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

11^th Sunday of the Year, B – June 17, 2018.

Readings: Ezekiel 17:22-24; Ps 92:1-2.12-13.14-15(R.1a);

 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Gospel – Mark 4:26-34.

Theme - Living for Others: An Imperative!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our liturgy presents us with the parables of Jesus. The gospel particularly mentions that “using many parables like these [those mentioned in the gospel], he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it.” Our reflection titled, “Living for Others: An Imperative” explores the depth of our liturgical readings with a view to finding the requisite pastoral punch-lines. But first, we shall take a look at the background and summary of the readings.

Readings: Background and Insights

The background to today’s reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (17:22-24) is that the people of Israel were punished. Notwithstanding this punishment, using the analogy of a tree, the text indicates that God shall plant a shoot on a very high mountain. The interesting part of the narrative is that the tree will sprout branches, bear fruit and become a noble cedar with broad branches where the birds of the air would find shelter. It presents a contrast between Nebuchadnezzar who “cuts off” and God who “sets up” the topshoot. Apparently, the highest branch of the cedar was a prophecy about the expected messiah – the heir of the royal house of David. The reading is a prediction about Jesus, the likely anointed one of God.

In the second reading, (2 Corinthians 5:6-10), St. Paul assures that we live by faith and not by sight. What this means is that Christians must learn to be exiled from the flesh and desire to please God remembering that we would give account of our lives before God based on what we did in the body whether good or bad. The reading presents the seeming tension that exists between the desires of the flesh and the demands of the spirit. It further assures that our confidence lies in doing the will of God as that is the only way to please God. 

The gospel (Mark 4:26-34) reading highlights two parables presented by Jesus - The Parable of the Seed that gradually grows in the night from a shoot, to an ear, then a full grain leading to harvest time. The second parable is the Proverbial Mustard Seed which is the smallest of all the seeds on earth but once it is sown, it grows into the biggest shrub of all and puts out branches where the birds of the air find shelter in its branches. 

In the two parables, the Seed is the word of God in the heart of a Christian and the planter is God. The field is the world. The Word starts in the heart of the believer as a small seed but if nurtured, it grows into a big shrub where others, like birds are drawn to find peace, material and spiritual help.

 Pastoral Punch-lines and Application

1. Christians are challenged to “”cut off” every Nebuchadnezzar in their lives which kills the spiritual life and align with God who “sets up” new “topshoots” in their lives.

2. As of old, God has planted the Christian in the world as a shoot on a very high mountain to change the world in terms of administering justice and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

3. The message of the first reading that “the tree will sprout branches, bear fruit and become a noble cedar” indicates that believers have the noble task of impregnating the world with Christian values by living holy lives and being the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Cf. Matthew 5:13 & John 8:12).

4. We are challenged to be exiled from the flesh and desire to do what is pleasing to God bearing in mind that we will give account of our lives before God.

5.  Since we are told that a seeming tension exists between the desires of the flesh and the demands of the spirit, we must do everything it takes to lead spiritual lives so as not to fight on the side of the evil one.

6. The Parable of the Seed that gradually grows in the night from a shoot, to an ear, into a full grain leading to harvest time, teaches us about patience and endurance with the qualms of this life so as to inherit eternal life.

7. It also disposes us to the fact that we can only do our best, and leave the rest for God because he is the one responsible for nurturing the word of God in our lives and enabling true and lasting conversion.

9. The Parable of the Mustard Seed reminds the Christian that humble beginnings can end in great ways.

10. Most importantly, it challenges us about the imperative of living for others, epitomised by Christ, as the surest way to living the Christian life.

Homiletic Points to Remember   

1. [Our liturgy] presents a contrast between Nebuchadnezzar who “cuts off” and God who “sets up” the topshoot.

2. The highest branch of the cedar was a prophecy about the expected messiah – the heir of the royal house of David.

3. Christians must learn to be exiled from the flesh and desire to please God.

4. The Seed is the word of God in the heart of a Christian and the planter is God.   

5. The Word starts in the heart of the believer as a small seed but if nurtured it grows into a big shrub where others, like birds are drawn to find peace, material and spiritual help. 

Conclusion

From Ezekiel’s Finest Cedar to the Marcan Mustard Seed, the Christian is called to live for others as this is an imperative for Christian witnessing. Jesus gives his life as a ransom for many and charges us to do same. Our liturgy gives us a clue to achieving this feat namely making concerted efforts at being exiled from the flesh to live the life of the spirit. We are also reminded that being patient is key to realising the heavenly goal. May God help us to live our lives to the full so as to reach the heavenly Jerusalem, our eternal home. Amen!