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

The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God & World Day of Peace – January 1, 2020.

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: Peace in the World through Mary Our Mother

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today we celebrate another New Year. We thank God for guiding us through 2019 to a brand new year. The Church in her wisdom has asked us to begin the year with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) as Mother of God and World Day of Peace which was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 as a day in which the Mass for peace is said throughout the Catholic world. There is no better way to commence the year than to seek the maternal intercession of the BVM. This is why our reflection titled “Peace in the World through Mary Our Mother” aspires to draw attention to the importance of global peace through the continuous intercession of the Queen of Heaven and Earth. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Numbers 6:22-27), God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel. The invocation of divine benediction upon the children of Israel signals dependence on God who is merciful. There is no proper time to seek God’s blessings than the beginning of the year which makes the reading apt.

In the second reading (Galatians 4:4-7), St. Paul assures that we have received the spirit of adoption as God’s sons and daughters. It also discloses that this was made possible through the incarnation of Christ who humbled himself to be born of a woman, the BVM who is the mother of God. The text assures that we have been given the spirit of his Son which makes us cry “Abba! Father.” This means that we are no longer slaves since we have a father and a mother who are always there to listen to our needs.

The gospel (Luke 2:16-21) relates that the BVM kept everything that was said about her Son and pondered it in her heart. The visit of the shepherds and the circumcision as well as the naming of Jesus does not only indicate how God mixes with us but shows how we must cooperate with the will of God for divine realities to emerge. 

Why is the BVM Mother of God?

1. Because the Aramaic title “the Mother of my Lord” refers to Jesus Christ as Adonai “My Lord.”

2. Because the child Jesus, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, is described as Holy and addressed as the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

3. Because Mary’s Cousin Elizabeth would refer to as “Mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43).

Of Dogma and Theotokos

A dogma is the official teaching of the Catholic Church which pertains to faith and morals proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church) through the Roman Pontiff which binds 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).                                      

Theotokos simply means “God bearer.”  It is traced to the Council of Ephesus in 431, the third Ecumenical Council. It was Cyril of Alexandra who rose against Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople (Turkey) who held that Mary was only the mother of the human Jesus and not God. St. Cyril defended the teaching that Mary is theotokos because she gave birth to the Word of God made flesh. Since then, the Catholic Church has upheld the teaching that Christ has two natures, human and divine insisting that the Virgin Mary gave Christ humanity. St. Athanasius (373) had argued that theotokos shows that the true humanity of Christ pre-existed.  

The BVM in Islam

Muslims hold the BVM in high esteem. Interestingly, in the Holy Quran, there is no mention of a woman except Maryam, the Mother of Isa, Jesus whom Christians regard as the Christ. Chapter 3 of the Holy Quran is called “family of Maryam” and chapter 19 is titled “Maryam.” Chapter 3:34 says Mary was born without original sin; she never committed any sin in her life and she was ever virgin. Also, Quran chapter 50:23 reveals that she went to heaven with her physical body describing the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. 

Pastoral Lessons

1. The Clergy Should Ensure Justice and Peace: Since God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel in the first reading, religious leaders are charged to seek the welfare of the people in a way that justice and peace are justly dispensed.  

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

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Year A – Dec 25, 2019

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 as Light of the Nations

Introduction                      

Beloved in Christ, we thank God for bringing us to yet another Christmas Season. Our liturgy reveals Christ as the light of the world. As we celebrate Christmas, we are quickly reminded to emulate the celebrant (Jesus) as the Light of the World. The gospel of John (1:1-18) states: “In him was life, and the life was the light of the men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Our reflection titled “Christ as Light of the Nations” draws attention to the need for Christians to embrace the light of Christ through their words and deeds. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is 52:7-10) the Prophet Isaiah speaks of liberation and consolation for the people returnees from exile. He praises the feet of the one who brings Good News, heralds peace, brings happiness and proclaims salvation. He assures that the Lords shall redeem Israel noting that the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

The second reading (Hebrews 1:1-6) reveals how God spoke in the past to our ancestors through prophets but in our time, he spoke through His Son. It describes him as the radiant light of God’s glory, perfect copy of his nature and one who sustains the universe by his command. It notes that now he has destroyed the defilement of sin and taken his place in divine majesty. It further discloses that God gave Him the sacred duty of purifying sins while insisting that we imitate the angels in worshipping Him.

The gospel (John 1:1-5.9-14) showcases Christ as the life that is the light of the world which shines in the dark. It discloses that darkness cannot overpower it even as it maintains that John was a witness to the light so that everyone might believe through him. The text emphasizes that it is from him that we all received grace in return for grace.  

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. Christ Illumines the World: The Good news of Christmas is that the birth of Christ illumines every facet of our lives and world.

2. Richer Nations Ought to Assist Poorer Ones: Our liturgy challenges super powers of the world to ensure that the shortfall of infrastructure in smaller countries is top priority.

3. Seek Justice and Peace: Christians too, wherever they are, are charged not to leave the task of ensuring justice, development and peace to the United Nations or G-8 countries alone.

4. Walk the Talk: The Nativity of Christ challenges us to walk the talk by making sure that the light of Christ is felt in people’s lives in such a manner that that it dispels the darkness of secularism, modernism and consumerism in the world. 

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 22, 2019

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: The Emmanuel Effect!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is the last Sunday of Advent and apparently, the climax of four weeks of intense preparation for the Lord’s nativity. 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 – God is with us. Our reflection is based on the Emmanuel-Effect in the light of God’s omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience.

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) brings glad tidings to the House of David that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son who shall be named Emmanuel – a name which means “God is with us.” In the second reading (Rom 1:1-7), St. Paul reminds us that we have received the grace of apostleship to bring the obedience of faith to all who are called to be holy. He also indicates that we are all called to be saints.

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 – God with us. It further relates that when he found out that his betrothed, Mary was pregnant, he did not want to expose her publicly. Since he was a righteous man, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. By doing what as honourable, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and urged him to take Mary as his wife stressing that she was with child through the Holy Spirit. We are told that when Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord had commanded him in a dream by taking his wife into his home. 

Emmanuel Effect: Implications

1. He came and was born in a manger in Bethlehem over thousand years ago – that is why we refer to him as the God who was...

2. He assured that he would go and prepare a place for us so that where he is, we too may be. This means that he would come again in Glory at the Parousia. Until then, his abiding presence is ever with us – that is why we say he is omnipresent. 

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

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A – Gaudete Sunday–Dec15, 2019

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: Christ’s Coming& the Signs of Time

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday. On this day, the Church invites us to rejoice in the Lord. Gaudete, taken from Philippians 4:4-5 “Gaudete in Domino semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always) comes from the first word in Latin of the Introit, the entrance antiphon at Mass. Little wonder in the first reading(Is 35:1-6a.10),the Prophet Isaiah calls us to rejoice because the glory and majesty of the Lord is coming. He emphatically states: “[we] shall obtain the joy and gladness” of the Lord and “[our] sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Such warm assurances position us for a better celebration of Advent as we await the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Is 35:1-6a.10) presents the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the expected Messiah. Among other things, the text suggests that he is coming to save his people; open the eyes of the blind, unseal the ears of the deaf; make the lame leap like a deer and the tongues of the dump to sing and also return those who are exiled. It surmises that the returnees shall shout for joy with everlasting joy in their faces even as he puts an end to their sorrow and lament. 

In the second reading (James 5:7-10), St. Jamesencourages the faithful to emulate the patience of the farmer by being patient until the Lord’s coming. Because the Lord would come soon, he says: “Do not lose heart.” He warns against complaining against one another while urging all to emulate the patience of the Prophets.  

The gospel reading (Mat 11:2-11) reveals that when John was in prison and he heard what Jesus was doing, he decided to sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was the expected Messiah or they were to expect another. Apparently, in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading (Is 35:1-6a.10), we are told that Jesus replied them: “God back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.” He surmises by praising the austere life of John and says none can be compared to him yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. 

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. Look Out for Great Things: The message of the first reading that the Messiah would open the eyes of the blind, unseal the ears of the deaf and make the lamb leap like a deer and the tongues of the dump to sing signals that Advent is pregnant with great things for those who trust and wait on the Lord. 

2. Be Patient: Our liturgy, particularly the second reading, urges us to establish ourselves for the coming of the Lord by being patientas that is key to a good Advent. 

3. Do Not Lose Faith:Like John, whenwe are faced with trials, tribulations and temptations, we often ask questions like: “Is our God alive? Are we practicing the right religion or is God still on the throne?”but Christ assures: “Happy is the one who does not lose faith in me.”

4. God Has No Favourites: The experience of John the Baptist tells us that God has no favourites because besides being his relation, John had worked tirelessly for the coming of Christ yet Jesus allowedhim to be imprisoned and eventually suffer martyrdom.

5. God Appears Silent in Crisis: ThatJesusdid not give a direct answer when John heard asked for a confirmation if he was the Christ in the light of his incarcerationdemonstrates to us that like an examiner, God does not speak when the student is taking examinations.

6. Jesus’ Ministry is Enough Evidence:Our liturgy affirms that the miracles associated with Jesus’ ministry are enough evidence that he is the Messiah.

7. Advent Reveals the Signs of Time:Our liturgy challenges us to look critically at the signs of time in the light of Christ’s coming through the celebration of Advent.

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

Second Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 8, 2019

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: Being Heralds of Christ 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, on the Second Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us to be heralds of Christ’s coming. Our liturgy sets before us the heroic example of John the Baptist who defied time and circumstances to witness to Christ. He prepared the people for the coming of Christ and had the humility to say someone more powerful than himself was coming. What is more, he had the courage to challenge the powers that be, the Pharisees and Sadducees, by reordering their lives towards productiveness. We shall take a look at the readings so as to derive the requisite pastoral lessons therein. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Isaiah 11:1-10), the Prophet Isaiah speaks of a shoot that springs from the stock of Jesse. He reveals how the spirit of God rests on him and how he is endowed with wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord. He assures that the Lord’s dwellings shall be glorious and the nations shall seek him. He maintains that righteousness shall be the belt of His waist and faithfulness the belt of His loins and surmises: “…the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples. It will be sought out by the nations and its home will be glorious.” Scripture scholars opine that this points to Jesus whom John speaks about in the gospel.

In the second reading (Rom 15:4-9), St. Paul presents some catechesis on hope and tolerance. He urged his audience to follow the example of Christ by being united in mind and voice in order to give glory to God. He further called the faithful to treat each other with Christ’s friendliness.  He maintained that Gentiles are direct beneficiaries of the fulfillment of God’s promises and mercies.

The gospel reading (Mat 3:1-12) reveals the call and ministry of John the Baptist. It tells how he prepared the people for the coming of Christ by saying: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” We are told that he lived an austere life and when he called people to repentance, they obliged him. The text discloses how he repudiated the Pharisees and Sadducees for not bearing fruits. It also reveals his humility when it stresses that John told the people that someone more powerful than him was coming who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.     

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. God Has a Task for Everyone: The prophesy of Isaiah in the first reading of someone coming from the stock of Jesse and the events leading to the birth of St. John the Baptist namely leaping for joy in his mother’s womb clearly reveals the task God had for both Jesus and John which further demonstrates that God has a plan for everyone and he invites us to grow in wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord.

2. God Sets Us Apart: 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 – We ought to realise that at Advent and always, He too sets us apart for his mighty works bearing in mind that we must not give up on hope and tolerance as St. Paul indicates in the second reading.

3. God Prepares Us for the Task Ahead: Just as God prepared the Baptist for the task ahead, through the Sacraments of Christian Initiation - Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, he prepares us for a fulfilled Christian life with holiness as our girdle.  

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

First Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 1, 2019

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: The Joy of Waiting

Introduction

Friends in Christ, I welcome you heartily to another Advent season. 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 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. It would seem that there are three kinds of coming: his incarnation, his coming every Christmas and his second coming in glory (Parousia).

 

Advent is a period of waiting. We know that there are various kinds of waiting. For example: A patient waiting for his doctor; an expectant mother for her child; a farm for a bumper harvest; a student for his result; a passenger for a taxi et al. What is common in all these is the fact that no one can predict the outcome – it can be either way. What makes Advent unique is “quality assurance.” We are 100% assured that Christ will come again in glory because over two thousand years ago and his words are true – he cannot lie to us. So, Advent is about a joyous expectation. This is the thrust of this season.  

Background and Summary of Readings

The first reading (Is 2:1-5) recounts vision of the Prophet Isaiah. It assures that God would judge between nations. The reading also urges the House of Jacob and indeed all to walk in the light of the Lord.

In the second reading (Rom 13:11-14), St. Paul brings the dimension of urgency to the message. He invites the Romans to wake up because salvation is nearer to them than when they got converted. He maintains that the night is far gone and urges all to give up the works of darkness in order to put on the armour of light. He called on all to live a decent life and warned against drunkenness, orgies, promiscuity or licentiousness, wrangling or jealousy even as he encouraged the faithful to embrace the amour of Christ.  

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

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 24, 2019:

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe & Last Sunday of the Year

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: The King of Kings & the Lord of Lords!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, the celebration of Christ the King dates back to 1925 when Pope Pius XI instituted it. By 1970, the celebration was moved to the last Sunday in Ordinary. The celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe reminds Christians of the indefectible place of Christ’s reign over the earth and the call to live accordingly as heirs of the Kingdom. We shall highlight the salient points of the readings so as to derive appropriate spiritual lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (2 Sam 5:1-3) recounts how David was anointed by God as shepherd, prince and king over Israel. It is no mistake that Christ comes from the Davidic dynasty to reign as King. Although the Jewish leaders would mockingly compare Jesus with David, the anointed one, little did they know that they were stating the obvious as later, that identity would be revealed by the good-thief on the cross as the gospel (Luke 23:35-43) relates.

In the second reading, (Col. 1:12-20) Saint Paul reveals that we have been qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light – meaning that we are legitimate heirs of God’s kingdom. He adds that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and catapulted to the kingdom of his Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. In this kingdom, he says, we are forgiven. He sums his catechesis by insisting that God’s kingdom is everlasting because all things were created through him and for him noting that he is the beginning and the end. By implication, we cannot do anything outside of his sovereignty or rulership since it is in him that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). 

The gospel discloses the drama that happened between Jesus and the two thieves. By saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power,” the good-thief reveals the true identity of Jesus as King. God’s kingdom was inaugurated at the incarnation. By that inauguration, Jesus established a dynasty while reminding his followers that the real kingdom lays in heaven. Not only did Christ come to announce the second coming of God’s kingdom but also to prepare the elect for their spiritual responsibilities. That he would come again to judge the living and the dead calls for a sober reflection on a day like this. We must access ourselves whether we have been faithful heirs of the kingdom.

Practical Lessons

Pope Pius XI who instituted the celebration in 1925 and moved it to the last Sunday of the year in 1970 wanted the solemnity to impact on the faithful in the following ways:

1. Live Ideal Christian Lives: Our celebration invites us to live ideal Christian lives by meditating on truths of the gospel having being empowered with strength and courage.

2. Be Subjects of God’s Dominion: We are urged to facilitate being subjects of God’s dominion without exempting any of our faculties bearing in mind that his power embraces all peoples.

3. Let God Reign in Your Mind: We are encouraged to let God reign in our minds, which must assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ.

4. Let God Reign in Your Will: Christians are charged to let Christ reign in their wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God.

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

Thirty-third Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 17, 2019

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: End-time Reality and the Danger of False Prophets!

“In a land of religiosity without corresponding righteousness, we are encouraged to beware of the following: Churches without Christ, clerics without courtesy, collections without compassion, crusades without contemplation, followers without fidelity, flamboyance without fellow-feeling and fluency without fellowship.” Fr. Justine Dyikuk                                                                                          

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we prepare to round up the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, our readings speak to us about judgement, false prophesy and end-time realities. You would recall that in 2016, a strange cross, five feet long appeared to a 15 year-old girl by name Hajara Hussaini near a Mosque in Assakio, Nassarawa state while she was on her way to an errand by her parents. In the same year, a shining light appeared on the crucifix in St. Augustine Catholic Church, Nenger, in Makurdi, Benue State. Both Christians and Muslims felt that these were signs of the end time. Really? Well, despite these signs, Jesus insists that that no one knows when the Son of Man would return (Matthew 24:36).  With this background in mind, we would do a summary of the readings in preparation for some take-home lessons.   

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Malachi 4:1-2a) reveals what would happen at the end of time. It tells how God would punish the arrogant and evildoers by burning them up but for those who fear him, he would let the sun of righteousness shine upon them as he grants them healing.

In the second reading (Thessalonians 3:7-12), St. Paul challenged the faithful to be industrious and ready for every kind of good work following their good example. The reading presents St. Paul’s zero tolerance to laziness and how he urged all to embrace hard-work so as to earn the food they eat.  It surmises the theology of work by suggesting that through work, we can praise God.

The gospel reading (Luke 21:5-19) recounts the response of Jesus to some people who were talking about the temple, remarking it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings. It reveals how Jesus told them that everything would be destroyed. He further replied the issue of when that destruction will take place with the warning about those who would use his name to insinuate that the end is near.