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

 

Thirteenth Sunday of Easter, Year C – June 30, 2019.

Readings: 1 Kings 19:16b,19-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:12,5,7-11;

Galatians 5:1.13-18 & Gospel – Luke 9:51-62.

Theme: Let Go and Let God!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church presents us with the cost of discipleship. Titled “Let Go and Let God,” our reflection demonstrates what God expects of those he calls. Dwelling on the call of the Prophet Elisha and three other men as recorded in today’s gospel, the sacred text highlights the demands of true discipleship. What is more, it sets the tone for would-be pastors of souls to situate themselves around what the Lord demands of them.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (1 Kings 19:16b,19-21) gives us an account of the call of the Prophet Elisha. It tells how God directed Prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet to succeed him. It narratives how he met Elisha ploughing and threw his cloak over him. At that, Elisha left his oxen and ran after him. It further reveals how Elisha asked for permission to bid farewell to his father and mother noting that Elijah obliged him. Elisha then had a parting party with his family after which he became a servant of Prophet Elijah. 

In the second reading (Galatians 5:1.13-18), St. Paul notes that Christ has freed us from the yoke of slavery stressing that we were called to be free. He maintained that we should not use our freedom for self-indulgence but rather pursue the commandment of love of neighbour which demands that we should not snap or tear each other apart. Instead, we urges that we should be guided by the Spirit which is opposed to self-indulgent behaviour. The text concludes that this would make us not to be under the law.

The Gospel reading (Luke 9:51-62) narrates how Jesus sent some messengers to a Samaritan village to prepare for him but the people rejected them because he was heading to Jerusalem. At that, James and John wanted to call down fire on the people but Jesus rebuked them and they went on to another village. We are told that as they went along, a man wanted to follow them but Jesus replied him that “…the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” And when he told another to follow him, the man wanted to go and bury his father first but Jesus said: “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” To the third person who wanted to follow him but demanded permission to go and say farewell to his people, Jesus said: “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Practical Lessons

1. Self-giving: The call of the Prophet Elisha in the first reading and the three men in the gospel teaches us that the call of Christ demands total self-giving. 

2. Sacrifice: It also reminds pastors of souls about the cost of discipleship which demands heroic sacrifice.

3. Solidarity: The call of Elisha reveals the importance of synergy, solidarity and mentoring in the work of evangelisation which places a responsibility on senior priests to mentor young ones in the ministry as exemplified by the throwing of Elijah’s cloak over Elisha.

4. Self-indulgence: In the second reading, St. Pauls encourages that we should not use our freedom for self-indulgence but rather, that we should pursue the love of neighbour which entails that we should not tear each other apart as sometimes is regrettably the case in some of our Christian communities.   

5. Security: The men in the gospel wanted to be sure of their economic and social security but Jesus demonstrates that he is the security of anyone who obliges to be a servant of the kingdom.  

6. Shelter:  Although the conversation between Jesus and the men in the gospel touched on the issue of shelter or housing, Jesus’ response shows that no one who works for the kingdom would be stranded about this important need – after all, the Church has always provided good housing for pastoral workers.

7. Scarcity: Another lesson our liturgy teaches today is that the laity ought to know that sometimes, pastors of souls suffer scarcity, want and go hungry which places a high responsibility on the lay faithful to provide for their priests – after all, this is one of the laws of the Catholic Church.

8. Struggles: Just as there is no human endeavour which does not have struggles and challenges, working in the Lord’s vineyard also comes with challenges but Jesus assures that no one who has left house, brothers and sisters would be without reward (Matthew 19:29).   

9. Solitude: Amidst the hustle and bustle of this life, Jesus calls priests, religious and laity to always have some quite time with him because working for the Lord without having time for the Lord of the harvest is counterproductive.  

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. The first reading (1 Kings 19:16b,19-21) gives us an account of the call of the Prophet Elisha.

2. In the second reading (Galatians 5:1.13-18), St. Paul notes that Christ has freed us from the yoke of slavery.

3. Jesus replied him that “…the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

4. Jesus said: “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.”

5. Jesus said: “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Conclusion

In conclusion, priests and religious as well as members of the laity are challenged to embrace the call to discipleship. As those responsible for propagating the faith, we are all called to contemporary discipleship. Amidst a tempting world which lures would-be pastors to demand for economic and social security, we are urged to pray for our priests and religious especially missionaries – those who left everything to follow Christ. May the Lord renew their strength in the ministry. We are charged to let go and let God.  May we all one day enjoy the fruits of our missionary enterprise here on earth. Amen.

N:B – Priestly Ordination: We wish to commend two of our Deacons, Reverends Joseph Shinga and Denis Agoha who would be ordained Catholic Priests on 6th June 2019 at St. John the Evangelist’s Cathedral to the Lord. May God grant us a blessed event even as he guides and directs their steps aright in the Presbyteral Order.