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

 Fourth Sunday of the Year C – February 3, 2019.

Readings: Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19; Responsorial Psalm 70:1-6,15,17; 

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 & Gospel Luke 4:21-30.

Theme: Brace Up for action, Be Ambitious for Higher Gifts!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our liturgy this Sunday urges us to brace up for action even as we seek for higher gifts. Our readings are a wake-up call for us to stand up for something really lofty and worth it.  The saying "if you don't stand up for something, you will fall for everything" comes to the fore. This reflection hopes to scan through the summary of the readings so as to ascertain what the pastoral lessons are. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In Jeremiah's prophesy (Jeremiah 1:4-5,17-19) where we took our first reading from, in the days of King Josiah, the word of the Lord assures of divine knowledge, divine consecration and divine appointment for his elect. It further challenges  the consecrated to brace up for action and tell the people what the Lord has commanded. It further assures that the Lord would fortify his elect and deliver them.

The second reading (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13) charges the Corinthians to seek after higher gifts. It notes love or charity as a springboard for those lofty gifts stressing that: "Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes." It surmises that "Love does not come to an end" and that "there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love."

In the gospel (Luke 4:21-30), Jesus reproves his people for their unbelieve and maintained that "no prophet is ever accepted in his own country." He goes ahead to laud the heroic faith of foreigners like the  widow of Zarephath and the Syrian Naaman. When they heard that, they wanted to kill him but he slipped from their midst. 

 

Pastoral Lessons

1. God's divine knowledge, divine consecration and divine appointment of us demonstrates the sacredness of life before, during and after conception.

2. Pro-Abortionist need to have a rethink because everyone including the unborn is special to God - He created us to fulfill a purpose.

3. In particular, priests and religious need to brace up for action by telling the people what the Lord has commanded them to and not the other way round.