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

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C – December 09, 2018.

Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 125:1-6;

Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Gospel Luke 3:1-6.

Theme: Prepare a Way for the Lord!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, on the second Sunday of Advent, we are challenged on preparing a way for the Lord. At the heart of any endeavour is preparedness. I recall that during the military era in Nigeria, when the head of state or sole administrator was visiting your state or local government, the school was literally closed down for a week. The cleaning of the environment was intense that we were made the wash walls. There was also the uncanny practice of painting stress and stones which separated the lawns. On the D-Day, we usually got to school very early. Five or six hours before president or sole admin arrived, we stood in long queues with our teachers waiting and singing the schools anthem or other songs. The feeling was electric because our excitement knew no bounds. 

Our liturgy presents us with a similar scenario of preparing for the coming of Christ. The popular saying goes, “failure to prepare is planning to fail.” This is why advent prepares us for a blessed Christmas season. Our reflection shall scan through the background and summary of the readings, pastoral application and homiletic points to remember.

 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Baruch 5:1-9), God tells the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Prophet Baruch to remove the dress of sorrow and distress so as wrap themselves with the cloak of integrity. He assures that the Lord would show their splendor to every nation under heaven. The Prophet also charges that he would flatten each high maintain and fill the valleys to make the ground so that Israel can walk in safety. He concludes that God would guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory with his mercy and integrity.

The second reading (Philippians 1:4-6,8-11) recounts how St. Paul urged the Philippians to increase in knowledge and deepening in perfection. He encourages them on the principles of holiness by urging them to be blameless towards reaching perfection.      

In like manner, the Gospel (Luke 3:1-6) tells the story of how St. John went through the whole of the Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Apparently, it was a fulfilment of the Prophesy of Isaiah: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be straightened and rough roads made smooth. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.”

The Salesmen Narrative

A story is told of two salesmen who were sent to an island to sell shoes. The first salesman, upon arrival, was shocked to realize that no one wore shoes. Immediately, he sent a message to his home office in Chicago saying, “I will return home tomorrow. No one wears shoes.” The second salesman was thrilled by the same realization. Immediately he wired his home office in Chicago saying, “Please, send me 10,000 shoes. Everyone here needs them.”

This story mirrors society. Most times, some persons view world in terms of SUNSET while others see it was SUNRISE. Although top government officials such as Tiberius Caesar of Rome, Pontius Pilate Governor of Judea, Herod and Phillip Terach of Galilee and Ituraea as well as Annas and Caiaphas were mentioned in the gospel, only John the Baptist allowed himself to be sued by God for a just and holy course. 

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. Embracing Mercy and Integrity: As we approach Christmas, our liturgy urges us to use this period of Advent to demonstrate mercy to those at the margins of society as we showcase integrity. 

2. Putting on the Diadem of Glory: In a world where fame and fortune are the in-thing, we are urged to put on the diadem of God’s glory which entails holding our heads high through lofty engagements rather than mundane actions.    

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

First Sunday of Advent, Year C – December 2, 2018.

Readings: Jer. 33:14-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:4-5,8-9,10,14; 1 

Thess. 3:12-4:2; Gospel Luke 21:25-28,34-36.

Theme: Holding Our Heads High at Advent & Always!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, the Season of Advent is here again. It is a time that the Church’s liturgical colour changes to purple or violet. Advent is a time that the Church begins a new liturgical calendar. Our Sunday readings will henceforth be taken from Year C while that of weekday readings will be from Cycle 1. Gloria is also omitted during this season because the Church reserves it for Christmas vigil. Advent is a period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the nativity of the Lord at Christmas. Our reflection tilted, “Holding Our Heads High at Advent & Always” shall explore the meaning of advent, background and summary of the readings, advent stories on staying awake, pastoral application as well as practical lessons and homiletic points to remember. 

The Meaning of Advent

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. The season of Advent leads us to a spiritual-nostalgia of recalling the incarnation events. By his birth over thousand years ago, Christ established a kingdom. Upon his paschal mysteries, Christ returned to the father with the promise that he would return in glory – a return we are all waiting for. This season aids our understanding of the Christ-events which Advent prepares and Christmas celebrates.    

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Jer. 33:14-16) the Prophet Jeremiah discloses that the Lord would fulfill his promise to the House of Israel and the House of Judah by raising a virtuous Branch, David who shall practice honesty and integrity in the land. He notes that while Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in confidence. He particularly mentions that his name shall be called, “The-Lord-our-integrity.”

The second reading (1 Thess. 3:12-4:2) challenges Christians on increasing in love before God and humanity and on the need to be confirmed in holiness in the sight of God. In the reading, Saint Paul charges the faithful to make steady progress by following the instructions of the Lord as they have been taught by the apostles. 

In the gospel (Luke 21:25-28,34-36), Jesus talks about the coming of the Son of Man in glory. He reveals that this period would be associated with fear as the powers of heaven would be shaken. He, however, notes that “when these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.” He goes ahead to warn against debauchery, drunkenness and fixing our gaze on the cares of this life. He further discloses that that day would spring upon everyone like a trap. He, therefore, called everyone to: “Stay awake praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of man.”  

Advent Stories on Staying Awake

A certain Pastor by name William Willimon tells the story of a funeral he attended in a Baptist church in the company of his wife, Patsy. During the homily, he was surprised to hear the preacher shout with folded arms: “It’s too late for Joe. He’s dead. But it is not too late for you. People drop dead every day. Why wait? Now is the day for decision. Give your life to Jesus.” William was so annoyed at the Pastor and complained to his wife that the preacher had done the worst thing possible to a grieving family. He felt the preacher manipulated mourners with guilt and shame. His wife’s response will shock you. Patsy replied him: “Well, the worst part of it all is that what he said is true.” 

The lesson of this story is that “each one of us lives in the shadow of the apocalypse - the dark reality of the end of our time and the end of the world’s time. That is the warning of Advent. But there is also good news. There is also the promise of Advent - the promise that in the darkness, in the shadows, in the unpredictable anxiety of our unfinished lives, God is present. God is in control, and God will come again… God is present to help us endure. God is in charge, and hope is alive. And as long and as interminable as the night seems, morning will come - in God's good time and God's good way.”

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

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe/

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, B – Last Sunday of the Year: Nov 25, 2018.

Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Ps 93:1ab.1b-2.5; Rev. 1:5-8; Gospel – Jn. 18:33b-37.

Theme: Of a King & His Subjects

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, another Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe is here again. Also known as thirty-fourth Sunday of the Year or last Sunday of the year, this celebration calls us to reappraise the Lord’s kingship and rulership over our lives even as it assures of our eternal destiny with the King in the kingdom of light and peace. As part of relishing the lessons of this reflection, it is important to consider the background and summary of the readings, overview, objectives and aims of the celebration as well as pastoral application and homiletic points to remember.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Daniel 7:13-14) discloses that Daniel saw a vision of the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven to the one of great age. It also reveals that the one with great age conferred on him sovereignty, glory and kingship stressing that people from all nations and languages are his subjects. It surmised that his sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which can neither be destroyed, nor cease to exist.

In the second reading (Rev. 1:5-8) from the Apocalypse of John, we are presented with Christ, the First-born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth as one who loves us and washes away our sins through his blood. John maintains that he made us a line of kings and priests to serve God his father noting that he is coming in the clouds where everybody will see him. Apostle John concludes that all the races of the earth would mourn him even as he makes the point that he is the Alpha and Omega, “The Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” 

The gospel reading (Jn. 18:33b-37) recounts how Jesus dared Pilate by emphatically stating: “Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: To bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.” Earlier, Jesus had said that his kingdom is not of this world otherwise; his men would have fought to defend him from being handed over to the Jews.

Story of the Clever King

The story is told of a country where the people changed their kings every year. They usually go into a contract with the person who would become king that he would be sent to an island after serving a single term of one year. Afterwards, they would choose another king. Often, they would dress the king who has finished his tenure in expensive clothes, put him on an elephant and take him round the city to say goodbye. Since they often stepped down against their wish and never returned, it was often a moment of sadness and wailing for them.

On this day the people took this king with a boat to the Remote Island and left him there. On their way back, they discovered a ship that had sunk recently. They saw a young man who survived by holding unto to a floating piece of wood. Since they were looking for a king, they picked him and begged him to be their king. 

Initially, he was afraid because of the rules involved. Eventually he agreed - After three days of being their king, he asked the ministers to take him to the island where all the other kings were sent. They obliged him; it was then he discovered thick bushes, wild animals and the dead bodies of the other kings. It dawned on him that as soon as kings were left in the island, wild animals came and devoured them which is why they do not return.

After one month as a king, he ordered 100 strong workers to clear the bushes and kill all the wild animals. In the second month, he ordered that the dead bodies of his predecessors be removed from the jungle. Since the jungle was now clear, he made it a point of duty to be visiting the island every month. Then he instructed that flowers be planted in various parts of the island. By the third month, he secretly took useful animals like chickens, ducks, birds, goats and cows to the island. In the fourth month, he stored enough food there. Soon, the deadly island became a beautiful place. 

He used the island as resting place from time to time. As such, after nine months, the clever king wanted to resign and go to the island but the people insisted that he must complete his tenure. After one year, he was dressed and put on an elephant and taken round the city to say goodbye to the people. They were shocked that he didn’t cry like the other kings. When they asked why, he retorted, “Don’t you know what wise people say? They say that when you came to this world as a baby, you were crying and everyone was smiling. Live such a life that when you die, you will be smiling and everyone around you will be crying. I have lived that life.”

The moral lesson of the story is that while the other kings were lost in the luxuries of the kingdom, the clever king always thought about the future and planned for it. He turned the deadly island into a beautiful abode where he could live peacefully. This is how we should live our lives. We ought to live our lives in this world preparing for the life of the kingdom. We are not supposed to get lost in the attractive and distracting things of this world as to forget that we are heirs of the kingdom. Even if we are privileged here like the king in this story, we should live simple lives and save all enjoyments for the kingdom to come. This story prepares us for an overview of Christ the King celebration.

Overview, Objectives and Aims of Christ the King Celebration

Although the celebration of Christ the King first took place in 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in his 1925 encyclical Quas Primas. The celebration emerged in the midst of the rise of Communism in Russia and during the 16th centenary of the Council of Nicaea (325) as an aftermath of the First World War. The feast was a response to the rise of secularization, atheism, and communism. The interesting part of this event is that despite its Catholic origins, it is celebrated by many Protestants such as Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians.The celebration was, however, moved to the last Sunday in Ordinary Time in 1970.

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. God’s Kingdom is Universal: By stating that his sovereignty, glory and kingship is over all and his subjects are people from all nations and languages, Daniel teaches us in the first reading that salvation is for everyone. As such, traditional the procession with the Blessed Sacrament and chanting of Eucharistic hymns unto the Universal King of the Universe is timely.

2. Christ is a Compassionate King: St. John reveals Christ as the compassionate king who is not only the First-born from the dead and Ruler of the kings of the earth but one who loves us and washes away our sins through his blood. As subjects of the kingdom, we are challenged to demonstrate love to children, the aged and other vulnerable groups.

3. Christ the King bears Witness to the Truth: Just as Jesus dared Pilate by stating that he is a king who bears witness to the truth, the subjects of God’s kingdom are challenged to be ambassadors of the truth towards expanding his kingdom on earth. 

By instituting this celebration in 1925, the Holy Father Pope Pius XI wanted the solemnity to impact on the faithful in the following ways:

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

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe/

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, B – Last Sunday of the Year: Nov 25, 2018:

Readings: Daniel 7:13-14; Ps 93:1ab.1b-2.5; Rev. 1:5-8; Gospel – Jn. 18:33b-37.

The: Of a King & His Subjects

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, another Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe is here again. Also known as thirty-fourth Sunday of the Year or last Sunday of the year, this celebration calls us to reappraise the Lord’s kingship and rulership over our lives even as it assures of our eternal destiny with the King in the kingdom of light and peace. As part of relishing the lessons of this reflection, it is important to consider the background and summary of the readings, overview, objectives and aims of the celebration as well as pastoral application and homiletic points to remember.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Daniel 7:13-14) discloses that Daniel saw a vision of the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven to the one of great age. It also reveals that the one with great age conferred on him sovereignty, glory and kingship stressing that people from all nations and languages are his subjects. It surmised that his sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which can neither be destroyed, nor cease to exist.

In the second reading (Rev. 1:5-8) from the Apocalypse of John, we are presented with Christ, the First-born from the dead, the Ruler of the kings of the earth as one who loves us and washes away our sins through his blood. John maintains that he made us a line of kings and priests to serve God his father noting that he is coming in the clouds where everybody will see him. Apostle John concludes that all the races of the earth would mourn him even as he makes the point that he is the Alpha and Omega, “The Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”   

The gospel reading (Jn. 18:33b-37) recounts how Jesus dared Pilate by emphatically stating: “Yes, I am a king. I was born for this, I came into the world for this: To bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice.” Earlier, Jesus had said that his kingdom is not of this world otherwise; his men would have fought to defend him from being handed over to the Jews. 

Story of the Clever King

The story is told of a country where the people changed their kings every year. They usually go into a contract with the person who would become king that he would be sent to an island after serving a single term of one year. Afterwards, they would choose another king. Often, they would dress the king who has finished his tenure in expensive clothes, put him on an elephant and take him round the city to say goodbye. Since they often stepped down against their wish and never returned, it was often a moment of sadness and wailing for them. 

On this day the people took this king with a boat to the Remote Island and left him there. On their way back, they discovered a ship that had sunk recently. They saw a young man who survived by holding unto to a floating piece of wood. Since they were looking for a king, they picked him and begged him to be their king.

Initially, he was afraid because of the rules involved. Eventually he agreed - After three days of being their king, he asked the ministers to take him to the island where all the other kings were sent. They obliged him; it was then he discovered thick bushes, wild animals and the dead bodies of the other kings. It dawned on him that as soon as kings were left in the island, wild animals came and devoured them which is why they do not return. 

After one month as a king, he ordered 100 strong workers to clear the bushes and kill all the wild animals. In the second month, he ordered that the dead bodies of his predecessors be removed from the jungle. Since the jungle was now clear, he made it a point of duty to be visiting the island every month. Then he instructed that flowers be planted in various parts of the island. By the third month, he secretly took useful animals like chickens, ducks, birds, goats and cows to the island. In the fourth month, he stored enough food there. Soon, the deadly island became a beautiful place.

He used the island as resting place from time to time. As such, after nine months, the clever king wanted to resign and go to the island but the people insisted that he must complete his tenure. After one year, he was dressed and put on an elephant and taken round the city to say goodbye to the people. They were shocked that he didn’t cry like the other kings. When they asked why, he retorted, “Don’t you know what wise people say? They say that when you came to this world as a baby, you were crying and everyone was smiling. Live such a life that when you die, you will be smiling and everyone around you will be crying. I have lived that life.” 

The moral lesson of the story is that while the other kings were lost in the luxuries of the kingdom, the clever king always thought about the future and planned for it. He turned the deadly island into a beautiful abode where he could live peacefully. This is how we should live our lives. We ought to live our lives in this world preparing for the life of the kingdom. We are not supposed to get lost in the attractive and distracting things of this world as to forget that we are heirs of the kingdom. Even if we are privileged here like the king in this story, we should live simple lives and save all enjoyments for the kingdom to come. This story prepares us for an overview of Christ the King celebration. 

Overview, Objectives and Aims of Christ the King Celebration

Although the celebration of Christ the King first took place in 1926, Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in his 1925 encyclical Quas Primas. The celebration emerged in the midst of the rise of Communism in Russia and during the 16th centenary of the Council of Nicaea (325) as an aftermath of the First World War. The feast was a response to the rise of secularization, atheism, and communism. The interesting part of this event is that despite its Catholic origins, it is celebrated by many Protestants such as Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians.The celebration was, however, moved to the last Sunday in Ordinary Time in 1970.

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. God’s Kingdom is Universal: By stating that his sovereignty, glory and kingship is over all and his subjects are people from all nations and languages, Daniel teaches us in the first reading that salvation is for everyone. As such, traditional the procession with the Blessed Sacrament and chanting of Eucharistic hymns unto the Universal King of the Universe is timely.

2. Christ is a Compassionate King: St. John reveals Christ as the compassionate king who is not only the First-born from the dead and Ruler of the kings of the earth but one who loves us and washes away our sins through his blood. As subjects of the kingdom, we are challenged to demonstrate love to children, the aged and other vulnerable groups. 

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

33^rd Sunday of the Year, B – November 18, 2018.

Readings: Daniel 12:1-3; Ps 15:5,8-11; Hebrews 10:11-14,18; 

 Gospel – Mark 13:24-32.

Theme: No One Knows the Day or the Hour

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical calendar, we are reminded about eschatological realities namely death, judgment, heaven and hell. As we await Christ the King Celebration, the Church wants us to turn attention on where we would spend eternity. From the vision of Daniel in the first reading to the assertion of Jesus in the gospel, that no one knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man would return, we are left with opportunities to reflect on our Christian calling so as to find our spiritual bearing.   

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Daniel 12:1-3) recounts the vision of Daniel about eschatological realities. Daniel reveals that at the judgment, “those who lie sleeping in the dust of the earth …will awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting disgrace.” Accordingly, he disclosed that after judgment “the learned will shine as brightly as the vault of heaven, and those who have instructed many in virtue, as bright as stars for all eternity.”    

In the second reading (Hebrews 10:11-14,18), the writer of the letter to the Hebrews reveals that unlike other priests who offer sacrifices daily, Christ has offered one single sacrifice and taken his place in heaven forever. The epistle disposes the faithful to the reality of being reunited with Christ the High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary where he ministers forever.

In the Gospel (Mark 13:24-32), Jesus reveals the things that would happen at the end of time. How the Son of man will send his angels to gather his chosen ones from the ends of the earth. He also assures that heaven and earth will pass away but his words will not pass away. As to when these things would take place, he, said, “Nobody knows it, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son; no one but the Father.” 

The Four Last Things

The Catholic Church teaches that there are four last things namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell. 

Death: Death is the separation of the body from the spirit. It is a reality that mortals fear given the uncertainty of the world beyond. However, the Christian faith teaches that “death is the golden key that unlocks the golden palace” noting that “a death life is changed not ended.” This is because of the sure hope in the resurrection. 

Judgment:  As espoused in the Holy Scriptures (Cf. Matthew 25:35-40) the final judgment would be based on the law of charity - That is why human beings would be separated like sheep from goats. The virtuous will go with the angles into life everlasting while sinners, to final damnation.   

Heaven: Drawing lessons from the raising of Lazarus (Jn.11:1-44), the resurrection of Christ and the promise of paradise to the good thief (Lk.23:43), heaven is the beatific vision which every Christian looks forward to. It is the eternal festival which “those who have been washed by the blood of the lamb and by the words of their testimony” (Rev. 12:11) enjoy the rich food prepared on the Holy Mountain of the Lord (Is. 25:6). Heaven is a place where God would reunite everything to himself while rewarding the elect with the gift of eternal life.