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

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C - May 26, 2019.

Readings: Acts 15:1-2.22-29; Ps 67:2-3.5.6.8(4); Rev. 21:10-14.22-23 & 

Gospel – John 14:23-29.

Theme: Do Not Be Afraid!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, as Nigerians, we are living in a country that is scary. This is because of the current nefarious activities of Boko Haram insurgents, commercial kidnappers and suspected killer-herdsmen. People are no longer safe in their houses. As it stands, nowhere is safe. The security agencies appear helpless. It is in this kind of situation that I bring you the message of hope titled: “Do Not Be Afraid.” Christ makes it abundantly clear that we should not be troubled or afraid. Elsewhere he assures that we should not be afraid because he has conquered the world (John 16:33). With this warm assurance, we shall highlight the background and summary of the readings, state some practical lessons and outline some homiletic quotes. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

Today, the first reading (Acts 15:1-2.22-29) draws our attention to the controversy that arose in the early Christian community about being circumcised or not. We are told that some men came from Judea to teach the apostles that the circumcision of Moses was a prerequisite for salvation. Their position brought about disagreement. This led to an argument between these men and Paul and Barnabas. To resolve the matter, it was agreed that Paul and Barnabas alongside other members of the Church be sent to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the other apostles and elders. 

The apostles, elders and the whole Church chose Barsabbas and Silas, leading men, to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to clear the air. In the letter they took, the apostles noted that they have been guided by the Holy Spirit not to impose any burden on the faithful. They maintained that what was essential was abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat of strangled animals and illicit marriage.

As usual, the second reading from the Book of Revelations (Rev. 21:10-14.22-23) discloses the beatific vision which John saw. It stresses that John saw Jerusalem, the holy city and its glittering nature and precious jewel of crystal-clear diamond. It reveals how the names of the 12 tribes of Israel were written on its 12 gates and also those of the 12 apostles on the 12 foundation stones. The reading emphasizes that the city did not need sun or the moon for light because it was lit by the radiant glory of God as the Lamb was a torch for it. 

The gospel (John 14:23-29) presents the last discourse of Jesus with his disciples. It recalls how Jesus told them that anyone who loves him will keep his word and the Father would love him and they would make a home in him. He insists that anyone who does not love him does not keep his word and that the words he speaks are those of his Father. He noted that the Holy Spirit which the Father would send would teach and remind them of everything he has taught them. He then gave them his message of peace stressing that his peace is different from the one which the world gives. Most importantly, Jesus went ahead to say: “Don not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” He reiterated that he is going to the Father noting that if the disciples loved him, they would be glad he is returning to the Father. He surmised that he was saying this so that when it happens, they would believe all that he had said.    

Practical Lessons

1. The controversy which arose in the early Christian community about being circumcised or not is an indication that disagreements are bound to occur in the Church but how they are resolved is what matters.

2. The maturity of Paul, Barnabas, Barsabbas and Silas who assisted in taking the matter to Jerusalem for amicable settlement is a lesson to all Church leaders to ensure that they do the needful when controversies arise.

3. The Gentile and Jew dichotomy which was about tearing the early Church is a warning to the contemporary Church about the son of the soil syndrome which hatches leadership based on tribal or sectional sentiments rather than merit. 

4. The essentials that were outlined by the apostles for the Gentiles namely abstaining from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat of strangled animals and illicit marriage remind us about the importance of the six laws of the Church and canonical legislations on doctrinal or dogmatic matters which are binding on all Catholics.

5. The message of the beatific vision which John saw in the second reading from the Book of Revelations gives us quality assurance that if we overcome our troubles and fears, we shall reach the golden palace.

6. Jesus’ offer of peace and security in the gospel can only come about if we know him, love him, believe in him and follow his commandments.

7. The gospel reminds us that amidst the seeming hopeless violence by Boko Haram, commercial kidnapping and assassinations by suspected killer-herdsmen, the presence of the Holy Spirit is able to inspire, teach and assist us in remembering all that Christ has taught us especially, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…” (Matthew 10:28).

8. Jesus’ insistence that the peace he offers is different from the one which the world gives should provoke in us a reaction of vigilance, courage and self-defense in the face of danger and total annihilation.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. Christ makes it abundantly clear that we should not be troubled or afraid.

2. The apostles noted that they have been guided by the Holy Spirit not to impose any burden on the faithful.

3. The city did not need sun or the moon for light because it was lit by the radiant glory of God.

4.  Anyone who does not love him does not keep his word.

5. Don not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 

Conclusion

Amidst the temptations, trials and tribulations we are currently facing in our country, Christ assures: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” As a Church, we must not forget that we are going against the currents. The enemies of the Cross are seeking for whom to devour. This is where the words of Peter become crucial: “Be calm but vigilant; your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion; looking for someone to devour. Stand up to him, strong in faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). May the power of the risen Lord shield us both now and forever more. Have a blessed week ahead!