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

13^th Sunday of the Year, B – July 1, 2018.

Readings: Wisdom 1:13-15,2:23-24; Ps 29:2,4-6,11-13; 

2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15; Gospel – Mark 5:21-43.

Theme: Of Faith & the Mandate to Save Life!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, as a people of unwavering hope, our liturgy for 13^th Sunday of the year challenges us on the need for having total trust in God even as we struggle to save life. Life is God’s supreme gift to humanity which must be nurtured from the cradle to the grave. Sadly, we are living in a rat race which places the mundane over the sacred. As such, our reflection examines the biblical text in search for spiritual lessons which seeks to protect lives and the dignity of the human person. To achieve this, we shall do a summary of the sacred text in the light of pastoral application. 

Summary of the Readings

The first reading from the book of Wisdom (Wisdom 1:13-15,2:23-24) reveals that death was not God’s doing. It also notes that he does not take pleasure in the extinction of the living. It stresses the impeccability of God’s creation adding that God made man in his image and likeness thus imperishable. Most importantly though sadly, it states that it was the devils envy that brought about death into the world. It maintains that those who align themselves with the devil as his agents or partners are well aware of the fact that it was the devil’s envy that brought about death.

In the second reading (2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15), St. Paul speaks to the heart of faith and the works of mercy. He revealed to the Corinthian community that Jesus was rich in everything but became poor for the sake of humanity. He charged them on the need for having a balanced spirituality which seeks to help others but does not forget one’s own needs too. The text advocates for mutual support as an essential ingredient of the Christian life.

The gospel reading (Mark 5:21-43) presents us with two powerful miracles of Jesus aimed at the restoration of health and life. In the first miracle, we are told that as Jesus was going to the house of one of the leading synagogue officials by name Jairus, a woman who suffered from haemorrhage for 12 years and has spent all her money on visiting doctors without cure, touched the cloak of Jesus and got cured – for she had told herself, if only I can touch the fringe of his garments, I would be whole again. In that dramatic event, Jesus turns and asks who touched him because he knew that power had gone out from him. 

Despite the disciple’s query about why Jesus should ask that kind of question because of the crowd, Jesus looks round and the woman comes forward, falls on her feet and confesses the whole truth. He then tells her: “My daughter, your faith has restored you to health; go in peace and be free from your complaint.” Meanwhile, some people from Jairus’ house arrived with bad news informing that his daughter had died. Jesus rebukes them and assures: “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” The wailing and commotion of mourners did not deter him as he assured the wailers that the girl was asleep. They laughed at him. But taking his companions and the girl’s parents to the place where she laid, he said: “Little girl, I tell you to get up.” To everyone’s amazement, the 12-year girl got up and began to walk about. He told them to give her something to eat while ordering that they should tell no one about what happened. 

Application/Pastoral Punch-lines

1. At a time when scores of people are killed across the country with the latest casualties of over 200 people in some parts of Barkin  Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State by suspected killer-herdsmen, the message of first reading from the book of Wisdom which indicated that God does not take pleasure in the extinction of the living, calls us to once again wear the garment of humanity and stop the killings across the country – A single human life cannot and must not be compared to a million cows.

2. The reminder that God made man in his own image and likeness calls us to reorder our values concerning the sanctity of life above all else as well as the sacred duty of government to ensure the protection of lives and property as enshrined in the Constitution – Any constituted authority that denigrates the sacredness of life created in the image and likeness of God should not and must be obeyed.

3. The message of the Wisdom Literature comes powerfully against those who align themselves with the devil as partners in progress, merchants of death or agents of the devil. The sacred text maintains that these marauders must not forget that it was the devil’s envy that brought about death. As such, they are not fighting for a noble cause – It suffices to say, those who live by the sword die by the sword () and those who fight on the side of the evil one have doomsday awaiting them.

4. In a society where the culture of death unleashes upon us anti-life activities such as abortion, torture and death in the hands of commercial kidnappers and ritualists as well as scores of deaths no thanks to the activities of gun-wielding herdsmen, we are challenged to remember without life, there is property – The domino argument hold water here. Eliminate people one by one and in no time, you’ll have no human beings on the face of the earth. 

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

Homily for the Birthday of St. John the Baptist: Year B - June 24, 2018.

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1-3.13-14.15(R.14a); 

Acts 13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66.80.

Theme: Greatness through Service

Preamble

Friends in Christ, today the Church celebrates the birthday of St. John the Baptist. I would like to begin with this story. A farmer who grew Award-Winning Maize in an Agricultural Show each year surprisingly shares his seed with his neighbours. Amazed by this magnanimous gesture, a reporter asked, why he could afford to share his best seeds with his neighbours when they are also entering the maize competition. The farmer smiled and replied:  “The wind picks up pollen from the ripening maize and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbours grow inferior maize, Cross-Pollination will steadily degrade the quality of my maize. If I am to grow good maize, I must help my neighbours grow a good crop.”

This anecdote speaks to the heart of service. It reveals that those who want to live meaningful lives must learn to enrich the lives of others through service. Sages and life couches of all time have insisted that the value of life is measured by how long we live but by the lives we touch. From the perspective of African traditional values, the sense of communalism demonstrates that those who choose to be happy must also help others to be happy because the welfare of each person is bound up in the welfare of society. This sets the tone for a reflection on the birthday of St. John the Baptist titled: “Greatness through Service.” 

Summary of the Readings

The first reading from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 49:1-6) is a message of hope for the people of Israel. The Lord assures that He would not only restore the tribes of Jacob or bring back the survivors of Israel but that from among them He will raise someone who would be the light of the nations so that His salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. The text presents a message of hope with assurances of salvation through the expected messiah that St. John would direct people to in the New Testament.

In the second reading from the Acts of the Apostles, (Acts 13:22-26), we are presented with the humility of John who said: “I am not the one you imagine me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his scandal.” The reading traces the Davidic dynasty of the Messiah in fulfilment of His promises of old. It particularly notes that Jesus’ coming as Saviour, “was heralded by John when he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole people of Israel.”

The Gospel reading (Luke 1:57-66.80) recounts the infancy narrative of St. John the Baptist. It narratives the dramatic events surrounding his birth and naming ceremony stressing how the nieghbours were elated and talked about the affair. We are told that while everyone wondered about what the child would turn out to be, “indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.” The gospel also mentions that “meanwhile, the child grew up and his spirit matured” and he lived out in the wilderness until when he appeared openly to Israel. 

Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries in the Life of John the Baptist

The gospels reveal John as the forerunner of Christ. According to the Church’s tradition, John the Baptist is the only saint in the calendar who has two feasts to himself except the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. The first celebration which celebrates his birth is in June, being today, and the other which commemorates his death is in August. Little wonder Jesus said that of all men born of women, there is none greater than John the Baptist.

The joyful mysteries of his life include - his mother conceived him in old age; as a child, he leaped for joy in his mother’s womb at the voice of his Aunty, the Blessed Virgin Mary; he matured in spirit; he proclaimed the gospel of repentance and forgiveness of sins; he fulfilled the prophesies of old concerning the messiah; he baptized Jesus at the Jordan and with his disciples, they worked miracles to the glory of God.

We might be tempted to think of John only in the sense of greatness. Well, it is also crucial to think of him in terms of one who had the most tragic experiences which can be regarded as the sorrowful mysteries of his life. Although he was the Cousin of Jesus, he faced opposition in spreading the message of the kingdom leading to his incarceration; he even sent his disciples to inquire if Jesus was the Christ; he spoke truth to power by challenging Herod for taking Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. What is more, he was murdered in cold blood for the sake of the truth. The question is, why did Jesus not save him from his murderer? Well, to teach us that God has not favourites as well as the virtue of heroic witnessing. 

Some Pastoral Punch-lines

1. Today’s celebration teaches us that friends of God also suffer want and go hungry and that the greatest of all, must be servant of all. 

2. Apparently, the disciples of John or even the devil wanted him to fight back or found a parallel sect to that of Jesus but he did not - This teaches us to accept our mission in life and also to look up to God for its fulfillment. 

3. We are challenged to embrace John’s humility which we read about in our second reading (Acts 13:22-26) by serving others in humility bearing in mind that humility is that inner disposition to put others first before ourselves. 

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

11^th Sunday of the Year, B – June 17, 2018.

Readings: Ezekiel 17:22-24; Ps 92:1-2.12-13.14-15(R.1a);

 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Gospel – Mark 4:26-34.

Theme - Living for Others: An Imperative!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our liturgy presents us with the parables of Jesus. The gospel particularly mentions that “using many parables like these [those mentioned in the gospel], he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it.” Our reflection titled, “Living for Others: An Imperative” explores the depth of our liturgical readings with a view to finding the requisite pastoral punch-lines. But first, we shall take a look at the background and summary of the readings.

Readings: Background and Insights

The background to today’s reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (17:22-24) is that the people of Israel were punished. Notwithstanding this punishment, using the analogy of a tree, the text indicates that God shall plant a shoot on a very high mountain. The interesting part of the narrative is that the tree will sprout branches, bear fruit and become a noble cedar with broad branches where the birds of the air would find shelter. It presents a contrast between Nebuchadnezzar who “cuts off” and God who “sets up” the topshoot. Apparently, the highest branch of the cedar was a prophecy about the expected messiah – the heir of the royal house of David. The reading is a prediction about Jesus, the likely anointed one of God.

In the second reading, (2 Corinthians 5:6-10), St. Paul assures that we live by faith and not by sight. What this means is that Christians must learn to be exiled from the flesh and desire to please God remembering that we would give account of our lives before God based on what we did in the body whether good or bad. The reading presents the seeming tension that exists between the desires of the flesh and the demands of the spirit. It further assures that our confidence lies in doing the will of God as that is the only way to please God. 

The gospel (Mark 4:26-34) reading highlights two parables presented by Jesus - The Parable of the Seed that gradually grows in the night from a shoot, to an ear, then a full grain leading to harvest time. The second parable is the Proverbial Mustard Seed which is the smallest of all the seeds on earth but once it is sown, it grows into the biggest shrub of all and puts out branches where the birds of the air find shelter in its branches. 

In the two parables, the Seed is the word of God in the heart of a Christian and the planter is God. The field is the world. The Word starts in the heart of the believer as a small seed but if nurtured, it grows into a big shrub where others, like birds are drawn to find peace, material and spiritual help.

 Pastoral Punch-lines and Application

1. Christians are challenged to “”cut off” every Nebuchadnezzar in their lives which kills the spiritual life and align with God who “sets up” new “topshoots” in their lives.

2. As of old, God has planted the Christian in the world as a shoot on a very high mountain to change the world in terms of administering justice and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.

3. The message of the first reading that “the tree will sprout branches, bear fruit and become a noble cedar” indicates that believers have the noble task of impregnating the world with Christian values by living holy lives and being the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Cf. Matthew 5:13 & John 8:12).

4. We are challenged to be exiled from the flesh and desire to do what is pleasing to God bearing in mind that we will give account of our lives before God.

5.  Since we are told that a seeming tension exists between the desires of the flesh and the demands of the spirit, we must do everything it takes to lead spiritual lives so as not to fight on the side of the evil one.

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

 10th Sunday of the Year B–June 10, 2018.

Readings: Genesis3:9-15; Responsorial Psalm Ps130:1-2.3-4.5-7a(R.7bc); 

2Corinthians 4:13-5:1 & Gospel - Mark 3:20-35.

Theme:The Blame-Game and Grieving the Spirit

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our reflection this Sunday highlights the practical punch-lines of the theme “The Blame-Game and Grieving the Spirit” in the light of the liturgical readings. This homiletic- note prepares the faithful for a personal encounter with Christ in view of living out the Christian values in the daily events of our lives.

Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Genesis 3:9-15)presents us with the narrative of the fall of man. It recalls the denial and blame-game between Adam and Eve as well as the serpent. It also points out the punishment God gave our first parents. The text discloses how difficult it is to accept one’s fault. It also reveals how easy it is to push blames on others for one’s misdeeds. The reading opens our minds to three epochal realitiesin the economy of salvation namely, theoriginal state of blessednesswhich Adam and Eve enjoyed before the fall and thestate offallen humanitythey found themselves in after eating the forbidden fruit. This scripture also signals the state ofrestored humanitywhich Jesus would establish to redeem humanity. 

In the second reading (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1), St. Paul reveals that grace and thanksgiving multiply among God’s people because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. He maintains that he who raised Jesus to life is able to raise us as well. Paul insists that though our outer self is subject to sin, our inner self is daily renewed by God’s spirit which enables us to seek after invisible things. What this means is that there is an eternal and imperishable tent prepared for those who resist the devil and seek after the spiritual.

Like the first reading, the gospel (Mark 3:20-35) warns us against the blame-game and grieving the Holy Spirit. In that sacred text, the Scribes accused Jesus of using the power of Beelzebul. In a swift response, Jesus gave them a run for their money by stating that: “A kingdom divided against itselfcannot last.” He goes ahead to give a categorical imperative: “Anyone who sins the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven – he is guilty of an eternal sin.” He gave this stern assertion because they accused him of using diabolical powers to heal.

Application: Practical Punch-lines

In light of our readings, it is crucial to pay attention to six points which shall serve as our spiritual meal this week and beyond:

First, the fall of our first parents calls us to reorder our appetites against what St. Thomas Aquinas, the Angelic Doctor, describes in his Summa Theologica as causes of sin that is, the concupiscence of the eyes,the concupiscence of the flesh and the pride of life – This means that Christians must make use of their God-given capacity to resist inordinate passions which induceallto commit sinslike lust of the flesh and the obsession for material possessions. 

Second, the fact that Adam and Eve wanted to be like God calls all those who desire for leadership positions in the civil society or Church to measure their intentions on the scale of service. This is because there is often the temptation to play god and lord it on others which often leads to impunity and lack of accountability by leaders in every facet of society.

Third, in a society where blame-game appears to be the order of the day, it is important to learn from Adam and Eve. We must change the narrative of denying our faults and learn to take responsibility as private and public persons. The tendency to avoid blame often comes out of the desire to evade punishment – However, when we accept our errors, the expected punishment is often less and medicinal. It is better to suffer for a sin we have accepted than to deny and suffer for three offenses – denial, punishment and guilt.

Fourth, in a country where 419ers, scammers, Yahoo-Yahoo-boys and commercial kidnappers are increasingly having their way, we are challenged to resort to prayer and seeking after invisible things for rescue. What this translates to is that, Christians must show by word and example that what they are gunning for is an eternal and imperishable tent prepared for those who shun dubious means.

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

Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi: Year B - June 3, 2018.

Readings: Exodus 24:3-8; Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-24,29-31,34; 

Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14:12-16.22-26.

Theme: Holy Eucharist: The Source & the Summit of Our Lives & Existence  

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church celebrates Corpus Christi Sunday - the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Before we delve into the reflection proper, it is important to briefly take a look at the history of the celebration. According to Munachi (2016), the feast of the Body of Christ, Corpus Christi was introduced into Church calendar in 1264.  He claimed that the vision of a glistening full moon, in which an Augustinian nun, Juliana of Liège influenced the celebration. The moon she saw was perfect but for some hollow dark spots which she was told represented the absence of a feast of the Eucharist. This led to the official pronouncement about the solemnity. We shall do a synthesis of the readings in the light of pastoral exigencies.

Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Exodus 24:3-8) recalls the Covenant between God and the people of Israel which was sealed with the blood of animals. It is instructive that before ratifying the Covenant, Moses read the Book of the Covenant to the people. The Sacred Text prefigures the place of the Liturgy of the Word and the Holy Eucharist in the new and everlasting covenant that Christ would establish by his blood.

In like manner, the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews (Heb. 9:11-15) established that Christ initiated a new covenant not through the blood of goats and bulls but through his blood which pleads more insistently than Abel’s. Accordingly, the text states that: “He brings a new covenant, as the mediator, only so that the people who were called to an eternal inheritance may actually receive what was promised: His death took place to cancel the sins that infringed the earlier covenant.”

The Marcan gospel (Mark 14:12-16.22-26) tells the story of the how Jesus ate the Passover with his disciples. The reading introduces an essential component of the Liturgy of the Word namely, singing or praying the psalms. However, the punch-line of the text is that the bread and the chalice replaces the blood of animals in taking away the sins of the world. The blessing and the thanksgiving reveals the true nature of the sacrifice of the Holy Mass.

Pastoral Application

1. Corpus Christi Sunday calls us to reaffirm our belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist.

2. That Christ is present at every Eucharistic celebration reminds us that Jesus is present with us in body, soul and divinity when we receive the Eucharist to assist us in our daily struggles.

3. It challenges those who are not yet communicants to approach pastors of souls so as to be in full communion with Church through the Eucharist, the spiritual meal for our journey.

4. On this day, we urge those who have excommunicated themselves from receiving Holy Communion for many years to do the needful by going for confession so as to be in full communion with Christ and with the Christian assembly (Cf. CCC, no.1415).

5.  As a Eucharistic people, the celebration of the Holy Mass is geared towards the unity of all God’s and daughters which obliges us to work towards eradiating divisions in our society for although we are many, we are one in Christ (2 Cor. 10:16-17).

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

 Trinity Sunday: Year B - May 27, 2018.

Readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-34; Responsorial Psalm Ps 32:4-6,9,18-20,22; 

Romans 8:14:17; Gospel Matthew 28:16-20.

Theme: Our Union with the Father, the Son and the Spirit

Introduction

Trinity Sunday provides us with one of the reasons why Catholics make the Sign of the Cross. It is not surprising to see altar servers, knights, footballers and even celebrities making the Sign of the Cross which is a trademark of Catholicism. As a spiritual insignia which defines and promotes our faith, the Sign of the Cross opens up reflections about the Blessed Trinity. It is truism that there are three divine persons in one God – God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It implies one God, three eternal persons which demonstrates that the Father is not the same person as the Son - the Son is not the same person as the Holy Spirit - and the Holy Spirit is not the same person as Father. As it were, each of them has a will and speaks to each other and to people. The use of word “person” implies that each person of the blessed trinity is separate in self awareness, speech, will and expression. We shall take a look at the readings in the light of today’s take-home message. 

Summary of the Liturgical Readings

The first reading (Deuteronomy 4:32-34) presents us with the encounter between Moses and the people of Israel in which he told them in unmistaken terms that: “the Lord is God indeed, in heaven and above as on earth beneath, he and no other.” He maintained that they should keep his laws and commandments so as to enjoy and prosper in the land that the Lord gives to them. The text is indicative of a triune God who reigns “in heaven and above as on earth beneath.”

In the second reading (Romans 8:14:17), St. Paul emphasizes that everyone who is moved by the Spirit is a son of God. He goes further to state that the Spirit that God gives is not a spirit of timidity but that which makes us cry “Abbah Father!” he makes the point that our spirit and that of God works in unison enabling us to bear witness as God’s children. What is more, Apostle Paul reiterates that we are heirs of the Kingdom sharing in his sufferings so as to share in his glory.

The Gospel reading (Matthew 28:16-20) recounts the Great Mission Christ gave his Apostles and how this divine mandate was to be executed in the name of the trinity: “Father, Son and Spirit.”  What is of particular interest is that St. Matthew tells us that Jesus charged them thus: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” The Great Mission had a Trinitarian authority behind it. Besides, the apostles were assured of divine endorsement, divine assistance and the fact that God would be with them until the end of time.  

Pastoral Punch-lines

1. There are Three Divine Persons in One God: The trinity does not constitute three separate gods or separate beings. They are three distinct persons yet, one indivisible God. As such, in taking about the trinity, the words, coeternal, coequal and co-powerful are crucial to the substance of the Godhead. As human beings we are called to a unity of purpose in defending the values of life and human dignity. As a Church such, we are reminded about our universality and our shared-spiritual heritage.

2. God the Father is the Creator of the World: All monotheistic religions teach that God created the universe. The penny catechism teaches that created the world and all it contains. As Creator, it is in him that we live and move and have our being. He is not done with creation as he keeps all things in being. Our faith teaches us that God’s Fatherhood cuts across every tribe, tongue, people and nation. This is an important message for us in a world that is fragmented by racial, religious and ideological divides.

3. God the Son is the Redeemer of the World:  The popular John 3:16 says it all: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Here, we recall three redemptive epochs in human existence – original state of blessedness in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve enjoyed the bliss of God, fallen humanity when they sinned by eating the forbidden fruit and restored humanity when Jesus came for a rescue mission. We must daily seek to be redeemed and truly so.

4. Trinity Sunday Proclaims God’s Liberating Mission: Trinity Sunday provides us with the example of Jesus whose liberating mission he has left with the Church. We are challenged to appropriate Jesus’ manifesto by keying into the fight for the oppressed, those unjustly detained and others under the yoke of slavery and sin as well as Christians who are persecuted like Leah Sharibu.

5. Today’s Liturgy Celebrates the Hypostatic Union: Since Jesus who is truly God and truly man, as the theology of the hypostatic union teaches, we are left with the legacies of one who was God yet emptied himself to take up the place of a slave. This calls for humility amongst Christians.