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

14^th Sunday of the Year – July 05, 2020

Readings: Zech. 9:9-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:1-2.8-9.10-11.13cd-14(R.1); 

Rom 8:9-11-13 & Gospel Matthew 11:25-30.

Theme: Humility Pays!

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading reveals the Messiah as a humble King who comes on a donkey. The second reading urges the faithful to embrace the spiritual and shun the mundane through humility. In the gospel, Jesus speaks to the heart of humility by insisting that the secrets of the kingdom are hidden from the wise and the clever but revealed to mere children. He, therefore, invites us to patiently embrace his yoke and burden because they are easy and light.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our liturgy invites us to reflect on humility. From time immemorial, God shows preference for the weak and meek. As a humble God, he invites us to use humility as a ladder to access heaven. Throughout biblical history, God’s calls us to grow in grace through a humble disposition. As such, our reflection entitled, “Humility Pays” presents a brief background and summary of the readings and two stories on humility in view of basic pastoral lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Zech. 9:9-10) reveals the Messiah as a humble King who comes on a donkey. His coming is elicited by calls for gladness and joy as the king victoriously and triumphantly enters into the city on a colt. His coming would banish the bow of war as he proclaims peace for the nations and reigns forever.  

The second reading (Rom 8:9-11-13) urges the faithful to embrace the spiritual and shun the mundane. Therein, St. Paul assures that he who raised Jesus from the dead would give life to our mortal bodies if his spirit lives in us. He invites the faithful to obey the spiritual; otherwise, they would die while assuring that if they put an end to the misdeeds of the flesh, they would live.

In the gospel (Matthew 11:25), Jesus speaks to the heart of humility by insisting that the secrets of the kingdom are hidden from the wise and the clever but revealed to mere children. He adds: “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Little Boy and Proud Professor’s Narrative

A little boy carried his crippled elder brother on his back while going to school. Some group of children who saw them started making jest of them. In fact, one of them couldn’t hold it but said, “What a burden you are carrying!” The little boy replied the taunter: “He is not a burden, he is my brother.” In the same manner, when we fall in love with Jesus, the trials, tribulations and temptations of this world become a sweet yoke to shoulder.

In like manner, a Professor went for oil exploration in a riverine area. He met this local canoe boy by the river bank. After sharing pleasantries, a discussion ensued between the two. “Do you know anything about metrology or metaphysics?” The Prof asked the boy. The local said, “No!” The University Don said, “What an illiterate you are.” “How about, cosmology or aesthetics?” The village boy who was becoming embarrassed said, “No.” “Half of your life is gone” said the Prof. Just then, the explorer asked the boy to ferry him across the river. When the Prof got into the boat, the waves became strong and they began to sink. The boy who was now excited asked the Prof. Do you know swimology? The man who was extremely afraid, shouted “No, please!! Help me…” The boy said him, “Half of your life is gone.” He then asked a second question: “How about crocodialogy?” The Prof who was now literally crying said, “No!!” and the boy replied: “The whole of your life is gone!”  The point is, “Humility pays!” 

Pastoral Lessons

1. Rely on God: While the “learned” rely on mere human knowledge, children of the kingdom are urged to rely on God. This is why God reveals the mysteries of the kingdom to such. The word of God makes it abundant clear that God favours the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 & Proverbs 3:34).

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).