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

13th Sunday of the Year, A – June 28, 2020

Readings: 2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 88:2-3,16,19; Rom 6:3-4,8-11 & Gospel Matthew 10:37-42.

Theme: The Blessing of Giving!

Sunday Synopsis 

Today’s first reading presents us with the uncanny generosity of a Shunammite family that provided for the Prophet Elisha. The second reading also buttresses the point of giving when he reminds us that Christ gave himself up for us in order that we might gain the righteousness of God. By speaking on the cost of discipleship, Jesus reminds us about our obligation to the needs of the Church and those of our brothers and sisters while indicating that until it pains, giving remains a mere outward show. 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, food and shelter constitute basic human needs. When these are available in a family, life becomes easy as other human needs like clothing and education fall in place. However, in the African context, what seemingly makes a family complete is the blessing of a child. Childless families go through pains while waiting for a miracle. The first reading presents us with this kind of scenario as it tells how Prophet Elisha promised a child to a generous family that had none. Our gospel charges us on the cost of discipleship. We shall scan through the readings for appropriate spiritual lessons.  

Background and Summary of the Readings  

Our first reading (2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16) narrates the uncanny generosity of a Shunammite family which provided the Prophet Elisha and his servant Gehazi with food and shelter. As it were, in appreciation for their magnanimous deed, the Prophet promised them a child. It is obvious that food, shelter and a descent life were not out of reach for this family. What is crucial was their open-handedness. Their generosity to the Prophet fast tracked a miracle for this family. It was the miracle of a lifetime because the husband was well off in years. 

The second reading (Rom 6:3-4,8-11) also buttresses the point of giving when he reminds us that Christ gave himself up for us in order that we might gain the righteousness of God. It stresses that: “When he died, he died once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.” 

The gospel (Matthew 10:37-42) reveals Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship. It relates how Jesus told the apostles that if anyone prefers him to father, mother, son or daughter, that person is not worthy of the kingdom. Jesus goes ahead to charge them to take up their crosses daily and follow him noting that: “Anyone who finds his life will lose it [but] anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” He assured that anyone who is generous to a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward and anyone who helps the needy will certainly not lose his reward. In the sight of God, a little with a pure heart is better that much gotten from loot. Apparently, until it pains, giving is only a show.              

       

Pastoral Lessons 

1. Be a Thanks-Giver: Thanks-givers are those who, with a cheerful heart, offer a wholehearted service to God for his kindness and blessings in their lives. Often times, these Christians invite neighbours and colleagues to Church where they book Mass of thanksgiving to God for promotion, protection and provision. Amidst family and friends, they often dance to the altar of God bringing their gifts before him. The first reading teaches us how material generosity brings about spiritual blessings. Little wonder Paul says: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).                                              

         

2. Refrain from Ought-Giving: Like the name implies, ought-givers are Christians who give because they ought to give, not because it is a dutiful service unto the Lord. A classical example is the story of Ananias and Sapphira who decided to hoard some parts of the money that accrued from the sale of their land and declared a little before the apostles. They gave because others were giving not because they were convinced to give. The long and short of the story is that they were struck dead (Cf. Acts 5:1-11). The second reading presents us with Jesus to learn from.                

3. Beware of Grudge-Givers: Grudge givers are those who complain as soon as it is time for collection, levy, bazaar, tithe or launching of whatever sort in the parish. They have anti-giving sentiments. Most times, their money is for their enjoyment. They prefer to lavish their money on cars, building, wine, women, recharge card, DSTV to mention a few, than “waste” it on any missionary enterprise. It is because of this kind of givers that St. Paul said: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The gospel invites us to give without counting the cost. 

4. Take to Qualitative-Giving: This is about setting aside the best of all that the Lord has given us to return thanks to him. It is because of this kind of giving that God accepted the sacrifice of Abel and rejected that of Cain (Gen 4:4 Cain). St. Paul insists that:  “Each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Like the Shunammite widow, the widow that gave two copper coins in the bible was poor but she gave more and was praised by Jesus (Cf. Mark 12:41-44).                     

5. Try Quantitative-Giving: In this kind of giving, we are supposed to assess our giving based on the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. Givers never lack. St. Paul says “…He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). The gospel emphasizes that: “If anyone who is generous to a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward and anyone who helps the needy will certainly not lose his reward.”

6. Embrace Spiritual-Giving: Spiritual-giving constitutes using our gifts and talents to the glory of God. Since God has given a variety of gifts, talents and all the duties and services of life to use them for his glory (Cf. 1 Pet 4:10). Spiritual-giving creates a platform for us to support the work of God in kind and whichever way we can. When parents motivate their children to take to the priestly and religious life, it constitutes spiritual giving. Our priests and religious who leave everything to follow Christ epitomize spiritual-giving. We ought to support their ministry with our prayers. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him so as to gain spiritual reward (Cf. Matthew 10:37-42).   

7. Practice Material-Giving: Material-giving connotes supporting the mission of the Church in cash. Not all of us can go to the mission as priests or religious yet our finances can aid the missionary enterprise. This is where the saying: “Some give to the mission by going while others go to the mission by giving” makes sense. This kind of giving was demonstrated by the Shunammite family in the first reading. In the gospel, Jesus says: “Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.” This is why we must support the Church (priests and religious) with our treasure. 

Summary Lines

1. Our first reading (2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16) today presents us with the uncanny generosity of a Shunammite family that provided [for] the Prophet Elisha.

2. The second reading (Rom 6:3-4,8-11) also buttresses the point of giving when he reminds us that Christ gave himself up for us in order that we might gain the righteousness of God.

3. By speaking on the cost of discipleship, Jesus reminds us about our obligation to the needs of the Church and those of our brothers and sisters.

4. In the sight of God, a little with a pure heart is better that much gotten from loot.  

5. Apparently, until it pains, giving is only a show.     

                

Conclusion

In conclusion, our liturgy invites us to emulate the Shunammite family by being qualitative, not quantitative givers. We must shun being ought-givers that is, giving because we ought to give not because we are convinced to. We are encouraged to also disassociate ourselves from grudge-giving which entails complaining while giving. On the contrary, we are challenged to learn from Christ who gave his life for our sake by being THANKS-GIVERS. Small-giving is a sign of small-faith while big-giving remains a sign of big-faith. Always remember: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Have a fabulous week ahead!