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

Twenty Fourth Sunday of the Year, C – September 15, 2019.

Readings: Ex. 32:7-11, 13-14; 

Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13,17&19(R.cf.Luke15:18); 

1 Tim 1-12-17; Gospel Lk 15:1-32.

Theme: Imitating the Prodigal Father

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our liturgy calls us to shun working only for reward but to reflect on God’s mercy and forgiveness. Titled “Imitating the Prodigal Father,”thishomily urges us to reflecton God’s love for us which is both radical and prodigal. In a society where sin has become a cancer, we are reminded that the handy cure is God’s unfathomable mercy. We shall consider a summary of the readings so as to get the desired pastoral lessons. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Ex. 32:7-11, 13-14), we are told when Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, the sons and daughters of Israel quickly made a calf of molten metal and started worshipping it. God was enraged and wanted to destroy them but Moses pleaded on their behalf. In the end, God relented from the disaster he had threatened. 

In the second reading (1 Tim 1-12-17), Saint Paul disclosed to Timothy that although he persecuted the Church terribly, God was merciful to him by reconsidering him. He stressed that Christ came into the world to save sinners. He further revealed that if mercy had been shown him, it was because Christ wanted to make him the greatest evidence of God’s inexhaustible patience for others who would come to trust in him for eternal life.  

The gospelaccount (Lk 15:1-32) recounts that after Jesus focused his gaze on the Pharisees who criticized him for eating with sinners, he gave them three parables - The Lost Sheep,the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son to illustrate God’s unfathomable love for his children – these parables demonstrate how God goes after the one who is lost in order to rescue him or her.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Beware of Modern Molten Metals:Our first reading cautions us to shun modern molten metals like sex, materialism, drugs, alcohol and raw-power which many people are worshipping in our age.

2. Our God is a God of Second Chance:The story of St. Paulreveals how God always gives us second chance in order to reform and make it to the Premier League of candidates for heaven.

3. Put God Before Possessions: We are urged to beware of excessive love for material possessions becauseby demanding his share of property, the Prodigal Son put possessions first before God and family which landed him in big trouble.

4. Eschew Self-praise and Self-righteousness:We are called to watch against expressing self-praise and self-righteousness as well as playing the victim or displaying excessive anger like the eldest son whose refusal to go in almost disrupted the party for his younger brother’s welcome.