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

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A – May 10, 2020.

Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; 1 Peter 2:4-9 & Gospel John 14:1-12.

Theme: Jesus Our Consolation, Our Destination

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading (Acts 6:1-7) tells us how the early apostles were able to sort out issues without wrangling or rancor occasioned by discrimination in the distribution of food through establishing the diaconate ministry. In the second reading (Peter 2:4-9) St. Peter reveals Jesus as the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God who charges us to be faithful to our baptismal vows as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people set apart. The Gospel (John 14:6) presents us with Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” In the face of COVID-19 epidemic, he invites us to follow him as the way, the truth and life bearing in mind that even if we lose our lives, our mansions are assured in heaven.

Introduction

Dearly beloved in Christ, before we understand Jesus’ paradigm and model of himself as the way, the truth and the life, it is crucial to recall some basics contained in the Penny Catechesis. The Church is divided into the Militant Church on earth, the Suffering Church in Purgatory and the Triumphant Church in heaven. As sojourners on earth, we the militant Church are pilgrims. Our target is heaven. But no one can get to a place unless he or she knows the way. No one can embark on a journey without an address, destination or direction. The first thing a taxi driver will ask you as you enter his car is, “where are you going to?” The second he will ask is, “where will you alight?”  It was in an attempt to answer these questions that Jesus clears the doubts of his apostles in the gospel with the words: “I am the way the truth and the life…” (John 14:6). In this reflection entitled “Jesus Our Consolation, Our Destination,” Jesus urges us to take our spiritual journey to the kingdom of God seriously. Ultimately, our liturgy suggests that we cannot get to the kingdom unless we know the way.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 6:1-7) tells how the early apostles were able to sort out issues without wrangling or rancor. Through an open door policy, dialogue and prayer, the apostles were able chose seven men of repute to help resolve the problem of discrimination of widows belonging to the Hellenists extraction by Hebrew women. This made them to concentrate on administration of the word and sacraments. We are told that the word of God continued to spread and the number of disciples and priests increased exponentially.  

In the second reading (Peter 2:4-9) St. Peter stresses that Jesus is the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God. He urges the faithful as a spiritual priesthood to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God. He assures that anyone who trusts in the Lord will not be disappointed. The Apostle surmised by referring to the faithful as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people set apart to sing the praises of God.

The Gospel (John 14:6) begins with Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s House…” The text captures the sober mood of the apostles as Jesus prepares to ascend to his father. He assures of eternal redemption noting that he is the way, the truth and the life to clear their doubts, especially Thomas’ and Philip’s inquiry. In the end, Jesus promised that the one who believes in him will perform greater works because he is going to the Father to continue his intercessory and redemptive role.  

Pastoral Lessons

1. Harness Charisms: By abdicating the role of equitable distribution of food between the Hebrews and Hellenists while they remain focused on administrating the word and sacraments, the early apostles are teaching us not to discriminate between people but harnesses different gifts and Charisms towards taking care of both the spiritual and physical needs of all vulnerable groups especially during this period of lockdown occasioned by COVID-19.    

2. Constitute a Holy Priesthood: The message of St. Paul in the second reading that the faithful should, like living stones, build themselves into a spiritual house and holy priesthood invites us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto God bearing in mind that by the virtue of our baptism, like Christ, we are priests, kings and prophets.

 3. Follow the Way: Since Jesus is the way, he wants us to know that without the way, there is no going which should convince us to follow Him along the royal road of the cross.

4. Make Him Your Way: Make a way for Jesus because he is the way for your family, business, finances, joblessness and sickness especially Coronavirus disease.

5. Know the Truth: In a world that is polarized by lies, fake news, propaganda and both disinformation and misinformation, Jesus reminds us that He is the TRUTH even as He challenges us to know that without the truth, there will be no knowledge and truth in the world.

6. Make Him Your Truth: Make him your truth from Sunday through Saturday as you struggle with how to feed your children, stay put at home and engage in domestic chores as well as personal hobbies within this difficult period.

7. Choose Life: In what Pope Francis describes as a disturbing throw-away culture which terminates life, Jesus insists that He is the LIFE which compels us to respect life from birth to natural death even as we anticipate eternal life in heaven. 

8. Make Him Your Life: Make him your life to help you cherish life, bulldoze your enemies, fulfill your destiny, endure betrayal, be consoled at the death of a loved one and inherit eternal life.

9. Do Not Be Troubled: In the face of the dreaded Coronavirus disease and Hunger-virus, Jesus speaks to each one of us clearly: “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1) because the word of God further states: “Thou a thousand will fall at your right, ten thousand at your left but you it will never approach…” (Psalm 91:7). 

Summary Lines

1.      The first reading (Acts 6:1-7) tells how the early apostles were able to sort out issues without wrangling or rancor. 

2.      In the second reading (Peter 2:4-9) St. Peter stresses that Jesus is the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God.

3.      He urges the faithful as a spiritual priesthood to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God.

4.      The Gospel (John 14:6) begins with Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled…”

5.      The text captures the sober mood of the apostles as Jesus prepares to ascend to his Father.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, we are charged not to trust in men. By saying, “I will not leave you orphans…” Jesus implies that our trust should not be in parents, family or friends because they may hate. Conversely, we are urged to depend on divine assurance – After all, our heavenly father will never forsake us – Little wonder the bible says: “Those who put their trust in the Lord are like mount” (Psalm 25:3). Our liturgy invites us to trust in God. Like the disciples who were afraid that Jesus was going away from them, the current pandemic is causing fear in the hearts of many people so that divine assistance seems nowhere near – it is in this situation that Jesus says to each one of us: “You believe in God, believe in me also” (John 14:1). To He who is the way for our journey, the truth of our knowledge and the life for our salvation be praise, glory and adoration forever and ever. Amen!

NB: We (Class of 2003, STAMS) wish to commiserate with the Bishop, Priests, Religious and Laity of Gboko Diocese as well as family members and friends over the sudden demise of a dedicated priest of God, Rev. Fr. Andrew IGBANA, whose sad event occurred on 30^th April, 2020.

As a class, his exit came to us as a rude shock because few days before his death, we shared banters on our class WhatsApp forum. As the Vice Chairman of our class, Fr. IGBANA distinguished himself by standing as an unbreakable bridge between the old Makurdi Diocese and the rest of the class. 

He was also an invaluable colleague who brought his sense of humor and depth of knowledge to bear on various decisions for the good of all. We regret that given the lockdown and social isolation rule, we are not able to attend this funeral to pay him our last respect(s).

As he is committed to mother earth today, we take solace in the scripture which says: “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Andy, you have created a vacuum that is too difficult to fill. We will miss your humility, generosity, sagacity and equanimity.

Extend our warm wishes to Augustine Madaki, Fidelis Salem, Denis Okon and Rev. Frs. Chris Daniels Akpagher, Julius Shebanyang, Everest Hyuwa, Clement Musa, John Mark Adakole, Peter Akaa and David Tanko. We love you but God loves you most.

May the risen Lord grant us consolation and the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen - Adieu fallen hero!