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

                                                                                         

 Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C - May 19, 2019.

Readings: Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-9.10-11.12-13; Rev. 21:15a & Gospel – John 13:31-33a.34-35.

Theme: The Burden of Love!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, on this Sunday, our liturgy challenges on the demands of love. Titled “The Burden of Love,” our reflection highlights five responsibilities of the Christian life namely, following Jesus’ commandment of love, practicing prayer, readiness to accept suffering for the sake of Christ, embracing the challenge to serve the community through the recognition of everyone as a disciple of Christ and proclaiming Christ without fear or favour. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 14:21-27) recounts how Paul and Barnabas went round Lystra, Iconium and Antioch encouraging the faithful to persevere in the face of persecution. They noted that hardship is a necessary condition to enjoying eternal life. For continuity and strengthening of the faith, they appointed elders through prayer and fasting, commending them to the Lord. Traversing through Pisidia, Pamphylia, Perga and Attalia, they carried out their missionary mandate in love despite the troubles; they assembled the faithful and told how they opened the door of faith to the gentiles.

In the second reading (Rev. 21:15a), as usual John in his apocalypse sees the new heaven and new earth – the holy city, the New Jerusalem. He notes that there, God makes his home among humans as he is their God and they his people.  He recounts that there are no human afflictions like tears, dead, mourning, sadness or pain there noting that he is making a new creation; he maintains that what he is saying is trustworthy and would come true. 

The gospel reading (John 13:31-33a.34-35) narratives how after the departure of Judas, Jesus told his companions that the Son of Man would be glorified. After revealing his impending passion, he gave them a new commandment with the charge to love one another as he has loved them noting: “It is by your love for one another, that everyone will recognize you as my disciples.” The question is, what is the connection between his death and the new commandment? This leads us to the burden of love story. 

The Burden of Love: A Narrative

The story is told of a boy who had three major challenges – He was a dwarf, had a hunchback and could not walk. Because of these disabilities, his younger brother had to always carry him to school. Each time they were going to school, all eyes were on them. The pathetic side of the story was that, other pupils usually boo at them on their way to school.

One day, they were late to school and the younger brother had to increase his steps to catch up with the 7:45 am School Assembly. But because his older brother was heavy, he could not keep a good pace. Other pupils who came running started jeering at them again. This time around, one of them said: “What a burden you are carrying.” The smiling young man replied: “He is not a burden, he is my brother.” This touching story reveals the burden of love.   

    

Practical Lessons

1. The encouraging message of Paul and Barnabas to the Christian communities in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch that they should persevere in the face of persecution serves as a boaster to contemporary Christians who are constantly taunted for their faith.

2. By stressing that hardship is a necessary condition to enjoying eternal life, they apostles give us quality assurance that our current challenges in life are nothing compared to the crown of glory we shall receive at the end of time as evident in the apocalypse of John in the second reading.

3. By opening the door of faith to the gentiles, the apostles teach us how to open new vistas for others who have not yet heard the Good News based on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20.

4. The popular saying “Every disappointment is a blessing” comes to the fore in the life of Jesus because we are told that it was the devilish plot and departure of Judas which gave way to Jesus’ glorification.

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C: Vocation/Good Shepherd Sunday – May 12, 2019.

Readings: Acts 13:14.43-52; Ps 100:1-2.3.5(R.3a);

 Rev. 7:9.14b-17 & Gospel – John 10:27-30.

Theme: A Reflection on the Sacraments of Christian Vocation!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today being the Fourth Sunday of Easter and Good Shepherd Sunday, the Church presents us with the Sacraments of Christian vocation or communion. The Church invites us to pray for an increase in priestly and religious vocation as well as fidelity to the sacrament of marriage which breeds vocations. It is our prayer that those who have embraced the vocation to the married life would nurture their children in the faith to embrace working in the vineyard of God. We commend missionaries who have left everything to follow Christ for God to renew their missionary commitment so as not to grow weary in the work of evangelisation. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 13:14.43-52) recounts how the Paul and Barnabas made inroads among the gentiles who received the Word of God. Paul and Barnabas spoke out fearlessly. We are told that the Word of God spread throughout the countryside. This made the Jews jealous especially some leading men and women who started persecuting the apostles and expelled them from the territory. At this, the apostles shook the dust from their feet and went to Iconium but the new converts were filled with the Holy Spirit. 

The second reading (Rev. 7:9.14b-17) presents us with a glimpse of the beatific vision. It discloses that John saw a great number of Saints dressed in white – they were those who endured the trials, tribulation and temptation and washed their robes in the blood of the lamb. The text assures that they will never hunger or thirst again and the scourging wind will not plague them because the lamb would be their shepherd and would guide them through springs of living water as well as wipe away all tears from their eyes.

The gospel (John 10:27-30) reveals Jesus as a shepherd who pays attention to the voice of his sheep because he knows them and they follow him. He assures them of eternal life and emphatically states that no one can steal them from him because they were given by the father, who is greater, with whom he is one.  

Story of Vocations

As a seminarian, in 2005, I had an unforgettable experience while undertaking apostolic work under a missionary priest from Congo in one of our parishioners. A parishioner lost one of his sons. The priest invited me for a condolence visit to the house of the said parishioner. When we got there, there was commotion. The man was in tears and so were his wife and three other children. As expected, Father tried to console the man and encourage the family to take the loss as the will of God.

But the man refused to be consoled and cried profusely. While in tears, he told the priest that he wanted to “donate” the son who died to God to work in his vineyard as a priest. Father who was still trying to comfort him said, “but you have other sons that you can give to God.” The man who became more serious now cleaned his face and said, “No father, I cannot give God any of these my ones. It is the one who died that I wanted to give God.” This story tells how some parents are either unwilling to promote vocations or play pranks with God. This brings us to the two sacraments of Christian vocation or communion we have in the Church.     

The Sacraments of Christian Vocation

There are two Sacraments of Christian Vocation or Communion in the Church. These are - Holy Orders and Holy Matrimony:  

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

Third Sunday of Easter – May 5, 2019.

Readings: Acts 5:27-32,40-41; Ps 29:2,4-6,11-13;

 Rev. 5:11-14 & Gospel – John 21:1-19.

Theme: Obedience to God before Man!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as an Post-Easter people, today’s liturgy draws our attention to being witnesses of the resurrection through total obedience to God. In this reflection titled “Obedience to God before Man,” we are charged to consider our general outlook about religion by setting our priorities right in following God first. We are called to abhor the tendency which makes many people to worship other human beings in place of God. As such, in this reflection, we shall consider the background and summary of the readings, practical lessons and homiletic quotes to remember.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 5:27-32,40-41) recounts how the High Priest demanded an explanation of the apostles about saturating Jerusalem with their preaching and putting the guilt of Jesus’ death on them. It also notes that they gave them a formal warning not preach in the name of Christ. Responding, Peter and the apostles defied time and circumstances to categorically state that: “Obedience to God comes first before obedience to man.” They further reiterated that it was the God of their ancestors that raised Jesus up and it was the Jews that hanged him on a tree.   

They were glad to state that God raised him and put him at his right side as a leader and savior to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. Without mincing words, they insisted “we are witnesses to all this, we and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” At that, the authorities warned the apostles not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. And so, they left the Sanhedrin happy to have suffered humiliation for the sake of Christ.

In the second reading (Rev. 5:11-14) St. John sees the vision of numberless angels shouting: “The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing.” Then he heard the voice of all living things crying: “To the One who is sitting on the throne and to the Lamb, be all praise, honour, glory and power, forever and ever.” While four animals said, “Amen,” the elders prostrated themselves to worship God.   

The gospel (John 21:1-19) tells the story of the appearance of Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias. It narrates how Thomas, Nathanael, James and John and two other apostles were together and Peter said, “I am going fishing” and they went with but caught nothing that night. It further reveals that in the morning, Jesus came and asked if they had caught anything. Although they did not recognize him, they said, “No.” He then ordered them to throw their net to the starboard. They did and had a great catch.

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

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) – April 28, 2019.

Readings: Acts 5:12-16; Ps 118:2-4.13-15.22-24; Rev. 1:9-11a.12-13;

Gospel – John 20:19-31.

Theme: Mercy As Post-Easter Mandate!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as an Easter people, the Alleluia mandate is one that we are still excited about. While the busiest week in the Church’s liturgical calendar has come and gone, the Second Sunday of Easter which is also referred to as Divine Mercy Sunday points to the unfathomable mercies of God. In the spirit of today’s liturgy, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Mercy As Post-Easter Mandate.” I hope this message urges us to be disciples of God’s mercies even as we proclaim the resurrection through being ambassadors of mercy and peace.

Background & Summary of the Readings  

Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 5:12-16) tells how the apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit and worked signs and wonders among the people. It recalls how they were one in heart and many people joined the faith. Because they were witnesses of the resurrection, we are told that people came in their numbers from around Jerusalem bringing the sick on beds and sleeping-mats as well as those tormented by unclean spirits and all of them were cured. In fact, as Peter passed, his shadow fell across some people and they received their healing.     

In the second reading from Revelations (Rev. 1:9-11a.12-13) John writes his experience on the Island of Patmos. He testifies to the post-resurrection experience by narrating how the Word of God and of witness to Jesus took him into a holy-frenzy. At the sound of the trumpet, he was told to write down in a book what he saw and send it to the seventh Churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadilpia and Laodicea. Amidst the seven golden lamp-stands, he saw the Son of Man dressed in a long robe tied around his waist with a golden belt.    

The gospel (John 20:19-31) recounts how Jesus appeared to the apostles on the first day of the week with the message, “Peace be with you” thrice. It tells how he showed them his hands and his side. We are told that the disciples were filled with joy at seeing the Lord. He then breathed on them and gave them the power to forgive sins. Meanwhile, Thomas was not around when the Lord appeared and when the disciples related the matter to him, he denied and insisted that unless he sees the holes made by the nails and his side, he would not belief.

To his surprise, Jesus appeared eight days later with the message of peace and dared Thomas to put his finger in his hands and his side.  To this, Thomas said, “My Lord and My God.” At this profession of faith, Jesus said, “You believe because you have seen me, happy are those who have not seen, yet believe.” The reading also reveals that there were many other things that Jesus did which were not recorded in the bible but these were written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Son of God and by believing, we might gain eternal life. This leads us to the message of mercy.

Sr. Faustina and Divine Mercy

Sr. Faustina Kowalska who received the message of Divine Mercy was described Pope John Paul II as “a gift of God for our time” and “to the whole Church.” He made this assertion in his sermon on the canonization of Sister Faustina on 30 April 2000 while reminding the world about his great joy in presenting the life and witness of Sr. Faustina. 

He particularly recalled the words of Jesus to Sr. Faustina: “Humanity will not find peace until it turns trustfully to divine mercy.” The Holy Father also stated that “through the work of the Polish religious, this message has become linked forever to the 20th century, the last of the second millennium and the bridge to the third. It is not a new message but can be considered a gift of special enlightenment that helps us to relive the Gospel of Easter more intensely, to offer it as a ray of light to the men and women of our time.”

Practical Lessons

1. We are charged to be merciful like the Father whose mercy is boundless as revealed by God to St. Faustina.  

2. We are urged to allow God to elevate us to the echelon of Divine Mercy which can transform the world even though his mercy cannot be compared to human mercy.

3. We are to ensure that those who have been hurt by others and have lost a sense of divine forgiveness can create a space for God in their hearts so that his divine touch can transform their lives by an inner renewal.

4. As a contemporary Church, we are urged to keep the steam of the healing ministry of Jesus by paying attention on the sick and those troubled by evil spirits rather than the trend of talking only about money. 

Some Insights on Holy Week Ceremonies 

Easter is around the corner. From Ash Wednesday when we received ashes to remind us about our immortal nature, the need for humility and repentance, we have been journeying with Christ through the traditional Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. What is more, by following Jesus in the Via Dolorosa, (Stations of the Cross), the Church expects us to reflect on the lessons of this Holy Season. Ash Wednesday was principally supposed to prepare us spiritually for the Holy Week Ceremonies. I am, therefore, delighted to share some insights on holy week ceremonies with you.  

If we must reflect on the length of Lent, it is imperative to understand that this sublime and awesome season have irresistible spiritual meals for both private and public upliftment. While we try to understand the message of this season, we must also appreciate the fact that its lessons are inexhaustive and mystery unexplainable. To attempt a full grasp of what the Lenten and Easter season puts before us is to be eternal like God.

Indeed, for serious-minded Christians, the forty days fasting has been engaging. They must have also worn the breastplate of sanctity through prayer and almsgiving. This privilege to share in the sufferings of Christ is a sweet yoke which has further increased our chances of growing in holiness and charity. These days are meant to prepare us for the Holy Week in which Christ would face his passion. 

Palm/Passion Sunday

Palm or Passion Sunday sets the tone for the Holy Week Celebrations. It begins with the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (Cf. Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19) to face his passion. Liturgically, Christians process with palms as a sign of hope that his passion would lead to his resurrection. The celebration is an admixture of joy and sadness. Joy because Christ is publicly proclaimed as King from the Davidic dynasty and sadness because would die for the sins of the world.

The re-enactment of the paschal mysteries in a real and profound way (anamnesis) gives us an opportunity to share in his passion and grow in holiness. Holy Week ceremonies recall the desolate state of man before redemption occasioned by the first fall from the original state of blessedness; it then projects the restoration of fallen-humanity through Christ’s self-abnegation and supreme sacrifice on Calvary. In biblical typology, Christ became the new Adam and Mary his Mother, the new Eve so that what was lost by the old Adam and Eve respectively, are restored by the new.

Chrism Mass/Holy Thursday & Mass Lord’s Supper

The Sacred Paschal Triduum which “begins with the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, reaches its high point in the Easter Vigil, and closes  with evening prayer on Easter Sunday.’ This forms the crescendo of the paschal mystery. Chrism Mass through which sacramental oils of chrism (for baptism, ordination, consecration and dedication), catechumens (those preparing for baptism) and the sick, are blessed by the bishop for the Church’s use throughout the year, becomes the occasion where priests renew their priestly commitment before their bishop ‘to signify the unity of the presbyterate of the diocese...”

Most dioceses have their respective Chrism Masses on Tuesday of the Holy Week. This is to give priests ample opportunity to travel back to their parishes and prepare for the Triduum. It is the case of pastoral exigencies. Equally important is the cathedradicum (derived from the Latin cathedra, which stands for the bishop’s seat/chair in the cathedral from where he shepherd’s over the diocese) - The custom of parishes bringing gifts to the bishop for the poor and building of the diocese. As earlier stated, this takes place on the Tuesday of the Holy Week, Holy Thursday or as the local ordinary (bishop) deems fit.

At the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s super, Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet remains the paragon of servant leadership. On the night before he suffered, Christ instituted the Sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and Holy Orders. A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Christ. By saying: “Do this in memory of me,” he lives us with an ageless mandate for the strengthening and spiritual renewal of the Church. Ordination becomes the prerequisite for a valid celebration of the sacraments. 

Good Friday

Good Friday is so named because Christ died on this day to redeem humanity. The Church mourns him from Friday (when the last Stations of the Cross is observed or passion play is dramatised), through Holy Saturday to his triumphant resurrection. This is the only day in the life of the Church that Mass is not celebrated; this is because, Jesus’ bloody sacrifice at Calvary is one and the same with the bloodless sacrifice of the Mass. Rather, the veneration of the cross takes place. This symbolic gesture must not be associated with idolatry. Rather, it is akin to laying-in-state that takes place in most cultures when someone dies.

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

                                         Palm/Passion Sunday – April 14, 2019.

Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24(R.2a); Phil. 2:6-11;

 Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56.

Theme - Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here. Palm or Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It reminds us of the messianic triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to face his blessed passion and so enter into his glory. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretize our hope. This is because palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus not only in moments of triumph and glory, but also in times of fall and agony.

As we go in procession with the palms today, we are urged to proclaim Christ as our messiah without fear. Therefore, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying.” The theme is so chosen because Christ faced his passion as a humble servant who is willing to lay down his life for his flock as we read in the Passion Narrative. 

  

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophets Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. He presents the suffering servant as one who willingly offers his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. He doesn’t turn away from insults and spittle but depends on God as his helper. Finally he says: “I have set my face like a flint, I know I shall not be shamed.”

The second reading (Phil. 2:6-11) presents Jesus as a humble servant who although was in the form of God, did not count equality with him a thing to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; being born in the likeness of men. He further notes that he was humbler yet to accepting to death on the cross but God raised him up and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven. That is why, he also states, every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. The gospel presents the Passion of the Lord according to Saint Luke (Luke 22:14-23:56).   

Passion Sunday: Theological Insights

1. Jesus’ Suffering is a Sign of love: In John 15:13, we are told: “No greater love can a man have than to lay down his life for his friends.” This sacrificial act of love reveals God’s love for humanity and the reason for Christ’s passion.

2. Jesus’ Suffering is an Invitation to love: The scripture says “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The love which Jesus demonstrates further invites us to love one another as Christ has loved us. 

3. Jesus’ Suffering is a Revelation about love: Mark 8:34 reveals:  “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This scripture discloses the depth of love God has for humanity. This covenantal love is equally expected of Christians.  

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

                                         Palm/Passion Sunday – April 14, 2019.

Readings: Is. 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9.17-18a.19-20.23-24(R.2a); Phil. 2:6-11;

 Gospel – Luke 22:14-23:56.

Theme - Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here. Palm or Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It reminds us of the messianic triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to face his blessed passion and so enter into his glory. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretize our hope. This is because palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus not only in moments of triumph and glory, but also in times of fall and agony.

As we go in procession with the palms today, we are urged to proclaim Christ as our messiah without fear. Therefore, I would like us to reflect on the theme: “Passion Sunday: Lessons in Self-Emptying.” The theme is so chosen because Christ faced his passion as a humble servant who is willing to lay down his life for his flock as we read in the Passion Narrative. 

  

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophets Isaiah speaks about the suffering servant. He presents the suffering servant as one who willingly offers his back to those who strike him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. He doesn’t turn away from insults and spittle but depends on God as his helper. Finally he says: “I have set my face like a flint, I know I shall not be shamed.”

The second reading (Phil. 2:6-11) presents Jesus as a humble servant who although was in the form of God, did not count equality with him a thing to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant; being born in the likeness of men. He further notes that he was humbler yet to accepting to death on the cross but God raised him up and gave him a name which is superior to all other names under heaven. That is why, he also states, every knee must bend and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. The gospel presents the Passion of the Lord according to Saint Luke (Luke 22:14-23:56).   

Passion Sunday: Theological Insights

1. Jesus’ Suffering is a Sign of love: In John 15:13, we are told: “No greater love can a man have than to lay down his life for his friends.” This sacrificial act of love reveals God’s love for humanity and the reason for Christ’s passion.

2. Jesus’ Suffering is an Invitation to love: The scripture says “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The love which Jesus demonstrates further invites us to love one another as Christ has loved us. 

3. Jesus’ Suffering is a Revelation about love: Mark 8:34 reveals:  “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This scripture discloses the depth of love God has for humanity. This covenantal love is equally expected of Christians.  

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

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year C – April 7, 2019.

Readings: Is. 43:16-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1-2.2-.4-5.6(3); 

Phil. 3:8-14 & Gospel Luke 8:1-11.

Theme: The Adulterous Woman & the Gender Question!

Introduction

Since the time of the Civil Rights Movement (mid-1950s) in the United States of America (USA) sparked off by the refusal of a black seamstress, Rosa Parks to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, public bus in 1955, the likes of Martin Luther King Jr and other feminists have risen to the occasion to condemn in totality, the discrimination and marginalization of women. Today, the consistency with which biblical principles are used to either argue for or against the discrimination of women is baffling. The good news is that in today’s gospel, Jesus addresses the issue (of discrimination of women) squarely. In this reflection tilted: “The Adulterous Woman and the Gender Question,” we shall highlight background and summary of the readings, biblical examples of discrimination of women, factors responsible for discrimination of women, pastoral lessons, homiletic quotes to remember and conclusion.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Is. 43:16-21) narrates how God delivered the people of Israel from their ordeal in Egypt. It equally tells how he urged the people not to brood over past events. On the contrary, he promised to do something new namely creating a road in the desert and rivers in wastelands. What is more, he notes that the wild animals would honour him for bestowing water in the land as well as the wastelands to the drinking pleasure of the chosen people. As a consequence, the reading states that, the elect would sing the praises of the Lord for his kindness.  

In the second reading (Phil. 3:8-14), St. Paul tells the Philippians that he has accepted the loss of everything for the sake of Christ. He charges that if only he can find Christ, every other thing is filth. He maintained that he has gained uprightness not form the Law but from Christ based on faith and the power of the resurrection as he partakes in the passion. He noted that he is still struggling to win the prize for which Christ has called him. He emphasized that what is at stake is forgetting what is behind him in order to forge ahead to the finishing point to win the prize of God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.  

The Gospel (Luke 8:1-11) recalls how the Scribes and Pharisees brought in a woman whom they allegedly caught in the act of adultery while Jesus was teaching in the Temple; after he had returned from the Mount of Olives. Making her stand in the middle of the crowd, they told Jesus that they wanted to know his position concerning the crime because in the Law of Moses, women of this kind were supposed to be stoned to death. We are told that they asked that question to put him to test.

But he bent down and wrote on the ground with his finger. As they insisted in asking the question, he straightened up and said, he who has no sin should be the first to stone her; then he bent down and wrote for the second time; at that, they went away one by one, beginning from the eldest to the least leaving the women with Jesus. When he straightened up, he said, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No Sir” and Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn you…go away and from this moment sin no more.”  Apparently, the woman did not commit adultery alone but she was the only person who was caught and brought for condemnation and execution. There was no mention of the man. This brings us to the issue of discrimination of women.

Biblical Examples of Discrimination of Women

1. Susanna: The book of Daniel Chapter 13 reveals the story of a fair Hebrew woman by name Susanna who was falsely accused by two elders for sleeping with a young man. As she was bathing in her husband’s garden, she sent her attendants away. Just then, two lustful men secretly entered the garden and wanted to sleep with her but she resisted them. As a result, she shouted and they laid false accusation on her that they caught her committing adultery with a young man. They said, the young man was too strong for them that is why he escaped. It took the Spirit of God in Daniel to rescue the daughter of Abraham from their claws.

2. Mary Magdalene: Another woman who suffered discrimination in the hands of the Pharisees was Mary Magdalene, the prostitute who was exorcised of seven demons. When the Pharisee who asked Jesus to come to his house saw her washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, kissing them many times and rubbing them with the perfume, he thought to himself: “If Jesus were a prophet, he would know that the woman touching him is a sinner” (Cf. Luke 7:36-50). No doubt, the Pharisee’s statement was condemnatory!

3. The Woman of Samaria: The encounter between Jesus and the woman of Samaria (John 4:4-42) at Jacob’s well is one that relates to the discrimination of women. Little wonder the disciples wondered why Jesus was talking to a woman in public. 

4. Feeding of the Crowd: In the stories of the feeding of the four (Cf. Matthew 15:29-39) and five thousand (Cf. Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14) respectively, based on the Jewish culture, women and children were not counted – they didn’t matter. Yet, surprisingly, they would be more than men since women are naturally more religious than men.

Factors Responsible for Discrimination of Women

1. Cultural, Religious and Societal Norms: In Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other parts of the world, cultural, religious and social norms are often advanced as reasons for not giving women equal opportunities like their male counterparts. We must no mistake roles for rights. However, what often plays out is that while women labour a lot in terms of child-bearing, caring and providing for their families plus doing domestic chores, they are the ones who suffer the most in terms of sexual and domestic violence, educational backwardness and other such abuses. The excuse that is often given is, “our culture, religion and society” says “women are to be seen and not heard.”

Perhaps this is what leads to the forceful abduction and Islamization of girls in northern Nigeria. The case of a minor, Ese Duru who was abducted from Bayelsa in lieu of forceful Islamization is fresh in our minds.  How about that of late Ochanya Ogbanje, in Benue State, who was serially molested sexually by the male child and husband of her aunty leading to complications and eventual death? This is a huge challenge for Christians! 

2. Male Chauvinism:  The patriarchal nature of society has given men advantage over women such that evil men stretch male-chauvinism to its limits. In a situation where women are denied basic rights such as education or foods (like egg and chicken-gizzard) in some cultures in Africa, it is regrettable. In some societies, women cannot inherit property or even speak at family meetings. The male dominance has created a situation where women work like donkeys while some of the men are out there enjoying themselves. What is worrisome is that the mentality that a man is superior to a woman and owns her if she is married to him has further made polygamy a sweet option for some men – they can marry, divorce and remarry at will. This is another big challenge for Christianity!    

  

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C (Laetare Sunday) – March 31, 2019.

Readings: Jos. 5:9a.10-12; Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2-3.4-5.6-7(9a); 

2 Cor. 5-17-21 & Gospel Luke 15:1-3.11-32.

Theme: The Prodigal Son and His Prodigal Father!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today being Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare or Rejoice Sunday. It is so called because the Latin words of the Introit “Laetare Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem) taken from Isaiah 66:10 appear in the entrance antiphon at Mass in the Western Christian Liturgical Calendar. As we continue our annual Lenten Observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the Church bids us rejoice because our redemption is near.

Laetare Sunday is considered as a day of relaxation from the normal rigors of Lent as Easter is in view. Traditionally, weddings which are usually discouraged during the period of Lent are performed on Laetare Sunday. To further authenticate “Rejoice Sunday,” servants were released from their Master’s Service to visit their mothers which is why in some Churches, Mothering Sunday is held on this day.

Today, the presents us with the parable of “The Prodigal son and His Prodigal Father” as an opportunity to learn from the dangers of straying from God on the one hand, and the indescribable love of the Father on the other. As such, we shall consider the background and summary of the readings, pastoral lessons, homiletic quotes to remember and conclusion.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Joshua 5:9a.10-12) narrates how the Lord renews his Covenant with the Israelites through Joshua at Gilgal. It assures that Yahweh has taken away his people’s shame thus reconciling them to himself. It further tells how the people encamped and kept the Passover there on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening at Jericho. It indicates how they ate what the land of Canaan produced - unleavened bread and roasted ears of corn.

In the second reading (2 Corinthians 5-17-21), St. Paul categorically states that “Anyone who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation.” He notes that the older order has passed away and a new one is at work. He maintains that God gave us a ministry of reconciliation even as he states that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself; not holding anyone’s faults against them. He, therefore, says: “In the name of Christ, we appeal to you to be reconciled to God” stressing that for our sake, God made the sinless one a victim for sin so that we might be the righteousness of God.

The Gospel of Luke (15:1-3.11-32) presents us with the classical story of God’s love for us. In this narrative, which I christened, the parable of “The Prodigal Son and His Prodigal Father,” Jesus chides the Pharisees who complained that tax collectors and sinners were among his audience. As such, he told the parable against this backdrop to demonstrate that the Father’s love does not discriminate but is elastic and ever anew.

By way of summary, the parable of the prodigal son is about a man who had two sons and the younger one demanded a share of his father’s property. When the father obliged him, he went to a far away country and spent the money on loose living. When his money got finished and the country experienced a severe famine, he hired himself to one of the locals who put him on his farm to feed pigs. He would have been happy to feed on the husks of the animals but no one gave him.

When life became unbearable, he thought of going back to his father who had more than enough; whose hired men lived in plenty. While he was far away, the father who saw him was moved with pity, ran and clasped and kissed him. The son said he was sorry for offending God and his father but his father who was overjoyed ordered that the best robe, ring and sandals be brought fro him. In fact, he also commanded that the fattened calf be killed because it was fitting for them to celebrate because his son who was dead has come back to life.

Meanwhile, the eldest son who was in the fields enquired and one of the servants gave him the gist. He was bitter and refused to enter the house. The father came out to explain how fitting it was to celebrate the return of his brother. In his frustration, the elder son called his brother: “This son of yours” and insinuated that he came back after spending his father’s property on his loose women. He also expressed sadness that he had slaved for his father all these years and never was he given as much as kid to celebrate with his friends.

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

Third Sunday of Lent Year C – March 23, 2019.

Reading: Ex 3:1-8,13-15; Responsorial Psalm 102:1-4,6-8,11; 

1 Cor. 10:1-6,10-12 & Gospel Luke 13:1-9.

Theme: Produce or Perish!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we continue our Traditional Lenten observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, our liturgy charges us to assess our lives on the expected good deeds we are supposed to produce as Christians. Based on the parable of the fig tree in today’s gospel, our liturgical reflection titled, “Produce or Perish,” shall take us through the background and summary of the readings, pastoral lessons, homiletic quotes to remember and the conclusion. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Ex 3:1-8,13-15) reveals how Moses encountered God in the burning bush when he went to look after the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law and priest of Midian. It tells how God called from the burning bush and ordered him to come nearer yet take off his shoes for the place he was standing on is a holy ground. It further discloses how God reveals himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We are told that Moses covered his because he was afraid to look at God.

Thereafter, the Lord told him that he has seen the miserable condition of the people of Israel in Egypt. He maintained that he would deliver them from their slave-masters and lead them to the land of Canaanites, flowing with milk and honey. Disclosing himself as “I Am who I Am,” the Lord noted that his name shall be invoked for all generations to come.   

In the second reading (1 Cor. 10:1-6,10-12), St. Paul takes the Corinthians memory lane to reveal how their fathers were guided by a cloud to pass through the red sea. He tells how they ate spiritual food and drank spiritual drink from the rock. He discloses that that rock is Christ. He noted that regrettably, despite all the Lord did for them, they failed to please him which lead to their corpses littering the desert.

He emphasized that all this happened to serve as a warning to Christians who have allowed lust for forbidden things to take the better of their lives. He further cautioned those who always complain to take these things that the scripture talks about as a warning. Using the end time to draw his audience closer to Christ, he said, those who think they are safe ought to beware of falling. 

The Gospel (Luke 13:1-9) presents the response of Jesus to the people who felt that the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices suffered because of their sins. He maintained that it wasn’t the case and called on his audience who are supposedly Pharisees to repent or perish. Using the example of the 18 people on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed, Jesus insisted that they were not guiltier than others. Again, he told them to repent. He used the opportunity to tell the parable of the fig tree which was due for cutting because for 3 years, it didn’t give fruit to the owner. But the man looking after it pleaded for just one more year to be given so that he might manure it and if it does not produce, it should be cut down.

Pastoral Lessons

1. The Holy Ground that Moses took off his shoes in the first reading stands for the Church in contemporary times which is the sanctuary that produces citizens of heaven in this would who distinguish themselves as the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Cf. Matthew 5:13 & John 8:12).

2. By revealing himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God wanted to teach us that his name should be invoked for all generations to come.