Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Second Sunday of the Year, A  

 – August 30, 2020 

 

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 62:2-6,8-9; Rom 12:1-2 & Gospel Matthew 16:21-27.

Theme: A Cross-less Christianity?

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading foreshadows Christ the suffering servant who like the Prophet Jeremiah went to the slaughter house like an innocent lamb. In the second reading, St. Paul urges us to bear with the qualms of this life by offering our bodies as a living sacrifice pleasing to God. In the conversation between Jesus and Peter, the gospel reveals renunciation of oneself as well as taking up one’s cross to follow Jesus. In a tempting world of prosperity gospel and “easy does it” spirituality, we are challenged to hold our heads high through embracing Christianity of the Cross with apologies to anyone.  

Introduction 

 Beloved in the Lord, our readings present us with Jesus’ seeming scandal of a Christianity of the Cross. In a society where posterity gospellers have filled the ears of the faithful with the “good news” that poverty is a cause and wealth, the sign of righteousness, this homily titled “A Cross-less Christianity?” invites us to reflect on Jesus’ mission in the light of the current realities that surround us in the society.

Background and Summary of the Readings 

The first reading (Jeremiah 20:7-9) presents a foreshadowing of the suffering servant who allows himself to be seduced, overpowered, insulted, derided and imprisoned in his bones. The Prophet reveals his vulnerability for the sake of the good news. He suffers in silence like the innocent lamb that is taken to the slaughter house.

In the second reading (Rom 12:1-2), St. Paul urges us to offer our bodies as a holy sacrifice pleasing to God. This call is indicative of self-abnegation and renunciation for the sake of the kingdom.

The gospel (Matthew 16:21-27) which discloses the conversation that ensued between Jesus and Peter speaks to the heart of taking up one’s cross as a criterion for true discipleship. Therein, Jesus addressed one of the greatest scandals of the Christian faith namely, Christianity of the Cross by stating: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, le him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” 

Pastoral Lessons 

1. Avoid Sugarcoating the Gospel: We are in a country where the majority of the masses are wallowing in agonizing and shameful poverty, assaults of Boko Haram in the north or sleeping on bare ground in IDP camps, some men of God are smiling to the bank courtesy of the gullibility of our people. Our readings caution Pastors of souls against sugar-coating the gospel through preaching prosperity which shamelessly throws away the cross in a way that sickness, misfortune or death are considered consequences of sin.

2. Correct Public Scandals Publicly: By challenging Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s,” Jesus urges ministers of the word and sacraments to as a matter of obligation correct public scandals which bother on faith and morals publicly so as to serve as a deterrent to others and preserve the faith.

3. Watch Your Human Agenda: Peter’s statement reveals the apostles’ human agenda: Establishing an earthly kingdom (Luke 1:32,33), being great (Matthew 18:1), crushing their enemies (John 18:10), conquest through violence (Luke 22:36-38), saving money for the poor (John 12:6), demanding for immediate reward (Matthew 19:27) and gaining the whole world (Luke 9:46). This challenges us to scan our human agenda on Jesus’ mission.

4. Practice Jesus’ Agenda: Jesus’ response to Peter demonstrates that: He came to establish a heavenly kingdom (Luke 1:28-33), serve and not to be served (Matthew 16:27), reveal the father’s countenance through limitless forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22), lose his life for humanity (John 12:25), conquer on the Cross through defeat (1 Peter 2:24) and point to the prize of eternal life in heaven (Matthew 19:28-29). This invites us to subvert our various agendas heavenwards.

5. Shun Bigotry: By subscribing to a cross-less Christianity, those who preach that our God is a rich God without the corresponding theology of accepting suffering for the sake of Christ are much like Boko Haram who interpret the Holy Koran in an extremist fashion and are intolerant of theological diversity. We must refrain from preaching a cross-less Christianity because it is the height of naivety and extremism - After all, Christ started from the cradle of Bethlehem to the cross of Calvary.

6. Embrace Poverty of the Spirit: The gospel demands detachment from material wealth towards willingness to share the earth’s resources with those who are poor. We are urged us to embrace poverty of the spirit bearing in mind that Jesus borrowed a crib to be born, a donkey to ride on, a pulpit to preach on, a boat to sail on, a house to stay, money to pay the customary tax, a home to eat the Passover and needed funding that was why Judas kept the money bag.

7. Pray for Persecuted Christians: Like the suffering servant who allowed himself to be seduced, overpowered, insulted, derided and imprisoned in his bones, before our very eyes, our children and fellow Christians like Leah Sharibu and others still at large are martyrs witnessing to the gospel of extraordinary courage and resilience. As a Church, we have a responsibility to pray for their release, eternal repose for those who have died and endurance for the pilgrim Church.  

Summary Lines 

1. The first reading presents a foreshadowing of the suffering servant.
2. In the second reading St. Paul urges us to offer up our bodies as a holy sacrifice pleasing to God.
3. The gospel discloses the conversation that ensued between Jesus and Peter.
4. This discussion necessitated the assertion about renunciation and taking up one’s cross as a criterion for true discipleship.
5. Therein, Jesus addresses one of the greatest scandals of the Christian faith namely, Christianity of the Cross.  

Conclusion  

We must not confuse the fact that Jesus possessed a robe with wealth or ostentation. Neither are we to conclude that the call to embrace the Christianity of the Cross translates to being mendicants. On the contrary, it is a call to live according to our means in total surrender to God who supplies our needs according to his riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). While we are called to offer our bodies as a holy sacrifice pleasing to God (Rom 12:1-2), pastors of souls should, as exemplars of faith, preach Christ crucified by direct the people to Christ and not themselves. As we journey through the Royal Road of the Cross, may the Holy Spirit help us to embrace the daily challenges of our lives with the hope that things would be better - if not here, in the next. Have a fabulous week ahead!

Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A – Gaudete Sunday - Nov 11, 2016
Readings: Is 35:1-6a.10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7.8-9a.9bc-10(R.cf.Is 35:4); James 5:7-10; Gospel Mat 11:2-11.
Theme: The Signs of Time and Imperative of Christ’s Coming!
Friends in Christ, the words of John the Baptist in the gospel (Mat 11:2-11) to Jesus through his disciples while he was in prison namely “Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?” appears scandalous. How can John, who was a forerunner of Jesus, be asking that kind of question? How can the person who gave tax collectors, prostitutes, soldiers and other categories of sinners the baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming one, whom he claimed was mightier than he, whose sandals he was not worthy to untie turn around to ask if Jesus was indeed the Messiah?
Well, we may be scandalised at the Baptist’s reaction and question but in reality, we are guiltier than John in many respects. What is our attitude to persecution, disease, sickness, death and poverty? How do we respond to the inability to get a job, pay our children’s school fees, house rent, PHCN bill or have three square meals per day? What do we make of the economic meltdown Nigeria is currently undergoing in the light of our faith?

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

Second Sunday of Advent, Year A – Nov 4, 2016
Readings: Is 11:1-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2. 7-8.12-13.17.CR.cf.7; Rom 15:4-9; Gospel Mat 3:1-12.
Theme: The Imperative of Being Heralds of Christ’s Second Coming!
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, the Second Sunday of Advent presents us with realities that are meant to perfectly prepare us for the celebration of Christ’s nativity. We shall reflect on four points in the light of our readings:
1. John as Jesus’ Forerunner – The events leading to the birth of St. John the Baptist clearly reveals the task God had for him. The child, John, had leapt in the womb of his mother, Elizabeth at the greeting of her cousin, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The eventful episode of Ein Kerem (Jerusalem) as found in Luke 1:39-56 reminds us about the remote stages of setting John aside for the great task of preparing the people for the coming of Christ. In no small way did he carry the sacred task of preparing the people for the eventual arrival of Jesus. This has great lessons for us as we shall soon discover.

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

First Sunday of Advent, Year A – Nov 27, 2016
Readings: Is 2:1-5; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2,3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Rom 13:11-14; Gospel Mat 24:37-44.
Theme: Of Times & Seasons: Welcoming Jesus in Our Hearts!
Beloved in Christ, the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us about the necessity of change in times and seasons when it says: “To everything there is a season, and a time under heaven” (Ecc 3:1). The Season of Advent is here again – a time when the liturgical colour changes to purple/violet; a time when a new liturgical new calendar begins; a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of the Lord at Christmas.
The word Advent comes from the Latin, adventus which means “coming” – the word is synonymous with the Greek parousia which also stands for (coming). As a season of looking forward and waiting for something really important, Advent is about both the preparation of the annual celebration of the birth of Christ and his second coming. Little wonder in the gospel (Mat 24:37-44) Jesus likens his parousia (coming) to the days of Noah, before and after the flood.

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

Thirty-fourth Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 20, 2016: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, Last Sunday of the Year & Official Closing of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in Rome.
Readings: 2 Sam 5:1-3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5(cf.1); Col 1:12-20; Gospel Luke 23:35-43.
Theme: Living for the King of Kings & the Lord of Lords!
My dear people of God, today is Christ the King - A day in which the liturgical cycle of the Church closes. The celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe reminds Christians about the indefectible place of Christ’s reign over the earth and the call to live accordingly as heirs of the Kingdom.

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

Thirty-third Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 13, 2016: The Closing of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in Local Churches.
Readings: Malachi 4:1-2a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:5-6,7-9ab,9cd(R.cf9cd); 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Gospel Luke 21:5-19.
Theme: A Merciful Judge, False Prophets & End-time Prophesy!
Friends in Christ, as we prepare to round up the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, our readings speak to us about a merciful judge, false prophets and end-time realities. The readings are timely because today, the Universal Church mandates Local Churches to officially close the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy although the grand finale will be holding in Rome on November 20, 2016. It will be recalled that the Holy Father, Pope Francis inaugurated the Jubilee Year of Mercy on December 8, 2015.

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

Thirty-second Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 6, 2016.
Readings: 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8,15; 2 Thes 2:16-3:5; Gospel Lk 20:27-38 or Lk 20:27, 34-38.
Theme: Witnessing to the Point of Death
Introduction
Beloved in Christ, as we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical calendar, our readings are apocalyptic in nature. They not only remind us about the four last things namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell, but challenge us to the fact of witnessing without which we cannot see the face of God.
In the first reading (2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14) we hear about the dramatic witnessing of a courageous Jewish woman and her seven sons. This moving story is a one of faith, courage and heroic witness. From this dutiful family, we learn devotion to the law of God and our ancestors in the faith; therein, we also take lessons in the resurrection and on how to witness courageously:
1. Devotion to the Law of God: One thing we cannot take away from this family is their dedication to the law of God.  It would seem that the Old Testament injunction: “You shall thus observe all my statutes and all my ordinances and do the; I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:37) was a creed that spurred them on. Little wonder the second son in Verse 9 of the first reading said: “It is for his laws that we are dying.”

Shikrot Mpwi – All Saints Day Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Solemnity of All Saints, Year C - Nov. 1, 2016.
Readings: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Gospel Mt 5:1-12A.
Theme: In Communion with the Saints.                                      
Beloved in Christ, today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. It might interest you to know that today's celebration has an ecumenical dimension because the Anglican Communion, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church and other Protestant churches observe this day alongside the Catholic Church. This celebration is predicated on the fundamental belief that there is an unbreakable spiritual bond between the citizens of heaven (the Church triumphant) and the living (the Church militant). As a day in which we commemorate all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven, All Saints Day is a solemnity and a holiday of obligation in Catholic countries.                       On this day, we give solemn thanks to God for the known and unknown  lives of the saints. Glorious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful (Psalm 116:15). As we reflect on the spiritual meaning attached to this celebration, we must understand who the saints are and their intercessory role:  

Shikrot Mpwi –Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day, Year C - Nov. 2, 2016 Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk)

Readings: Wis 3:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; Rom 5:5-11 Or Rom 6:3-9; Gospel Jn 6:37-40.
Theme: In Praying for the Dead, We Pray for Ourselves. No other time is appropriate to remember the dead than around this time of the year in which Christian Catholics around the world traditionally dedicate the souls of the departed to God, be they Christians or not. This pious act of charitable remembrance resonates with the spirit of our celebration. Two significant Catholic solemnities namely, All Saints and All Souls Day which are observed on 1st and 2nd November every year respectively are moments of grace and spiritual strengthening for the Church.                                      The observance of All Souls Day on November 2 as a day of prayer for the souls of all the faithful departed is credited to St. Odilo, the abbot of the powerful monastery of Cluny in southern France who added it to Church celebrations in 998. This feast, called All Souls Day soon spread from France to the rest of Europe.

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

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time: Year C - Oct. 30, 2016.
Readings: Wis. 11:22-12:2; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13, 14; Thes. 1:11-2:2; Gospel Lk. 19:1-10.
Theme:  The Challenge of Meeting the Lord & the Sycamore Tree!
Friends in Christ, the wisdom text (Wis. 11:22-12:2) we read today reminds us about God's kindness and mercy as well as his ardent desire to save sinners. It particularly notes that he does that: "...that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in [him]."                                
This implies that God's love is infinite and his mercies unparalleled. Such warm assurances are sure a product of God's benevolence. There is no better moment for appropriating such a salvific gesture than when the Jubilee Year of Mercy is winding up.                            
 The message of the first reading is reinforced in the gospel (Lk. 19:1-10) where the publican Zacchaeus takes advantage of Jesus passing through Jericho. From him, we learn that:            
1. Jesus passes through the Jericho of our daily lives but only those who hunger for him can take advantage of the situation and be the better for it.  

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

 Thirtieth  Sunday of the Year, C – October 23, 2016: World Mission Sunday.
Readings: Sir 35:12-14, 16-18; Responsorial Psalm PS 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23; 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18; Gospel Lk 18:9-14.
Theme: Siding with the Poor in Prayer, Humility, Charity & Mission
In our first reading (Sir 35:12-14, 16-18) today, God makes a  preferential option for the poor and vulnerable while stamping his authority to not only defend them but grant their heart's desires.             In Catholic theology, preferential option for the poor is a teaching that is based on the Catholic Social Doctrine of the Church which makes a case for all those who are marginalised in society. These include the unborn children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and terminally ill, and victims of injustice and oppression.                                      
The Church Fathers urge the faithful according to their ability to share and  dispose of their goods to help others by giving them aid which will  enable them to help and develop themselves. (The Church in the Modern World - Gaudium et Spes #69)                                                    
We must realise that the earth belongs to everyone, not only to the rich alone (On the Development of  Peoples - Populorum Progressio, #23) which is why the poor and vulnerable must always be on our agenda.    

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

Twenty-ninth Sunday of the Year, C – October 16, 2016.
Readings: Ex 17:8-13; Responsorial Psalm Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Tm 3:14-4:2; Gospel Lk 18:1-8.
Theme: Perseverance in Prayer & the Need to Never Grow Weary
Dearly beloved in Christ, our readings this Sunday challenges us on the need for perseverance and synergy in prayer as necessary ingredients of faith. Our liturgy focuses on perseverance as a recipe for petitioning heaven for our needs and the needs of the world. In the first reading (Ex 17:8-13), we are told that as long as Aaron and Hur held Moses' hands up, God granted victory to his people.                                      
What does this mean for contemporary Christians? Well, friends in Christ, it is time we drew lessons from the intercessory role of pastors of souls in intervening for the flock especially at a time of crisis.

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

 Twenty-eightSunday of the Year, C – October 9, 2016.

Readings: 2 Kgs 5-14-17; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4; 2 Tm 2:8-13; Gospel Lk 17:11-19.

Theme: Offering thanks & the Blessing of Giving 

Our readings today centre on the theme of giving. In the first reading (2 Kgs 5-14-17), Naaman, the Syrian army General returns with his whole retinue to offer thanksgiving to God for cleansing him from leprosy. Coincidentally, only one out of the ten lepers who were cured by Jesus return to give thanks to God. 

The action of both Naaman and the Samaritan was an indictment on the people of Israel who often failed to thank God for his numerous blessings in their lives.                                        By singling out the Samaritan for praise, Jesus was presumably directing his rebuke to the sons and daughters of Israel for embarrassingly failing to offer thanks to God.

Elisha, the prophet of God, would reject the gifts offered by Naaman as an example for men of God to work for the Lord out of an ardent desire for saving souls not for sordid gain. In a society that is crazy with donor fatigue occasioned by tithes for blessings, giving for promotion and threats to unwilling givers, pastors of souls must re-access their vocation on the attitude of Elisha bearing in mind the words of ordination: “Work not for sordid gain...” and “Model your life according to the mystery of the Lord's cross.” 

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

Twenty-seventh Sunday of the Year, C – October 2, 2016.
Readings: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14; Gospel Lk 17:5-10.
Theme: Faith that Moves Mountains
Our Sunday liturgy centres on the theme of faith which the penny catechism defines as "the supernatural gift of God which makes us believe without seeing whatever God has revealed."               The Letter to the Hebrews (11:1) lends credence to this definition when it says: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
The conceptions above confirm the biblical dictum, "For we walk by faith and not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7). Over the years, I have settled for the definition of faith which describes it as, “the coat that warms us of the cold of unbelief."                                        
The gospel (Lk 17:5-10) starts on a note of requisition. The apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. The reason is not farfetched - in previous chapters of Luke, Jesus had laid  before them the cost of discipleship and implications of scandalising little ones.
By so doing, they knew that following him was not by power or might (Zechariah 4:6). They needed Jesus to consolidate their faith - A requisition that becomes a reference point for would be disciples.

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

 Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year, C – September 25, 2016.
Readings: Amos 6:1a,4-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7,8-9a,9bc-10(R.v.1b); 1 Tim 6:-11-16; Gospel Lk 16:19-31.
Theme: The Parable of Reversal & a Call to Charity
Most scripture scholars agree that the whole of chapter 16 of Luke’s Gospel revolves around the central theme of material possessions. The chapter is structured into three parts which we have read recently namely, the story of the unjust steward (Vv. 1-13), the Pharisees’ (who loved money) protest and Jesus’ response (Vv. 14-18) and now, the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Vv. 19-31). The entire chapter, talks to the heart of issues surrounding one’s attitude towards material possessions.
On this Sunday, we are presented with the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 19-31). It is important to note that the rich man referred to in the gospel is a symbol of the Jews who had been blessed by God as the chosen people but took the graces of God for granted.                                         Let us consider the following points in this reflection:

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

Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year, C – September 18, 2016.
Readings: Amos 8:4-7, 13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 113: 1-2.4-8.R.v.17); 1 Tim 2:-1-8; Gospel Lk 16:1-13.
Theme: The Scandal of Padding & a Call to Faithfulness
Nigerians recently woke up with a new vocabulary in the news namely, “padding.” For the purpose of this homily, padding is inflating or removal of entries in a financial account. The alleged padding of the 2016 appropriation bill has left our country in economic comatose as implementation is way out in the woods.
While Nigerians are waiting for the outcome of the purported budget padding and perhaps bringing the culprits to book as President Muhammadu Buhari has promised, this Sunday, we are presented with the story of a servant who padded his Master’s accounts for future favours.

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

Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year, C – September 11, 2016.
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: The Scandal of Working for Reward and a Call to Repentance
Beloved in Christ, the parable of the prodigal son once again calls us to reflect on God’s mercy and forgiveness while soft-pedaling on working only for reward. Our reflections on this parable have customarily being surrounded around the sin of the younger son. Conversely, I would like us to look critically at the scandal of the eldest son. A survey of his attitude reveals the following:
1. Instead of going into to house to get first hand information about what was going on, he resorted to getting his news from the grapevine – a gossip that would later trigger anger in him.
2. For allowing what was supposed to be good news, the safe return of his kid brother, to become bad news, he became a victim.
3. His anger and refusal to go in was a huge scandal – a time-bomb waiting to explode.
4. This bad attitude interrupted the party in honour of his brother which made his father to come out of the house.

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

Twenty-third Sunday of the Year, C – August 4, 2016.
Readings: Wisdom 9:13-18B; Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14-17; Phmn. 9-10, 12-17; Gospel Lk 14:25-33.
Theme: Are you possessed by your possessions? A reflection on detachment!
We live in a society where market forces determine prices of goods and services. On daily basis economists and business moguls unleash upon us a society which maximises profit. The rat race of survival of the fittest and the elimination of the unfit make the world a profit-oriented globe which places high premium on material possessions.
Sadly, we are caught up in the quagmire of a society that “objectifies” and “commodifies” human beings. The commercialisation of relationships based on utility friendship further worsens the situation.

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

Twenty-First Sunday of Year, C – July 21, 2016.
Readings: Is 66:18-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1, 2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Gospel Lk 13:22-30.
Theme: The Narrow Gate: Point of Entry!
Our liturgy today draws our attention to enter through the narrow gate. In the gospel (Lk 13:22-30). Some scripture scholars suggest that what Jesus meant by that statement is twofold. First, that salvation requires our earnest effort because the door is narrow and exclusive, not wide and all-inclusive and second, that  salvation requires our most urgent attention.
Other scholars suggest that the saying was directed at the Jews who felt that as the chosen people, they had the exclusive ticket to the joys of paradise.                                              
 In Jewish practice, a rabbi often punished his disciple by way of shutting down the door when the disciple arrives late. The disciple could be told not to come back for a week.That way, the disciple is expected to resume early and remain faithful henceforth.
By answering the question someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” with the statement “strive to enter through the narrow gate..." Jesus prepared the minds of his audience that: First, being a Jew is not a criteria for making heaven and second, faithful gentiles would make heaven and stand in judgement against the Jews.

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

 Solemnity Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary - Mass During The Day: Year, C – July 14, 2016.
Readings: Rev. 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; Responsorial Psalm Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Cor. 15:20-27; Gospel Luke 1:39-56.
Theme: Going Up with Mary
Today we celebrate the Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, BVM into heaven. The assumption of the BVM is one of the four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. A dogma is the official teaching of the Church proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church). Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate and make faith secure (Jn 8:31-32). Built upon divine foundations, dogmas are firmly rooted in scripture as evident in Matthew 18:18 & 16:18-19, John 21:16 & Luke 10:16.