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

14^th Sunday of the Year, B – July 8, 2018.

Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; Ps 122:1-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Gospel – Mark 6:1-6.

Theme – Contempt for Prophets & the Challenge of Witnessing!

Introduction

Friends in the Lord, our liturgy unveils the mandate and burden of prophethood. It reveals how indispensable the voice of the prophet is in society and the contempt with which some people in the society reject what the prophet says and stands for. In fact, it particularly notes the conspiracy theory manufactured to deal with prophets but particularly urges prophets not to lose sight of their indefectible mission of witnessing. While attempting to reflect on the theme: “Contempt for Prophets and the Challenge of Witnessing,” we shall take a look at the historical background as well as a summary of the readings. These will help us to situate the theme around practical pastoral lessons.

Background & Summary of the Readings

Ezekiel got his call to be a prophet during one of the greatest crises in Israel’s history. It will be recalled that in 597 BCE, the Babylonians overran the city of Jerusalem defeating Israel’s small army. To add salt to injury, they placed Zedekiah, their own puppet on the throne. Within a decade, Zedekiah attempted to resist the overbearing influence of the Babylonians by aligning with Egypt. That reckless attempt brought down the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar on Israel leading to the removal of the king and court to Babylon around 587 BCE. This sad incident made Israel to cease to exist as a nation for many years as evidence in the allegorical narrative of Ezekiel 17.   

Our first reading (Ezekiel 2:2-5) discloses that it is in this “season of dry bones” that the Prophet Ezekiel was called to preach. The apparent defeat, plunder and death combined to make his “job” difficult. The reading reveals that God called the prophet Ezekiel to minister to those who have rebelled against him but states: “whether they listen or not, this set of rebels shall know there is a prophet among them.” Apparently, the prophet notes that the rebellion was carried out by both their ancestors and their children. The text suggests that the prophet has little or no freedom from fulfilling the prophetic mandate which is wrapped in opposition and rebellion.   

In the second reading, (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) St. Paul gives testimony of how Satan tried to be a torn in his flesh as he strove to carry out his missionary mandate. He, however, discloses how the Lord assures him thrice: “My grace is enough for you.” As a consequence, Paul stresses: “…I am quite content with my weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and agonies I go through for Christ’s sake. For it is when I am weak that I am strong.”