Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk - March 5, 2017

Readings: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Responsorial Psalm PS 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17; Rom 5:12-19 Or Rom 5:12, 17-19; Gospel Mt 4:1-11.

Theme: Beyond Temptation!

Friends in Christ, the First Sunday of Lent is the platform for us to properly reflect on the implication of our Annual Traditional Lenten Observances of prayer, fasting and alms giving plus observing the Stations of the Cross. It also obliges us to hit the ground running in terms of relying on God's Holy Spirit to aid us in our resolve to withstand temptation and sin.                          

This is why our first reading today from the book of Genesis (Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7) takes us back to how Adam and Eve derailed from the Original State of Blessedness to what theologians call, Fallen Humanity. They could not withstand the tricks of the devil because their gaze was on the dangling apple known as the "tree of life."      

The concupiscence of the eye and the pride of life took the better of them which saw them out of paradise. Their desolate state brought about loss of grace and the Original State of Blessedness which they hitherto enjoyed. This sin implicated humanity in that God had to initiate a new process of redeeming the human race.  

While the first Adam failed in resisting temptation, the New Adam broke the First Guinness Book of Records by disgracing the devil thrice. The tempter tried him in the area of food, power and worldly splendour. Jesus would use the scriptures to counter-balance the three temptations.  

In the second reading (Rom 5:12-19), St. Paul clarifies this point thus: "Just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous."   

Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk - March 1, 2017

Readings: JL 2:12-18; Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 5-6AB 12, 14 And 17; 2^nd Cor 5:20-6:2; Gospel Mt 6:1-6, 16-18.

Theme: Lent: Of Dust and Us!

Beloved in Christ, the season of Lent is here again. There is no better time to begin this season of grace than on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 which invites us to march with the Lord for forty days through the observance of the three traditional spiritual acts of prayer, fasting and acts of charity, haven received ashes on our foreheads.

Traditionally, Lent begins at “Ash Wednesday” and ends at sundown of Holy Thursday. Since this is more than forty days, some contend that Sundays are not counted and that Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturdays are counted instead. Others say that it begins on the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday. Whichever is the case, the word Lent comes from the Middle English word Lenten which means springtime or the time of lengthening days. During this period, the official liturgical colour is violet - a colour that signifies penance.   

While many seriousness minded Christians view Lent as a moment of grace and spiritual rejuvenation, other lapse Christians see it as a disturbing period when they have to forego the pleasure of choicest foods and drinks and at the same time undergo the stress of attending the Via Dolorosa, that is, the Stations of the Cross. Against all misgivings, Lent is a Holy Season.

It is important to note that the 1983 Code of Canon Law prescribes abstinence and fasting for Catholics on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All Fridays of the year are days of penance. All persons who are 14 years old and older are bound by the law of abstinence on all Fridays that are not Solemnities. Indeed, this Lenten Season provides us with a tapestry of spiritual insights meant for our good. What does this portend for us?

Significance of Ashes: Throughout scriptures, (cf. Esther 4:2-3; Daniel 19:3; Jonah 3:6 and Matthew 11:21), ashes were used as a sign of repentance and penitence which indicate the fallen nature of man. By reminding us that “we are dust and unto dust we shall return,” the priest invites us to an act of self-emptying and self abnegation through the pious act of robbing ashes on our foreheads. Stephen Beale beautifully summarizes the significance of the ashes thus: “It’s hard to imagine a better way of to begin Len than this rite that recalls our origins and destiny, reminds us of our sinful nature and the hope of salvation, and points us forward to the crucifixion, which is the culmination of Lent.”

Prayer: What then is prayer? Someone has defined prayer as our own telephone conversion with God. Prayer is a moment of spiritual contact with our creator. Lent gives us such an opportunity to commune with the triune God in response to his commandments. In prayer, we are strengthened and better equipped to live out our lives as Christians. No period affords us this opportunity like the Season of Lent. 

Fasting: The spiritual benefits of fasting and mortification can never be overemphasized. Needless to say that Jesus fasted for forty days and nights haven gone into the wilderness before he began his earthly ministry. During Lent, we are encouraged to abstain from meat and alcoholic drinks as a way of spiritual growth.