
Beloved in Christ, the parable of the prodigal son once again calls us to reflect on God’s mercy and forgiveness while soft-pedaling on working only for reward. Our reflections on this parable have customarily being surrounded around the sin of the younger son. Conversely, I would like us to look critically at the scandal of the eldest son. A survey of his attitude reveals the following:
1. Instead of going into to house to get first hand information about what was going on, he resorted to getting his news from the grapevine – a gossip that would later trigger anger in him.
2. For allowing what was supposed to be good news, the safe return of his kid brother, to become bad news, he became a victim.
3. His anger and refusal to go in was a huge scandal – a time-bomb waiting to explode.
4. This bad attitude interrupted the party in honour of his brother which made his father to come out of the house.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-third Sunday of the Year, C – August 4, 2016.
Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18B; Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17; Phmn. 9-10, 12-17; Gospel Lk 14:25-33.
Theme: Are you possessed by your possessions? A reflection on detachment!
We live in a society where market forces determine prices of goods and services. On daily basis economists and business moguls unleash upon us a society which maximises profit. The rat race of survival of the fittest and the elimination of the unfit make the world a profit-oriented globe which places high premium on material possessions.
Sadly, we are caught up in the quagmire of a society that “objectifies” and “commodifies” human beings. The commercialisation of relationships based on utility friendship further worsens the situation.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twenty-First Sunday of Year, C – July 21, 2016.
Readings: Is 66:18-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1, 2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Gospel Lk 13:22-30.
Theme: The Narrow Gate: Point of Entry!
Our liturgy today draws our attention to enter through the narrow gate. In the gospel (Lk 13:22-30). Some scripture scholars suggest that what Jesus meant by that statement is twofold. First, that salvation requires our earnest effort because the door is narrow and exclusive, not wide and all-inclusive and second, that  salvation requires our most urgent attention.
Other scholars suggest that the saying was directed at the Jews who felt that as the chosen people, they had the exclusive ticket to the joys of paradise.                                              
 In Jewish practice, a rabbi often punished his disciple by way of shutting down the door when the disciple arrives late. The disciple could be told not to come back for a week.That way, the disciple is expected to resume early and remain faithful henceforth.
By answering the question someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” with the statement “strive to enter through the narrow gate..." Jesus prepared the minds of his audience that: First, being a Jew is not a criteria for making heaven and second, faithful gentiles would make heaven and stand in judgement against the Jews.

Shikrot Mpwi - Assumption Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Solemnity Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary - Mass During The Day: Year, C – July 14, 2016.
Readings: Rev. 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; Responsorial Psalm Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Cor. 15:20-27; Gospel Luke 1:39-56.
Theme: Going Up with Mary
Today we celebrate the Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, BVM into heaven. The assumption of the BVM is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. A dogma is the official teaching of the Church proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church). Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate and make faith secure (Jn 8:31-32). Built upon divine foundations, dogmas are firmly rooted in scripture as evident in Matthew 18:18 & 16:18-19, John 21:16 & Luke 10:16.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twentieth Sunday of Year, C – July 14, 2016.
Readings: Jer. 38:4-6, 8-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2, 3, 4,18 (R.14b); Heb.12:1-4; Gospel Luke 12:49-53.
Theme: The Cost of Discipleship
Dearly beloved in Christ, today’s gospel contains one of the most misconstrued words of Jesus. Those who take on Christianity use this scripture as basis for accusing Jesus for calling for a bloody revolution. That is not all, they conclude that he cannot be the Prince of Peace he claims to be since he said: “I have come to bring fir to the earth ...”  
Far from it – to understand what Jesus said in context, we must realise that sacred texts can either be taken connotatively or denotatively. While connotation refers to the suggestive or associated meaning of words, denotation refers to their literal or actual meaning.

Shikrot Mpwi- Sunday Synopsis With Fr. Justine

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - June 12, 2016 Readings: 1st Read: Wis. 18: 16-9; PS responsorial Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-19, 20-22; 2nd Read: Heb. 11: 1-2, 8-19; Gospel Lk. 12: 32-48. Theme: A Call to Faithful Stewardship Beloved in Christ, our readings call us to be faithful stewards of God's promises. Time and time again, Christians Have Been Reminded That ours is a call to be faithful, not successful. That is why the first reading from the book of Wisdom (18: 16.09) tells the story of fidelity of the sons and daughters of Israel to the tradition of the Passover meal. In obedience, the children of Israel kept track of God's miraculous deeds to Their fathers. The Passover was a memorial of God's saving work in Their Lives - It was a tradition That was meant to be passed on. As an act of faith, the Israelites made it a point of duty to to recall God's faithfulness to His people. Little wonder then a, the second reading from the letter to the Hebrews (11: 1-2, 8-19) charges us to emulate the faith of the ancients obedient to God Were WHO. Particularly since the reading mentions Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we are not surprised That These names are Invoked During our time in prayers for God to These friends of interceding for us.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Seventeenth Sunday of Year, C – July 24, 2016.
Readings: Gen. 18:20-32; Responsorial Psalm PS 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8; Col. 2:12-14; Gospel Lk 11:1-13.
Theme: On Persistence & Not Giving Up On God      
Dearly beloved in Christ, on this Sunday, we are presented with Jesus' teaching about prayer and persistence. As a response to a question one of his disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (11:1) Elizabeth Johnson opines that Jesus  offers a three-part teaching which includes: A model prayer, a parable about prayer, and some sayings about prayer. It is essential to understand the gospel reading (Lk 11:1-13) in the light of these three points earlier referred to:                                              
   1. A Model Prayer: It was St. Augustine who once said, "there is no human petition which the, Our Father does not take cognizance of." As a model prayer, the Lord's Prayer contains the four traditional formats of Catholic prayer namely: Adoration, thanksgiving, supplication and petition.                          (a). Prayer of Adoration: The words, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name" constitute the prayer of adoration. This prayer calls us to the solemn worship, adulation and adoration of God's awesomeness. It is also a call to keep the first two of the Ten Commandments of God: "I am the LORD your God" (Cf. Ex. 20 2-17) and "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Deut. 5:6-21). How many times have we violated this injunction by putting other things like money, selfish desires and vain ambition, before the worship of God?

Krakow, Poland 2016: Anxieties and Expectations of Team-Nigeria!

Young Catholic Student's representative, Augustine Abba, Bauchi Diocesan Chaplain and CYON President, Fr. Justine Dyikuk and Ali Michael Oduka after the Abuja WYD orientation programme

All is now set for the World Youth Day (WYD) celebration slated for Krakow, Poland from July 25 to 31, 2016. Team-Nigeria has been prepared socially, intellectually, spiritually and otherwise for the trip.
To ensure that the WYD does not become a mere social event, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) organised a 3-day orientation programme at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre (DRACC), Aco-Estate, Abuja from June 14 to16, 2016 to prepare the Nigerian contingent fully for the celebration.                                                  

At the orientation programme, the intending pilgrims were urged to consider their trip as a pilgrimage of faith. This message was contained in a paper delivered to the youth by the former National Youth Animator, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi at the event.
"This pilgrimage is a pilgrimage of faith, for a people of faith, in a country of faith for the purpose of faith" Ndubisi stressed, noting that the protagonists of the WYD are "Christ and the Youth."                                              
He further disclosed the theme of the 2016 WYD celebration as "Blessed are they merciful for they shall obtain mercy" while urging all to embrace God’s mercy.                                
Ndubisi used the occasion to unveil information about group itinerary, reception of delegates, pilgrims' kit, days in the diocese also known as missionary week and details of accommodation.                                                
He also said the Nigerian contingent will do their days in the diocese in the diocese of Gliwice where they will be hosted by various families.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Sixteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 17, 2016.
Readings: Gen. 18:1-10A; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 5; Colossians 1:24-28; Gospel Luke 10:38-42.
Theme: Learning from the School of Martha and Mary      
Friends in Christ, that our gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42) for this Sunday is coming after the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is no mistake. Last Sunday, the Priest and the Levite shunned the man who fell into the hands of brigands because they wanted to demonstrate “the love of God” but they ended up neglecting “the love of neighbour.”
On this Sunday, Jesus’ encounter with Martha and Mary during a remarkable visit bridges the gap between the love of God and the love of neighbour. To be sure, Martha was busy with her culinary services trying to demonstrate “the love of neighbour” that she overlooked “the love of God” while Mary’s focus was on “the love of God” which made her pay less attention to “the love of neighbour.” The point that Jesus wants us to take home is that both “the love of neighbour” and “the love of God” are important aspects of christian discipleship.

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Fifteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 10, 2016.
Readings: Deut. 30:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:14 & 17,30-31,33-34,36ab & 37 (R.v.33) or Ps 19:8,9,10,11(R.9ab); Colossians 1:15-20; Gospel Luke 10:25-37.
Theme: Mercy through Charity As Recipe for Us Vs them Stereotype      
Today’s gospel (Luke 10:25-37) presents us with the challenge of stereotype in society. We live in a society where people tend to treat us based on our sex, religion, race, social standing or political affiliation. Sadly, these stereotypes have sent many innocent people to their early graves.
In Nigeria, the Us Versus them stereotype takes the form of Muslim Versus Christian, Catholic Versus Protestant, Protestant Versus Pentecostal, Hausa Versus Igbo, Yoruba Versus Ijaw, North Versus South to mention just as a few. We are easily divided along religious, regional and ethnic lines. This ugly mentality blinds our sense of patriotism and nationalism. The situation gets worse to the extent that some cultures see themselves as superior to others - Just so, the Jews saw themselves in relation to others in Jesus’ time.

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Fourteenth Sunday: Year C - July 3, 2016.
Readings: Isaiah 66:10-14c; Responsorial Psalm Ps 66:1-3a,4-5, 6-7,16 & 20 (R.1); Galatians 6:14:18; Gospel Luke 10:1-12,17-20.
Theme: Of a New World Order & Messengers of Peace
Dearly beloved in Christ, our liturgy today hinges around establishing a New World Order (NWO) where harmony and concord flow from the streams of truth, justice and peace. In the second reading (Galatians 6:14:18), Saint Paul upturns the worldly order of discriminatory standards by proposing a NWO anchored on a new creation. In this NWO, circumcision, colour, race, tribe, societal status, gender and financial status do not matter. The Apostle Paul goes ahead to promise “peace and mercy” to those who walk by this rule or a civilisation of love for want of a better expression.
When Jesus started his ministry, he needed apostles who help him in inaugurating this new kingdom of truth, justice and love. In no time, he extended that power to seventy others as the gospel (Luke 10:1-12,17-20) indicates. These men like John the Baptist, were supposed to do the groundwork of clearing before the master arrives.

Very Rev. Fr. John Adeyi (1965 - 2016): One Victim, Many Stories! By Justine Dyikuk

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." Martin Luther King, Jr.
June 22, 2016 was a Black-Wednesday for the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and the Nigerian Church. Barely hours after the sad news of the discovered remains of the abducted Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Very Rev. Fr. John Adeyi sent cold shivers to a nation at crossroads, another priest, Rev. Fr. Julius Gospel Inalegwu was abducted on June 23, 2016 at his parish rectory, Jitan Dutse, Tudun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State by unknown gunmen at 1:30am.
While we pray for the immediate release of Fr. Gospel, our thoughts go with the bishop, priests, religious and laity of Otukpo Diocese particularly family members and parishioners of the late Fr. Adeyi. Our litany of prayers went up in unison for God to deliver this innocent and hardworking priest from the hands of his abductors yet the unknown kidnappers had their way – God knows best.
The road to his untimely death began when the humble and serene Parish Priest of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Okpoka, Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State, was kidnapped on Sunday, 24 April, 2016 along Odoba, Otukpa-Okwungaga road on his way to Otukpa while returning from an outstation of the Parish where he had gone to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Thirteenth Sunday of the Year - C: June 26, 2016.
Readings: 1 Kgs. 19:16B, 19-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Gal. 5:1, 13-18; Gospel Lk. 9:51-62.
Theme: The Christian Vocation and the Dangers of Looking Back
Dearly beloved in Christ, Jesus' reply in today's gospel to the man who said: "I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home" namely, "No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God" leaves us with a reflection on the cost of discipleship. His response to the second man who was attached to his family and wanted to go and bury his father also demonstrates the seriousness of Jesus' mission and the implication of saying "Yes" to him. The instruction Jesus gave him namely, "...go and proclaim the kingdom of God" shows both the urgency of the gospel message and its oneness of purpose.

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Twelfth Sunday of the Year - C: June 19, 2016.
Readings: Zec. 12:10-11; 13:1; Responsorial Psalm Ps  63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Gal. 3:26-29; Gospel Lk. 9:18-24.
Theme: Answering the Question of Faith!
Jesus' twofold question of "who do people say that I am" and "who do you say that I am" reveals the importance of the question "Who?" as one of the five "Ws" of journalism. The question is crucial to an in-depth knowledge of who Jesus was and re-awakening of faith. These questions illicit both intellectual and spiritual understanding of Jesus' messianic role. Except for the Maccabaean Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs which give evidence to the belief in a Messiah from the tribe of Levi as contained in the Dead Sea Scrolls, there was no single Messiah in Judaism.

June 12th Annulment: Making a Case for a Martyr of Democracy & Democracy Day By Justine Dyikuk

                                  
In history, 12th June is a day to reckon with as many remarkable events took place around the world. On 12th June, 1941 for instance, the Inter Allied Declaration was signed in London. This was the first step towards the establishment what is today known as the United Nations.
That is not all; it was on 12th June, 1963 that the Civil Rights leader, Medgar Evers was fatally shot in front of his home in Jackson, MS.
Incidentally US President Reagan publicly challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin wall on June 12, 1987.
It is also on June 12, 1990 that the parliament of the Russian Federation formally declared its sovereignty.

Kano Murder: What the Emir Should Learn From the Governor By Justine Dyikuk

Like it or not, Northern Nigeria has become a potentially dangerous place to live in. From the activities of the marauding Boko boys to gun-wielding herdsmen and incidences of an army of belligerent youth ready with the knife for a slaughter, the region is no stranger to spilling of blood.                                
Recently, the North has been in the news for unwholesome activities by few elements. Barely few days after a mob attacked and killed an elderly woman, one Mrs. Bridget Agbaheme for alleged blasphemy in Kano, a 41- year old carpenter, identified as Francis Emmanuel, was on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 stabbed by unknown youths for eating during the fast of Ramadan along Sokoto Road, Kakuri in Kaduna State.

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Eleventh Sunday of the Year C - June 12, 2016.
Readings: 2nd Sam. 12:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps PS 32:1-2, 5, 7, 11; Gal. 2:16, 19-21; Gospel Lk. 7:36-50.
Theme: Talking Truth to Power: The Burden and the Beauty
Beloved in Christ, today the Prophet Nathan stands out as a model for all prophets and the prophetic enterprise. We shall highlight how being the mouthpiece of God can be both a blessing for the dogged and a curse for the lily-levered. We shall also  draw lessons from God's benevolent summons to us to be less judgmental about others and quick in seeking God's forgiveness. We shall take them one by one:                                                              

On Being Redeemed- By Justine Dyikuk

"I have decided to serve him freely who paid my ransom." - Slave-girl.            
Many years ago, a slave-master came across this elegant, charming and extremely beautiful slave-girl in one of the African slave-markets. Her physical attractiveness enriched by a refined skin tone and gracious countenance caught his gaze as he approached her owner for a deal.                                    When he asked for her price, the owner of the slave gave him the highest price ever. After accessing  the slave-girl very well, he made up his mind to buy her - after all, "she is worth the price" he said to himself.
When he paid the required sum, the slave-master took charge of his new "property" as the slave-girl was untied from the stake and released to him. He was dragging the rope upon which she was tied to as she followed behind like a sheep being taken to the slaughter.                                                                          

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C - June 05, 2016.
Readings: 1st Kgs. 17:17-24; Responsorial Psalm Ps 30:2, 4, 5-6, 11, 12, 13; Gal. 1:11-14A, 15ac, 16a, 17, 19; Gospel Lk. 7:11-17.
Theme: Reviving Souls: An urgent task for the Church
Dearly beloved in Christ, our first reading (1 Kgs. 17:17-24) puts before us the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, a Sidonian town whose dying son, God gave life to through the instrumentality of the prophet. This preclude prepares us for the message of the gospel (Lk. 7:11-17) wherein Jesus gives life to the only son of the widow of Nain. Before we delve into the lessons of the two stories, it is important for us to pay attention to what the widow of Zarephath told Elijah namely: “Why have you done this to me, O man of God? Have you come to me to call attention to my guilt and to kill my son?”          

Crossing Over To Taraba

There is no gainsaying that in Nigeria, statistics make little or no meaning to us. Managing demographics has always been taken for granted. Meet an average immigration officer to give u the number of people who come into Nigeria through any of the borders and you will be shocked with the answer that will be provided. If the Federal Government does not take the movement of people seriously then its easy to guess what states are doing. These days i see immigration officers on our roads in Taraba but i don't actually know what they do on those roads. The only difference i notice is that most at times, they do not extort money from commuters like the military or police. Supposing i want to know how many new persons have come into Taraba to settle in Bali, Gassol, Gashaka, Donga, Ibi, Takum and wukari since April 2014, who do i contact? Supposing i want to know their nationalities who can provide such information for me? Ironically these movements continue to take place everyday in Taraba State. I keep wondering where lie the "yan ci Ranis" in our demographic studies. Could they be compared to the gypsies in Europe? How are these 'ci ranis' monitored? But this a country that wants to be taken serious in its fight against insurgency. Still a long walk to freedom, unless we take the movement of people more seriously.

Shikrot Mpwi – Homiletic Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Year C - June 04, 2016.
Readings: 2 Tim. 4:1-8; Responsorial Psalm Ps 71:8-9.14-1Sab.16-17.22 (R.15ab);
Gospel Lk 2:41-52.
Theme: Immaculate Heart of Mary - The Heart On a Rescue Mission
It was on the twenty-fifth anniversary of Fatima, precisely 1942 that  Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in a grand celebration. Later on in the same year, the Roman Pontiff would assign the feast day to August 22, the octave of the Assumption. He it was who also extended the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary to the Universal Church on May 4, 1944.

Shikrot Mpwi – Homiletic Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

                                                       
 Solemnity of the Scared Heart of Jesus: Year C - June 03, 2016.
Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-6 (R.v.1); Romans 5:1:5b-11;
Gospel Lk 15:3-7.
Theme: Celebrating Jesus' Magnetic Heart
In Catholicism, the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus takes Jesus' physical heart as a symbol of God's divine love for humanity. The earliest possible date which the devotion began was in May 29, 1818 or 2285. Some theologians say the devotion started in July 1943 or 2038. However, in 1856, Pope Pius IX made the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus obligatory for the Universal Church to take place on Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi celebration.              
 Interestingly and providentially too,  it was Pope Pius XII who raised the celebration to a First Class Celebration with an Octave in the reforms of 1955.  

365 Days in Office: Scoring the Buhari Administration By Justine Dyikuk

Since this week, the media has been awash with commentaries on the performance or not of this administration. To a large extent, these commentaries depend on which side of the divide analysts speak from. Aside from playing politics, what is clear in the two schools of thought regarding the performance or non-performance of the President Muhmmadu Buhari-led administration is that apparently, all analysts mean well for this country.
Feedback is an essential feature of assessment and growth in any society. Contrary to the criticism that President Buhari asked the media to rate the performance of his government in the past 365 days, I doff my heart for the president for the courage to have a parley with the media.
As the Fourth Estate of the realm, the president is aware of the role of the media in forming public opinion. More so, through the various vox pops, the press must have gathered enough facts. As such, it is in a better position to say the mind of the people or report things as they are.

An Open Letter To Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku- By Charles Jabana

Your Excellency, I write this letter as a citizen of Taraba State and as a humble cleric. I am not a politician because I am a Catholic priest; but I am political because I am a human being. Having observed with keen interest the political development in Taraba State from campaign period to date, I deem it necessary to write you this letter. I wish to first of all congratulate you on your first anniversary as the Executive Governor of Taraba State. I thank God for seeing you through the hurdles you passed through in the first half of your administration. I also congratulate you for the successful hosting of North-East congress of your party PDP at the end of which our State produced the chairman. More grease to your elbow.

Nigerian Children: Give Them What We Had - By Justine Dyikuk

 The motto and activities of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) championed by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) brings to the fore, a reflection on child rights on Children's Day. Children's Day come and go but hardly do we take in the lessons of the event.                                        
 Before revisiting the ethos of UNICEF as a panacea for child-rights abuses in Nigeria, it is essential to go memory lane and view with hindsight what children of yesteryears enjoyed which contemporary kids are missing.                                                                              
To be sure, from the 80's to the late 90's, there was a high premium on child-related issues. The last three decades enjoyed an overflow of good feeling from parents and guardians towards their children. That attitude is thanks to african traditional values which were taught at home and galvanised in schools.                            

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ: Year C - May 29, 2016.
Readings: Gen. 14:18-20; Responsorial Psalm Ps PS 110:1, 2, 3, 4; 1 Cor 11:23-26;
 Gospel Lk 9:11B-17.
Theme: Bread, Broken For Our Sakes
The Feast of Corpus Christi also known as Corpus Domini, is a Latin Rite liturgical solemnity which celebrates the tradition and belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ and his Real Presence in the Eucharist. The celebration of Corpus Christi emphasizes the joy of the institution of the Eucharist which was enacted  on Maundy Thursday at the Last Supper Jesus ate with his disciples. The last supper remains a focal point in the institution of the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. Those who receive the Sacrament of  Holy Orders extend the divine command of "Do this in memory of me" by feeding the flock with the Body and the Blood of Christ.

Shik Rot Mpwe – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Trinity Sunday: Year C - May 22, 2016.
Readings: Proverbs 8:22-31; Responsorial Psalm Ps 8:4-5.6-7a.7b-9 (R.2a); Romans 5:1:5; Gospel John 16:12-15.
Theme: Blessed Trinity & Unity of Purpose
Many people have wondered why the Sign of the Cross is the trademark of the Catholic Church. From altar servers to knights, footballers to celebrities, the religious to the pope, the sign of the cross has remained a spiritual insignia that defines Catholicism.
Trinity Sunday provides us with an answer for this ancient yet timeless practice in the Church. Well, there are three divine persons in one God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The word trinity means, one God, three eternal persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In simple terms, the Father is not the same person as the Son - the Son is not the same person as the Holy Spirit - and the Holy Spirit is not the same person as Father.

Shik Rot Npwe – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk: Pentecost Sunday

Year C - May 15, 2016.
Readings: Acts Acts 2:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 104:1,24,29-30,3134; 1st Cor. 12:3B-7, 12-13 or Rom. 8:8-17; Gospel John 20:19-23 or John 14:15-16,23B-26.
Theme: Let the Fire of the Holy Spirit Come Down Again 
Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of thy faithful…
Pentecost
Beloved in Christ, today is Pentecost Sunday. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek Pentekoste which means fiftieth. It was the second of the 3 most important annual feast in Jewish calendar which occurred 7 weeks after the Passover and was primarily a feast of thanksgiving for harvest; first fruits of wheat crop were offered to God on that day. It later came to be associated with the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. All Jews at home and in the diaspora were expected to attend. Thus, there was no fitting day for the descent of the Holy Spirit than this. The dramatic event our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 recounts, became the birthday of the Church.
Holy Spirit

Of Friends- Justine Dyikuk

Morning friends are also called sunrise or breakfast friends.  Often, they spice up your life – they bring sunshine to your life. You would be glad you had them. Like tea, their steam evaporates your life to the envy of all.  Morning friends are always at the breakfast table of your life – as a very curious set of creatures, they are quick to browse through the menu of your life in terms of lunch and dinner to ascertain if your life is going to be promising or not. These are often childhood friends. You have the right to choose your morning friends.

Shik Rot Npwe – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Seventh Sunday of Easter & World Communication’s Day: Year C - May 8, 2016.
Readings: Readings Acts 7:55-60; Rev 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 &Gospel John 17:20-26
Theme:  Communicating God's Mercy and Unity!
Dearly beloved in Christ, today is the seventh Sunday of Easter. Incidentally, today is also World Communications Day (WCD). You would recall that the Pontifical Council for Social Communications earlier this year announced the theme for the 2016 WCD as  “Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter” through the Vatican Radio. It is important to note that the Holy Father's message for WCD is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers (January 24).

Six Years After: Former President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Lives On By Justine Dyikuk

  It is six years since the demise of former President, Umaru Musa Yar’adua. Nigerians and notable citizens across the country have bared their minds concerning the legacies of "the rule of law apostle."                                                              
The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki said: "It is exactly six years ago since you bid us good bye but it is just like yesterday. Your selflessness, patriotism, integrity and legacies make your memory indelible in our hearts."                                          
Recounting Yar'Adua's legacies, Saraki added: "We remember you now and always as a worthy family man, public servant, Governor and President. May the Almighty Allah continue to grant you peace till we meet to part no more."  

Shik Rot Npwe - Synopsis of the Ascension of the Lord with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord: Year C - May 5, 2016.
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3,6-7,8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23, 22-23 Or Hebrews 9:24-28,10:19-23; Gospel Luke 24:46-53.
Theme: Ascension: The Power of Goodbye
"Goodbye's the saddest word I'll ever hear. Goodbye's the last time I will hold you near. Someday you'll say that word and I will cry. It'll break my heart to hear you say goodbye" - Celine Dion                                        
The opening statement above from the lyrics of the timeless "Goodbye's (the Saddest Word)" by the queen of R and B, Celine Dion brings to the fore the power of goodbye.                  
Perhaps a list of scenarios would help us to better understand the power that lies in the words "Good-Bye."  

Shik Rot Npwe - Sunday Synopsis With Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Sixth Sunday of Easter: Year C - May 1, 2016.
Readings: Acts 15:1-2.22-29; Responsorial Psalm Ps 67:2-3,5,6 & 8 (R.v.4); Revelations 21:10-14, 22-23; Gospel John 14:23-29.
Theme: Suing for Peace through Conflict-management
Conflict in human society is old as man himself. From the days of Adam and Eve through the early Church to contemporary times, conflicts have reared their ugly heads in both the Church and secular society. Since it is a given that tensions and conflicts are part of human existence, it is necessary for us to learn how to manage conflicts and sue for peace. But first, let us take a look at how the early Christian Community was able to handle complaints, tensions and conflicts.
The first reading (Acts 15:1-2.22-29) recounts the issue of circumcised and uncircumcised Christians. There was an agitation from some people who came from Judea who insisted that circumcision was a prerequisite for salvation. Paul and Barnabas had a fierce debate with those who held this view. Since they refused to listen to the two apostles, the elders appointed Paul and Barnabas to go to Antioch and have the matter sorted out.

Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk:

Shik Rot Npwe - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk                                                                 Fifth Sunday of Easter: Year C - April 24, 2016.

Readings: Acts 14:21b -27; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:8-13 (R.v.1); Revelations 21:1-5a; Gospel John 13:31-33a, 34-35.

Theme: Lessons of love 

This Sunday’s liturgy calls us to seek ways of making the love of God and neighbour come alive in our families, places of work/business, church and larger society. The love of God was made visible in Christ, Jesus – Little wonder, after eating with his disciples, Jesus invited them to embrace a new commandment of love as we read in the gospel (John 13:31-33a, 34-35). Like a seed of mustard, this love is supposed to spread its tentacles to people of every tribe, people and nation under the earth. 

This new commandment is free and penniless. It is a call to break down the barriers that divide humanity in terms of race, colour, sex/gender or nationality. By insisting that we should love as he has loved us, Jesus introduces us into an mutual covenantal-relationship with him. The only prove that we love God whom we cannot see is that we should love him in our brothers and sisters especially those at the margins of society – the sick, the aged, refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) et al. 

Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk: "Of a Shepherd and his Sheep."

                                   
Fourth Sunday of Easter: April 17, 2016.                                        
Readings –  Acts 13:14, 43-52; Responsorial Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5;  Rev. 7:9, 14B-17 & Gospel Jn 10:27-30.                                            
Dearly beloved in Christ, today is Good Shepherd Sunday or Vocation Sunday - a day in which the Church encourages priests, religious and lay faithful to offer special prayers for vocations to the priesthood and religious life especially during the general intercessions at Mass.The Church equally expects ministers of the word to give a special homily on vocations to encourage young men and women to take to the priestly and religious life, as well  as for parents to willingly offer their children to work in God's vineyard.