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

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – January28, 2018.

Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Ps 95:1-2,6-7,7-9-;

 1 Cor. 7:32-35; Gospel – Mark 1:21-28.

Theme: Authoritative Witnessing!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church puts before us the demands of authoritative witnessing. Our liturgy shall explore the readings in view of pastoral implications. To do that, we shall reflect on the theme “Authoritative Witnessing” as it concerns priests, religious and laity bearing in mind our common baptism in Christ as well as the universal call to holiness.  

Summary of Our Readings

Our first reading from the book of Deuteronomy (Deut. 18:15-20) recounts how Moses the veteran leader of the Israelites promised the people that the Lord would raise a leader from amongst them as a response to their request at Horeb. It is curial to note that Moses testified that God would put his words in the mouth of the said leader and everyone must listen to him otherwise there are consequences. The sacred text further warns fake prophets who have no spiritual pedigree and those who “speak in the name of other gods” to reform or perish.

The second reading (1 Cor. 7:32-35) reveals the Pauline theology of celibacy as a witnessing which pleases God. St. Paul praises celibacy and virginity for the sake of the kingdom of God. It lauds the Evangelical Counsel of celibacy/chastity which is the seasoning of the vocation to the priestly and religious life as a rare privilege to serve the Lord with an “undivided attention” and also an avenue for authoritative witnessing.

In like manner, the message of the gospel (Mark 1:21-28) presents Christ as a witness par excellence whose teaching always makes a “deep impression” on his audience because he taught them “with authority.” The gospel further discloses Jesus’ authority by stating how he exorcised the man with unclean spirits. The testimony of the people namely “here is a teaching that is new – and with authority behind it: He gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him” confirms Jesus’ power to act in the name of God.

Pastoral Application

1. Just as Moses gave hope to the Israelites that God would raise a great prophet from amongst them, it is incumbent on Pastors of Souls to be “Marketers of hope” as Bishop Matthew Kukah always insists.

2.  The promise of a prophet as a response to the request of the people of Israel at Horeb indicates that God fulfils his promises in our lives.

3. We charged to always remember that our priests are representatives of Christ and whatever they proclaim in God’s name enjoys divine endorsement just as the people of Israel took the words of Moses as divinely inspired.

4. Our liturgy warns us about the consequence of not listening to the voice of God and putting same into practice.