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

Twentieth Sunday of Year, C – August 18, 2019.

Readings: Jer. 38:4-6, 8-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2, 3, 4,18 (R.14b); 

Heb.12:1-4; Gospel Luke 12:49-53.

Theme: Fire to the Earth

Introduction

Dearly beloved in Christ, today’s gospel contains one of the most misconstrued words of Jesus. Those who take on Christianity use this scripture as basis for accusing Jesus for calling for a bloody revolution. That is not all, they conclude that he cannot be the Prince of Peace he claims to be since he said: “I have come to bring fir to the earth ...” Far from it – to understand what Jesus said in context, we must realise that sacred texts can either be taken connotatively or denotatively.

While connotation refers to the suggestive or associated meaning of words, denotation refers to their literal or actual meaning. Taking the way of connotation, some biblical scholars are of the opinion that the fire Jesus talks about means the glow of love kindled in believing hearts. Others hold that it refers to other human emotions or the transformation effected in the world by Christ’s coming. To denote that Jesus was actually calling for war is to miss the mark. We shall now consider the text and its implication for our lives. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Jer. 38:4-6, 8-10), the prophet Jeremiah is persecuted because he spoke truth to power. To the unwise, the prophet was stirring a revolution in the land – it would seem he was trying to cause division but in reality, he was doing his work namely, being the true prophet of God. Although he was thrown into a cistern, the God he served so well vindicated him.

The second reading (Heb.12:1-4) is very consoling because it assures that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” It also calls us to look unto “Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” who is always with us. It urges us to shun the life of sin, persevere in all circumstances and not grow weary or fainthearted in our race of faith.

The Gospel (Luke 12:49-53) reveals how Jesus spoke of bringing “fire” to the earth. To be sure, this is not the first time the scripture talks about fire. In the burning bush, God spoke to Moses (Exodus 3:2); in Ezekiel (1:4, 13) the image of fire was used to symbolize God's glory. What is more, fire was also used to symbolise righteous judgment (Zechariah 13:9), his wrath against sin (Isaiah 66:15-16, his protective presence (2 Kings 6:17) and his holiness (Deut. 4:24). Most importantly, the Holy Spirit manifested itself as tongues of fire when it descended upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Matt. 3:11 and Acts 2:3).  Fire is both a cleansing and purifying agent in biblical thought.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Expect Persecution from Family and Friends: As disciples of Christ, we are encouraged to be encapsulated by the fire of God’s love by being prepared for persecution from family and friends based on the scripture which says: “A man's enemies are the men of his own household” (Micah 7:6).

2. Practise Christianity of the Cross: Our liturgy reminds us that Christianity is a religion of the Cross as such; every disciple of Christ should be prepared for heartbreak, rejection, persecution, disappointment and even death. 

3. Friends of God also Suffer: God does not spare his friends. "Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

4. Face Opposition Courageously: The seeming division which the gospel (Luke 12:49-53) suggests indicates that those who are consumed by the fire of God’s love ought to face opposition courageously.

5. Beware of a Secular Agenda: We should beware of secular humanists and or people with hardened hearts who oppose the truth of the gospel and propose a secular agenda to that effect.

6. Jesus’ Coming would Reveal Men’s Hearts: We are reminded about the "effect" of Jesus’ second coming which reveals the stubborn state of the human heart that searches the mundane and stands in the way of holiness, truth and justice.

7. Choose God Above All Else: The gospel calls all believers to choose God above any human affiliation such as parents, spouse and or children.

8. Talk-Truth to Power: Our attention should be drawn to his inner conviction and resilience to talk-truth to power while damming the consequences - Like the Prophet Jeremiah, pastors of soul are charged to take responsibility for talking-truth to power while relaying on God.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. The prophet Jeremiah is persecuted because he spoke truth to power.

2. The prophet was stirring a revolution in the land.

3. The second reading…assures that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.”

4. The Gospel reveals how Jesus spoke of bringing “fire” to the earth.

5. Fire is both a cleansing and purifying agent in biblical thought.  

Conclusion

Our liturgy reveals the cost of discipleship while bringing the fire of love to the earth. It calls us to carefully consider the cost before following Jesus or launching into the deep. The Word of God says: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39). May Christ help us to true followers of God through Christ Our Lord.

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

Nineteenth Sunday of Year, C – August 11, 2019.

 Readings: Wisdom 18:6-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:1 and 12.18-19.20 and 22 (R.12b); Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19; Gospel Luke 12:32-48.

 Theme: The Ultimate Security

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, last Sunday the gospel indicated that “a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns” (Luke 12:15). Today, the gospel demands that we should not be afraid but rather, seek the ultimate security. Our society is no longer safe. From Boko Haram to Killer-herdsmen, armed bandits to hired assassins, ritualists to cultists and nefarious activities of commercial kidnappers who have cheapened life, there is a general feeling of insecurity in the country. The atmosphere is tensed as parents are no longer sure that their children are safe in school; travelers are frightened about our highways; worshippers are afraid of suicide bombers and market men and women are not sure that the day would end well as one mishap or the other might happen.

It is in this kind of scenario that seeking for the ultimate security becomes a sine qua non. Before doing that, we shall browse through the readings and state the kinds of security there are towards drawing some pastoral lessons.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Wisdom 18:6-9) tells us how the forebears of the people of Israel had an unshakable trust in the Lord. It narrates how the people waited for God to deliver the righteous from evil ways and punish the enemy. They people felt privileged and gloried by God because of how he dealt with their adversaries. They then resolved to offer a secret sacrifice to the Lord with one accord even as they enacted a holy law which makes for sharing their joys and sorrows together through chanting the hymns of their ancestors. 

In the second reading (Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19), the writer of the letter to the Hebrews states that only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for or prove the existence of realities that we cannot see. Noting that it was by faith that the ancestors pleased God, he disclosed that it was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call of God to go to an unknown country; it was by faith that Sarah conceived in old age. He surmised that through one man who was marked for death, descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore were brought forth.

The Gospel reading (Luke 12:32-48) gives highlights on the theme of security. Jesus urged his disciples not to be afraid because God has given them the kingdom. He further maintains that they should sell their possessions and give to those in need stressing that they should get purses that do not wear out but store their treasures in heaven where no thief or moth can destroy.

He emphatically stated that wherever a man’s treasure is, there is his heart. Jesus then calls for vigilance and readiness because the Son of man is coming at an hour no one expects. He praises the servant who at his Master’s return, is found diligent in his duties. He further reveals that the servant who knows and does not fulfill what his Master wants would receive many strokes; the one did not know but acted in a way that he deserves beating would receive fewer strokes. He concluded that to whom much is given, much is expected.

One theme that runs through the readings is that of security. This is because, in the first reading from the Wisdom literature, the people of Israel looked up to God as their ultimate security; they traced the wellbeing of their ancestors to God; they linked their success over their enemies to his divine majesty noting: “You glorified us by calling us to you.” In the second reading, the writer of the letter to the Hebrews makes the point that faith means being secured in the arms of God. He cites Abraham and Sarah as being justified by faith because they felt secure under his protective hand. The gospel reading invites the Christian to look for divine security. This brings us to the various types of security there are:

Types of Security

1. Social and Physical Security: This means the protection of one’s position or life. In a society where people easily lose their jobs or their lives, social and physical security becomes paramount. Because of this, most people are trying to defend their jobs ad their lives. This is why those who can afford it usually employ body guards. 

2. Material and Financial Security: This relates to possessions such as houses or real estate, stocks, shares and money in the bank and cars. The craze for amassing of wealth is occasioned by material or financial security. Because people do not want to be poor, they prefer to save for the rainy day.

4. Emotional and Psychological Security: This has to do with a feeling of being loved and treasured. Every human being wants to be appreciated. Therefore, almost everyone desires that requisite affirmative action from friends and family as well as colleagues. This amounts to the demand for emotional and psychological security.

5. Divine/Spiritual and Moral Security: This involves relaying on God in whom we move, live and have our being. It is a total surrender to the will of God; it is faith and trust that all will be well even though things are not moving fine. It is the friends of God who seek after divine/spiritual and moral security rather than rely on man or material possessions.   

Practical Lessons

1. Trust God Totally: Based on the submission of the first reading (Wisdom 18:6-9) that the forebears of Israel had an unshakable trust in the Lord, we are called to have an unshakable faith in God to is able to do much more than we can ask or imagine. Little wonder the second reading reveals that: “Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for or prove the existence of realities that we cannot see.”

2. Allow God to Fight Your Battles: In the face of evil, insecurity and total annihilation of life by insurgents, killer-herdsmen, kidnappers et al, the position of the first reading that the people waited for God to deliver the righteous from evil ways and punish their adversaries invites us to do our best but allow God to fight our battles for us.

3. Offer a Secret Sacrifice: The reading urges us to consistently offer a secret sacrifice to the Lord with one accord even as we enact a holy law which makes for sharing our joys and sorrows together through chanting the hymns of the Saints.

4. Nothing is Impossible to God: The reminder of the writer of the letter to the Hebrews in our second reading (Hebrews 11:1-2.8-19) that Abraham obeyed God and Sarah conceived in her old age demonstrates to us that nothing is impossible with God. The saying attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte: “Impossibility exists in the dictionary of fools” comes in handy here.

5. Behave as Heirs of the Kingdom: The blessing that the descendants of Abraham would be as numerous as the stars of heaven and the grains of sand on the seashore calls us to behave as heirs of the kingdom of light, justice and peace. Our way of life would show whether we are children of the kingdom or the devil.

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

Eighteenth Sunday of Year, C – August 4, 2019.

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23; Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:3-6,12-14,17; Colossians 3:1-5,9-11; Gospel Luke 12:13-21.

Theme: Being Rich in the Sight of God

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today’s charge of “Vanity of vanities,” by Qoheleth the preacher and that of Jesus which invites us to be “rich in the sight of God” calls for sober reflection. We are living in a world where some Christians behave as if they would not die. Perhaps we have not come to terms with the reality that we live in time and space but God exists outside time and space. What this implies is that, we are corporeal, mortal and finite. There is a time to be born and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). This is what Archbishop Gabriel Ganaka of Blessed memory calls the “Hatch” and the “Dispatch.” The thrust of our reflection today is that this world is transient and so we are. Therefore, our reflection shall draw practical lessons from the warning of Qoheleth and the story of the Rich Fool as presented by Jesus.  

Background & Summary of the Readings

The preacher, Qoheleth tells us in the first reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23) that all is vanity. He maintains that even though a person labours hard through wise, skillful and successful ways, he or she must leave that toil to someone who has not toiled for it all. He further reveals that, apparently, the toil and strain under the scourging sun, the laborious days, the cares of office and restless nights of such a person amounts to great injustice. Qoheleth surmises that these amount to vanity.   

In the second reading (Colossians 3:1-5,9-11), St. Paul urges the faithful to look for the things that are in heaven where Christ is not on the things that are on earth. He uses the death of Christ as a focal point for the Christian to kill everything that is earthly: fornication, impurity, guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed which is described as “worshipping of a false God.” He charges that Christians should put on “a new self” which does not discriminate but unite all. 

The gospel (Luke 12:13-21) reveals the consequences of greed. It narratives how Jesus, in responding to man who wanted him to intervene in an inheritance tussle with his brother, gave the parable of the Rich Fool to drive home a point about the vanity of being fixated about material possessions. He tells how after a bumper harvest the man in the parable thought of pulling down his store and building bigger ones. He also said to himself: “My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time.” But God decided to call him that night. At that Jesus asked, whose will his hoard be? He then concludes: “So it is when a man stores up treasure for himself in place of making himself rich in the sight of God.”

Four Sins of the Rich Fool

1. Pride: The first sin of the Rich Fool as deduced from the gospel text is that, he did not acknowledge God for a bumper harvest. He attributed his plentiful harvest to his wisdom and so, he excluded God from his future plans which were cut short.

2. Avarice: The man was avaricious which constituted his second sin. He did not think of the poor or needy people around him. In his plan of enjoyment, he did not include family, friends and nieghbours. As such, his plan of enjoyment could not see the light of day.

3. Debauchery: His third sin was the wet appetite he had for having it cool by eating, drinking and having a good time. He had mapped out a plan for licentiousness and a life of debauchery. Sadly, that ended as a dead wish.    

4. Senselessness: Fourthly, his sin was that while he was wise in the things of the world, he was foolish in the sight of God. If he was not “wise,” he wouldn’t have had a bumper harvest. Although he was diligent in his toil and strain under the sun, he was senseless in divine realities.  

Practical Lessons

1. Seek Divine Wisdom: The first reading teaches us to always seek divine wisdom which would turn our “toil, strain, cares of office and restless nights” into moments of grace by being sensible in divine realities through being foolish in the sight of men and wise in the sight God as the gospel indicates.

2. Attribute Everything to God: We are called upon to attribute every of our success to God as doing that would help us to view the seeming “great injustice” of leaving our property to others who didn’t work for it as an opportunity to move to a new world where the material is transformed into something indescribable.

3. Live An Impactful Life: In a world where some parents steal or kill to amass wealth for their children, Qoheleth charges that we live impactful lives such that our children would grow in virtue after we are gone because the houses and cars parents think they are leaving for their children would be obsolete tomorrow. 

4. Look for the Things of Heaven: In a world where your social relevance is measured according to your cash or coat, St. Paul urges us to look for the things that are in heaven where Christ is not on the things that are on the earth which are fleeting.

5. Do Not Worship a False God: We are challenged to shun avarice or greed which St. Paul described as “worshipping of a false God” as that is the shortest way of compromising our faith – the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

6. Resist the Sins of the Flesh: St. Paul insists that we kill everything that is earthly namely, fornication, impurity, guilty passion and evil desires by putting up “a new self” otherwise, we would not make heaven.

7. Shun Inheritance Tussle: In a country where there are rising cases of brothers killing each other because of land or other related family inheritance issues, we are urged to avoid bad blood about issues surrounding inheritance because nobody would take a dime with him or he when they die.

8. Live a Balanced Life: Unlike the Rich Fool in the gospel text who was engrossed in planning for a life of debauchery, we are to have a balanced kind of spirituality which sees having it cool through eating, drinking and having a good time as a way of praising God.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. The preacher, Qoheleth tells us in the first reading that all is vanity.

2.  In the second reading, St. Paul urges the faithful to look for the things that are in heaven where Christ is.

3.  The gospel reveals the consequences of greed.

4. But God decided to call him that night.

5. Be rich in the sight of God - store up treasures for yourselves in heaven. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, we are called upon to shun pride, avarice, debauchery and a senseless attitude which makes us wise in the things of the world and foolish in the sight of God. Like the Rich Fool, we may be proficient and efficient in one thing or the other in life but the question is, would that lead us to eternal life? This is why the scripture says: “Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and woodworm destroy them and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor woodworm destroys them and thieves cannot break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Therefore, make concerted efforts to be rich in the sight of God. May God help us to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven. Amen!

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

Seventeenth Sunday of Year, C – July 28, 2019.

Readings: Gen. 18:20-32; Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2a.2bcd-3.6-7ab.7a-8 (R.3a); 

Colossians 2:12-14; Gospel Luke 11:1-13.

Theme: Persistence in Prayer

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our liturgy today challenges us to be persistent in prayer. As our own telephone conversion with God, prayer involves perseverance. This is because it is not all that we ask God of that he grants us. Sometimes, even when God answers our prayers, he does it in a different way. Besides, God does not always answer us immediately. What this means is that prayer demands both persistence and perseverance. Our reflection aspires to present a summary of the readings, the various forms of prayer, few examples of persistence and pastoral lessons.    

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Gen. 18:20-32), Abraham bargains with God concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. Their sins were grievous and the outcry against them was is huge. Therefore, Abraham stood in the breach for them by intervening. He asked God if there were 50 people will he destroy the city? God said no – Abraham said, how about 45? God said he would spare the people. When Abraham argued in favour of 30 - God obliged that we won’t destroy the people. He did the same thing for 20 and 10 and God replied that he would not destroy the people because of the few righteous ones. 

In the second (Colossians 2:12-14), St. Paul reveals that Christ has cancelled every record of the dept that we were to pay by nailing it on the cross. He maintains that we have been buried with Christ at out baptism and raised with him through our belief in the power of God who raised him from the dead. Paul surmises that we were dead because of sin and lack of circumcision but Christ brought us to life in him through the forgiveness of our sins.    

The gospel reading (Luke 11:1-13) narrates how Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. It tells how Jesus gave them the “Our Father” as a benchmark for Christian prayer. Therein, Jesus gave the story of a person whose friend comes in the middle of the night to ask for 3 loaves because a friend had just arrived and he has nothing in the house. He continued that if the friend answers from inside and says, the door is bolted, my children are asleep and I cannot get up, persistence would make him grant his friend’s request even if friendship does not. 

With this, Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him. He goes ahead to argue that which father would give his son a stone if he asked for a bread? Or hand him a snake instead of a fish? Or give him a scorpion for an egg? He ends by saying, if human beings who are evil know how to give their children good things, how much will the father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. 

Forms of Prayer

The three forms of prayer in the Catholic Church are latria, hyperdulia and dulia. We shall highlight them thus: 

Latria

As a form of prayer, Latria has Greeco-Latin roots. It is the highest form of prayer in the Catholic Church. It is the worship that is reserved to God who alone is to be adored, worshipped and glorified. It establishes communion between God and humanity. The celebration of Holy Mass which involves thanksgiving, petition, supplication and adoration is the best example of Latria. 

Hyperdulia

This is the veneration and honour which the Church gives to the Blessed Virgin Mary because of her Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity and unique role in the mystery of salvation. This is what gives her primacy over the Saints because “God prepared her before hand to be the worthy mother of his son.” She assists the Pilgrim Church as well as the Church in purgatory through her glorious intercession by communicating their intentions directly to her son. May and October Devotions, Litany of the Saints and other Marian Prayers fall into this category.

Dulia

From its Greek origin, the term Dulia means the veneration given to the Saints. It is the honour given to the Saints through seeking their intercession before God. Examples of Dulia include, the veneration of the Saints and other intercessory prayers which invokes their causes. 

Examples of Personages who Practiced Persistence

Jacob: In his encounter with an angel, Jacob said: “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen 32:26). This is a clear example of persistence. 

Moses: In the fight between the Israelites and Amalekites, whenever the hand of Moses was lifted up, Israel won but if it fell, Amalek gained victory (Exodus 17:11). This shows persistence and perseverance.    

St. Monica: It took St. Monica years of tears and ceaseless prayer for her one-time wayward son Augustine, for God to grant her prayers. Accordingly, her son was moved by the sermon of St. Ambrose to become a Christian. Through her persistent prayer, Augustine did not only become a changed person but a priest rising to the rank of a bishop. 

St. Rita of Cascia: Born in 1381, in central Italy, St. Rita of Cascia wanted to become a nun but her parents married her off at the age of 12.  For 18 years, she was in an abusive and miserable marriage until her persistence in prayer and faith brought about a change in her husband who eventually died leaving her with two sons. Rita was persistent in prayer and faith and eventually was admitted into the convent where she became a nun. “Until her death in 1457, she spent her time praying for sinners, for the suffering, for those in need, for those facing challenges that seemed impossible.” In what can be described as a path of tears and disappointments, she persevered and today, she is called, Patron Saint of Impossible Cases. 

Practical Lessons

1. Pray in Season and Out of Season: By asking God if he could spare Sodom and Gomorrah because of 50, 45, 30, 20 and 10 people, Abraham teaches us to be persistent in prayer, in season and out of season.

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

Sixteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 21, 2019.

Readings: Gen. 18:1-10a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:2-3.3-4.5(1a); 

Col. 1:24-28; Gospel Luke 10:38-42.

Theme: Being Both Martha & Mary 

Introduction

Friends in the Lord, our liturgy presents us with Martha and Mary as metaphors for both Active and Contemplative Spirituality. What this means is that the Church is adorned with priests and religious who belong to the Apostolic Life following the example of Martha. They are called to serve the Lord in secular space by being actively involved in various apostolates like parish, school, hospital, orphanage et al for the sake of spreading God’s kingdom.

By the same token, those who emulate Mary are the contemplative consecrated men and women who belong to the Consecrated Life. Often times, as hermits, they live a simple community life of sharing and caring for one another as well as constantly observing the liturgy of the hours for the sins of the world. 

With this background, we shall pay attention to details through a summary of the sacred-texts. Appropriately, we shall draw some practical lessons while stating the memorable homiletic quotes. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Gen. 18:1-10a) recounts how the Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the heat of the day. We are told that as soon as Abraham saw three men standing near him, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them. We are told that he did this by bowing down to the ground after which he offered them water, shelter and food. After the visitors ate the loaves, curds, milk and calf, Abraham remained standing. Then, one of guests promised that they would come back next year while assuring that his wife would then be pregnant with a son. Meanwhile, Sarah was at the entrance of the tent, behind him, listening to the good news.     

In the second reading (Col. 1:24-28), St. Paul emphasizes that he accepts suffering for the sake of the gospel while disclosing that he was given the responsibility of completing God’s message which was a mystery that was hidden for ages but is now revealed to his holy people. He adds that it was God’s purpose to reveal this mystery to the gentiles while explaining that their proclamation, admonition and instruction are geared towards making everyone perfect in Christ Jesus.    

The Gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42) tells the story of Martha and Mary. It states how Jesus came visiting and Martha was busing serving him but Mary sat at his feet, listening to him. When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary had left her doing all the work by herself, he answered: “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed. Indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.”

Practical Lessons

1. God Ministers to Us Amidst the Heat of Life: That the first reading notes that the Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day demonstrates how God ministers to us daily when all hope seems lost; when crisis seems to overwhelm us; when we are bereaved; when we are unemployed or financially down and when the whole world seems to be against us. It is at those times that God’s finger appears to intervene in human affairs. 

2. There is No Procrastination in Divine Affairs:  We are told that when Abraham saw three men standing near him, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them. This tells us that there is no delay in dealing with God. Even though it is not clear whether Abraham knew they were divine messengers, however, his prompt and dutiful action challenges us to always be on time for God and those affairs which lead to his glory.

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

Fifteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 14, 2019.

Readings: Deut. 30:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:14 & 17,30-31,33-34,36ab & 37 (R.v.33) or Ps 19:8,9,10,11(R.9ab); Colossians 1:15-20; Gospel Luke 10:25-37.

Theme: A Call to Revolutionary Action

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church invites us to reflect on love of neighbour as a reflection of the love of God. The interesting part of our liturgy is that it presents us with a gospel for the daring. Perhaps it is important for us to realize that we are challenged to be paradoxical heroes like the Good Samaritan. Before we get into the meat of the reflection, I would like us to take a look at the summary of the readings and the example of a contemporary leader who exemplified what the readings demand. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Deuteronomy 30:10-14) we are told that Moses charged the people to obey God by keeping his ordinances. He assured that the law of the Lord is neither in heaven nor beyond the sea that the people cannot reach. On the contrary, he emphatically stated: “The Word is very to you, it is in your mouth and in your heart for your observance.” 

St. Paul declares to the Colossians, in the second reading (Colossians 1:15-20), that Christ is the image of the unseen God. He maintains that he created all things, visible and invisible noting that he existed before creation. He adds that as one who holds all things in being, his body is the Church and he is its head. Paul further discloses that Christ is the first born from the dead who reconciles everything to himself through his death on the cross.   

  

The Gospel (Luke 10:25-37) reading narrates the response of Jesus to the lawyer who wanted to disconcert him by asking the question: “And who is my nieghbour?” It was this question that made Jesus to give the story of the man who was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hand of brigands. We are told that both a Priest and a Levite came and passed by on the other side but it was a Samaritan traveler who came to his rescue. 

He garnishes the story by telling us how the foreigner was moved with pity, bandaged his wounds, lifted him on his mount, took him to an inn and looked after him. He was ready to pay any extra expense the following day. Meanwhile he gave advance payment of two denarii to the innkeeper. At the end of the story when Jesus asked he lawyer who proved nieghbour to the man who fell into the brigand’s hands, the lawyer replied, “the one who took pity on him” and Jesus said: “Go, and do the same yourself.”  This leads us to finding a suitable contemporary example for the Good Samaritan story.   

Imam Abubakar: The Revolutionary Story of a Contemporary Good Samaritan

Sometimes last year when some armed men on motor bikes attached Nghar village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, they razed down houses and killed scores of persons. In fact, in a village of about a thousand people, 84 people lost their lives in the sad incidence. It was in the midst of this tragedy that Imam Abdullahi Abubakar and his Fulani assistant went the extra mile to rescue 262 in a Mosque. When the attackers reached the Mosque, the Imam risked his life by kneeling in the dust to beg on behalf of the Christians and or Berom people he hid. He preferred to be killed than let the attackers in. After the tension soaked situation, he was able to convince the assailants and rescued about 300 people. In that way, the 84 year old Muslim leader rescued Christians whom he claimed, had always invited him to share the joy of Christmas. He also disclosed that he had always enjoyed tremendous goodwill from them.

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

 

Thirteenth Sunday of Easter, Year C – June 30, 2019.

Readings: 1 Kings 19:16b,19-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:12,5,7-11;

Galatians 5:1.13-18 & Gospel – Luke 9:51-62.

Theme: Let Go and Let God!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church presents us with the cost of discipleship. Titled “Let Go and Let God,” our reflection demonstrates what God expects of those he calls. Dwelling on the call of the Prophet Elisha and three other men as recorded in today’s gospel, the sacred text highlights the demands of true discipleship. What is more, it sets the tone for would-be pastors of souls to situate themselves around what the Lord demands of them.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (1 Kings 19:16b,19-21) gives us an account of the call of the Prophet Elisha. It tells how God directed Prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet to succeed him. It narratives how he met Elisha ploughing and threw his cloak over him. At that, Elisha left his oxen and ran after him. It further reveals how Elisha asked for permission to bid farewell to his father and mother noting that Elijah obliged him. Elisha then had a parting party with his family after which he became a servant of Prophet Elijah. 

In the second reading (Galatians 5:1.13-18), St. Paul notes that Christ has freed us from the yoke of slavery stressing that we were called to be free. He maintained that we should not use our freedom for self-indulgence but rather pursue the commandment of love of neighbour which demands that we should not snap or tear each other apart. Instead, we urges that we should be guided by the Spirit which is opposed to self-indulgent behaviour. The text concludes that this would make us not to be under the law.

The Gospel reading (Luke 9:51-62) narrates how Jesus sent some messengers to a Samaritan village to prepare for him but the people rejected them because he was heading to Jerusalem. At that, James and John wanted to call down fire on the people but Jesus rebuked them and they went on to another village. We are told that as they went along, a man wanted to follow them but Jesus replied him that “…the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” And when he told another to follow him, the man wanted to go and bury his father first but Jesus said: “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” To the third person who wanted to follow him but demanded permission to go and say farewell to his people, Jesus said: “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Practical Lessons

1. Self-giving: The call of the Prophet Elisha in the first reading and the three men in the gospel teaches us that the call of Christ demands total self-giving. 

2. Sacrifice: It also reminds pastors of souls about the cost of discipleship which demands heroic sacrifice.

3. Solidarity: The call of Elisha reveals the importance of synergy, solidarity and mentoring in the work of evangelisation which places a responsibility on senior priests to mentor young ones in the ministry as exemplified by the throwing of Elijah’s cloak over Elisha.

4. Self-indulgence: In the second reading, St. Pauls encourages that we should not use our freedom for self-indulgence but rather, that we should pursue the love of neighbour which entails that we should not tear each other apart as sometimes is regrettably the case in some of our Christian communities.