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

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 22, 2019

Readings: Is 7:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2,3-4,5-6; 

Rom 1:1-7 & Gospel Mat 1:18-24.

Theme: The Emmanuel Effect!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is the last Sunday of Advent and apparently, the climax of four weeks of intense preparation for the Lord’s nativity. The Prophet Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) brings us glad tidings that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son who shall be named Emmanuel. Isaiah’s prophecy is amplified in the gospel (Mat 1:18-24) which presents the circumstances leading to the saviour’s birth culminating in naming him, Emmanuel – God is with us. Our reflection is based on the Emmanuel-Effect in the light of God’s omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience.

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah (Is 7:10-14) brings glad tidings to the House of David that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son who shall be named Emmanuel – a name which means “God is with us.” In the second reading (Rom 1:1-7), St. Paul reminds us that we have received the grace of apostleship to bring the obedience of faith to all who are called to be holy. He also indicates that we are all called to be saints.

Isaiah’s prophecy is amplified in the gospel (Mat 1:18-24) which presents the circumstances leading to the saviour’s birth culminating in naming him, Emmanuel – God with us. It further relates that when he found out that his betrothed, Mary was pregnant, he did not want to expose her publicly. Since he was a righteous man, Joseph decided to divorce her quietly. By doing what as honourable, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and urged him to take Mary as his wife stressing that she was with child through the Holy Spirit. We are told that when Joseph woke up, he did as the Lord had commanded him in a dream by taking his wife into his home. 

Emmanuel Effect: Implications

1. He came and was born in a manger in Bethlehem over thousand years ago – that is why we refer to him as the God who was...

2. He assured that he would go and prepare a place for us so that where he is, we too may be. This means that he would come again in Glory at the Parousia. Until then, his abiding presence is ever with us – that is why we say he is omnipresent. 

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

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A – Gaudete Sunday–Dec15, 2019

Readings: Is 35:1-6a.10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7.8-9a.9bc-10(R.cf.Is 35:4);

 James 5:7-10&Gospel Mat 11:2-11.

Theme: Christ’s Coming& the Signs of Time

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday. On this day, the Church invites us to rejoice in the Lord. Gaudete, taken from Philippians 4:4-5 “Gaudete in Domino semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always) comes from the first word in Latin of the Introit, the entrance antiphon at Mass. Little wonder in the first reading(Is 35:1-6a.10),the Prophet Isaiah calls us to rejoice because the glory and majesty of the Lord is coming. He emphatically states: “[we] shall obtain the joy and gladness” of the Lord and “[our] sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Such warm assurances position us for a better celebration of Advent as we await the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Is 35:1-6a.10) presents the prophecy of Isaiah concerning the expected Messiah. Among other things, the text suggests that he is coming to save his people; open the eyes of the blind, unseal the ears of the deaf; make the lame leap like a deer and the tongues of the dump to sing and also return those who are exiled. It surmises that the returnees shall shout for joy with everlasting joy in their faces even as he puts an end to their sorrow and lament. 

In the second reading (James 5:7-10), St. Jamesencourages the faithful to emulate the patience of the farmer by being patient until the Lord’s coming. Because the Lord would come soon, he says: “Do not lose heart.” He warns against complaining against one another while urging all to emulate the patience of the Prophets.  

The gospel reading (Mat 11:2-11) reveals that when John was in prison and he heard what Jesus was doing, he decided to sent his disciples to ask if Jesus was the expected Messiah or they were to expect another. Apparently, in fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading (Is 35:1-6a.10), we are told that Jesus replied them: “God back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.” He surmises by praising the austere life of John and says none can be compared to him yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. 

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. Look Out for Great Things: The message of the first reading that the Messiah would open the eyes of the blind, unseal the ears of the deaf and make the lamb leap like a deer and the tongues of the dump to sing signals that Advent is pregnant with great things for those who trust and wait on the Lord. 

2. Be Patient: Our liturgy, particularly the second reading, urges us to establish ourselves for the coming of the Lord by being patientas that is key to a good Advent. 

3. Do Not Lose Faith:Like John, whenwe are faced with trials, tribulations and temptations, we often ask questions like: “Is our God alive? Are we practicing the right religion or is God still on the throne?”but Christ assures: “Happy is the one who does not lose faith in me.”

4. God Has No Favourites: The experience of John the Baptist tells us that God has no favourites because besides being his relation, John had worked tirelessly for the coming of Christ yet Jesus allowedhim to be imprisoned and eventually suffer martyrdom.

5. God Appears Silent in Crisis: ThatJesusdid not give a direct answer when John heard asked for a confirmation if he was the Christ in the light of his incarcerationdemonstrates to us that like an examiner, God does not speak when the student is taking examinations.

6. Jesus’ Ministry is Enough Evidence:Our liturgy affirms that the miracles associated with Jesus’ ministry are enough evidence that he is the Messiah.

7. Advent Reveals the Signs of Time:Our liturgy challenges us to look critically at the signs of time in the light of Christ’s coming through the celebration of Advent.

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

Second Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 8, 2019

Readings: Is 11:1-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2. 7-8.12-13.17.CR.cf.7;

 Rom 15:4-9 & Gospel Mat 3:1-12.

Theme: Being Heralds of Christ 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, on the Second Sunday of Advent, the Church invites us to be heralds of Christ’s coming. Our liturgy sets before us the heroic example of John the Baptist who defied time and circumstances to witness to Christ. He prepared the people for the coming of Christ and had the humility to say someone more powerful than himself was coming. What is more, he had the courage to challenge the powers that be, the Pharisees and Sadducees, by reordering their lives towards productiveness. We shall take a look at the readings so as to derive the requisite pastoral lessons therein. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Isaiah 11:1-10), the Prophet Isaiah speaks of a shoot that springs from the stock of Jesse. He reveals how the spirit of God rests on him and how he is endowed with wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord. He assures that the Lord’s dwellings shall be glorious and the nations shall seek him. He maintains that righteousness shall be the belt of His waist and faithfulness the belt of His loins and surmises: “…the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples. It will be sought out by the nations and its home will be glorious.” Scripture scholars opine that this points to Jesus whom John speaks about in the gospel.

In the second reading (Rom 15:4-9), St. Paul presents some catechesis on hope and tolerance. He urged his audience to follow the example of Christ by being united in mind and voice in order to give glory to God. He further called the faithful to treat each other with Christ’s friendliness.  He maintained that Gentiles are direct beneficiaries of the fulfillment of God’s promises and mercies.

The gospel reading (Mat 3:1-12) reveals the call and ministry of John the Baptist. It tells how he prepared the people for the coming of Christ by saying: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” We are told that he lived an austere life and when he called people to repentance, they obliged him. The text discloses how he repudiated the Pharisees and Sadducees for not bearing fruits. It also reveals his humility when it stresses that John told the people that someone more powerful than him was coming who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.     

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. God Has a Task for Everyone: The prophesy of Isaiah in the first reading of someone coming from the stock of Jesse and the events leading to the birth of St. John the Baptist namely leaping for joy in his mother’s womb clearly reveals the task God had for both Jesus and John which further demonstrates that God has a plan for everyone and he invites us to grow in wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge and fear of the Lord.

2. God Sets Us Apart: The eventful episode of Ein Kerem (Jerusalem) as found in Luke 1:39-56 reminds us about the remote stages of setting John aside for the great task of preparing the people for the coming of Christ – We ought to realise that at Advent and always, He too sets us apart for his mighty works bearing in mind that we must not give up on hope and tolerance as St. Paul indicates in the second reading.

3. God Prepares Us for the Task Ahead: Just as God prepared the Baptist for the task ahead, through the Sacraments of Christian Initiation - Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation, he prepares us for a fulfilled Christian life with holiness as our girdle.  

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

First Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 1, 2019

Readings: Is 2:1-5; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2,3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; 

Rom 13:11-14; Gospel Mat 24:37-44.

Theme: The Joy of Waiting

Introduction

Friends in Christ, I welcome you heartily to another Advent season. 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 waiting for something really important, Advent is about both the preparation of the annual celebration of the birth of Christ and his second coming. Little wonder in the gospel (Mat 24:37-44) Jesus likens his Parousia (coming) to the days of Noah, before and after the flood. It would seem that there are three kinds of coming: his incarnation, his coming every Christmas and his second coming in glory (Parousia).

 

Advent is a period of waiting. We know that there are various kinds of waiting. For example: A patient waiting for his doctor; an expectant mother for her child; a farm for a bumper harvest; a student for his result; a passenger for a taxi et al. What is common in all these is the fact that no one can predict the outcome – it can be either way. What makes Advent unique is “quality assurance.” We are 100% assured that Christ will come again in glory because over two thousand years ago and his words are true – he cannot lie to us. So, Advent is about a joyous expectation. This is the thrust of this season.  

Background and Summary of Readings

The first reading (Is 2:1-5) recounts vision of the Prophet Isaiah. It assures that God would judge between nations. The reading also urges the House of Jacob and indeed all to walk in the light of the Lord.

In the second reading (Rom 13:11-14), St. Paul brings the dimension of urgency to the message. He invites the Romans to wake up because salvation is nearer to them than when they got converted. He maintains that the night is far gone and urges all to give up the works of darkness in order to put on the armour of light. He called on all to live a decent life and warned against drunkenness, orgies, promiscuity or licentiousness, wrangling or jealousy even as he encouraged the faithful to embrace the amour of Christ.  

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

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 24, 2019:

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe & Last Sunday of the Year

Readings: 2 Sam 5:1-3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5(cf.1);

 Col 1:12-20; Gospel Luke 23:35-43.

Theme: The King of Kings & the Lord of Lords!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, the celebration of Christ the King dates back to 1925 when Pope Pius XI instituted it. By 1970, the celebration was moved to the last Sunday in Ordinary. The celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ as King of the Universe reminds Christians of the indefectible place of Christ’s reign over the earth and the call to live accordingly as heirs of the Kingdom. We shall highlight the salient points of the readings so as to derive appropriate spiritual lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (2 Sam 5:1-3) recounts how David was anointed by God as shepherd, prince and king over Israel. It is no mistake that Christ comes from the Davidic dynasty to reign as King. Although the Jewish leaders would mockingly compare Jesus with David, the anointed one, little did they know that they were stating the obvious as later, that identity would be revealed by the good-thief on the cross as the gospel (Luke 23:35-43) relates.

In the second reading, (Col. 1:12-20) Saint Paul reveals that we have been qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light – meaning that we are legitimate heirs of God’s kingdom. He adds that we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness and catapulted to the kingdom of his Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. In this kingdom, he says, we are forgiven. He sums his catechesis by insisting that God’s kingdom is everlasting because all things were created through him and for him noting that he is the beginning and the end. By implication, we cannot do anything outside of his sovereignty or rulership since it is in him that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). 

The gospel discloses the drama that happened between Jesus and the two thieves. By saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power,” the good-thief reveals the true identity of Jesus as King. God’s kingdom was inaugurated at the incarnation. By that inauguration, Jesus established a dynasty while reminding his followers that the real kingdom lays in heaven. Not only did Christ come to announce the second coming of God’s kingdom but also to prepare the elect for their spiritual responsibilities. That he would come again to judge the living and the dead calls for a sober reflection on a day like this. We must access ourselves whether we have been faithful heirs of the kingdom.

Practical Lessons

Pope Pius XI who instituted the celebration in 1925 and moved it to the last Sunday of the year in 1970 wanted the solemnity to impact on the faithful in the following ways:

1. Live Ideal Christian Lives: Our celebration invites us to live ideal Christian lives by meditating on truths of the gospel having being empowered with strength and courage.

2. Be Subjects of God’s Dominion: We are urged to facilitate being subjects of God’s dominion without exempting any of our faculties bearing in mind that his power embraces all peoples.

3. Let God Reign in Your Mind: We are encouraged to let God reign in our minds, which must assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed truths and to the doctrines of Christ.

4. Let God Reign in Your Will: Christians are charged to let Christ reign in their wills, which should obey the laws and precepts of God.

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

Thirty-third Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 17, 2019

Readings: Malachi 4:1-2a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:5-6,7-9ab,9cd(R.cf9cd);

 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Gospel Luke 21:5-19.

Theme: End-time Reality and the Danger of False Prophets!

“In a land of religiosity without corresponding righteousness, we are encouraged to beware of the following: Churches without Christ, clerics without courtesy, collections without compassion, crusades without contemplation, followers without fidelity, flamboyance without fellow-feeling and fluency without fellowship.” Fr. Justine Dyikuk                                                                                          

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we prepare to round up the Church’s Liturgical Calendar, our readings speak to us about judgement, false prophesy and end-time realities. You would recall that in 2016, a strange cross, five feet long appeared to a 15 year-old girl by name Hajara Hussaini near a Mosque in Assakio, Nassarawa state while she was on her way to an errand by her parents. In the same year, a shining light appeared on the crucifix in St. Augustine Catholic Church, Nenger, in Makurdi, Benue State. Both Christians and Muslims felt that these were signs of the end time. Really? Well, despite these signs, Jesus insists that that no one knows when the Son of Man would return (Matthew 24:36).  With this background in mind, we would do a summary of the readings in preparation for some take-home lessons.   

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Malachi 4:1-2a) reveals what would happen at the end of time. It tells how God would punish the arrogant and evildoers by burning them up but for those who fear him, he would let the sun of righteousness shine upon them as he grants them healing.

In the second reading (Thessalonians 3:7-12), St. Paul challenged the faithful to be industrious and ready for every kind of good work following their good example. The reading presents St. Paul’s zero tolerance to laziness and how he urged all to embrace hard-work so as to earn the food they eat.  It surmises the theology of work by suggesting that through work, we can praise God.

The gospel reading (Luke 21:5-19) recounts the response of Jesus to some people who were talking about the temple, remarking it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings. It reveals how Jesus told them that everything would be destroyed. He further replied the issue of when that destruction will take place with the warning about those who would use his name to insinuate that the end is near. 

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

32^nd Sunday of the Year, C – November 10, 2019.

Readings: 2 Mc 7:1-2, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 17:1, 5-6, 8,15; 

2 Thes 2:16-3:5; Gospel Lk 20:27-38 or Lk 20:27, 34-38.

Theme: The Lord of the Living 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we approach the end of the Church’s liturgical calendar, the liturgy draws our attention to dying for the Lord. In view of the four last things namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell, the readings challenge us to witness with our lives for the sake of the kingdom. In particular, today’s gospel message makes the point that before God, all people are alive. This underscores the popular saying of St. Irenaeus: “The glory of the Lord is man fully alive.”

This reflection titled: “He is God of the Living” calls the faithful to review their plan in life in line with God’s salvific plan for mankind. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasis that God created us to know him, love, serve and be happy with him in the next. This demonstrates that whether we are alive or dead, we belong to the Lord. We shall browse through the readings for appropriate pastoral lessons.      

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14) reveals the dramatic witnessing of a courageous Jewish woman and her seven sons. This moving story is one of faith, courage and heroic witness. The reading discloses how this dutiful family was devoted to the law of God and their ancestors. It also points to the resurrection heroic witnessing.

The second reading (2 Thes 2:16-3:5) reveals St. Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians. Paul equally prays for the message to spread quickly and be preserved from bigoted and evil people. He assured that the Lord would guide and strengthen them from the evil one. He urged them to be emboldened in doing what is right while praying that the Lord turns their hearts towards the love of God and fortitude with Christ. 

In the gospel (Lk 20:27-38), the Sadducees did not only deny the resurrection but went ahead to set a trap for Jesus. They veiled their grievance in a question about a woman who was married to seven men by inquiring whose husband she would be at the resurrection. It is important to note that those who do not believe in life after death were asking a question about the resurrection. Expectedly, Jesus cleared their doubts when he said: "...They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out ‘Lord,’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive” (Lk 20:35). He goes ahead to reveal himself as the Lord of the living.   

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. Be Devoted to the Law of God: We are called to be devoted to the law of the Lord like the Jewish family in the first reading who said “It is for his laws that we are dying.” Besides, they may have been inspired by this scripture: “You shall thus observe all my statutes and all my ordinances and do the; I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:37).

2. Be Committed to the Law of the Church: Just as the family would rather die that eat pork and transgress the laws of their ancestors, we are challenged to observe the six laws of the Church come what may.

3. Be Convinced about the resurrection:  Christians are challenged to renew their faith in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come just as the family were convinced that God would give them life again in heaven

4. Be Courageous in Witnessing: The courage of the young man in Verse 12 which surprised the King and his attendants teaches us to be courageous in witnessing to the faith.

5. Take to Witnessing of Words:  In line with the mandate of the Great Commission which Christ entrusted to his apostles and to the Church (Matthew 28:16-20), Christians are called to participate in the verbal proclamation of the word to the world. 

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

31^st Sunday of the Year, C – November 3, 2019.

Readings: Wis 11:22-12:2; Ps 145:1-2.8-9.10-11.13cd-14(R.1); 

2 Thess 1:11-2:2; Gospel – Luke 19:1-10.

Theme: This Man too is a Son of Abraham 

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, as we enter the month of November which is considered as a time for praying for the souls of the faithful departed, the Church invites us to reflect on the universality of salvation on the one hand and to refrain from passing premature judgement on the other. Accordingly, our reflection which has the theme “This Man too is a Son of Abraham” urges us to develop a larger than life approach in matters of the faith while pursuing our salvation in life and trembling (Philippians 2:12). We shall consider a summary of the readings in order to obtain the desired pastoral lessons. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Wis 11:22-12:2) reminds the faithful that the Lord is merciful to all and because he can do anything, he overlooks people’s sins so that they can repent. It further reveals that he does not abhor or hate anything he has created. It also notes that he spares all things because they are his and his spirit is in them all. It maintains that God corrects the offender and admonishes those who have sinned so that they can abstain from evil and trust in him.     

In the second reading (2 Thess 1:11-2:2), St. Paul prays for the Thessalonians so that God would make them worthy of his calling, fulfill their desires and compete all that they have been doing through faith to the glory of his name. He urged them to turn to the coming of the Lord even as he encouraged them not to be alarmed by rumours that the Day of the Lord has arrived.    

The gospel reading (Luke 19:1-10) recounts how Jesus entered Jericho and when he was going through the town, Zacchaeus, a rich man and a senior tax collector made an appearance; it further discloses that he ran ahead of Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of him. We are told that when Jesus spotted him, he urged him to climb down while assuring that he was going to stay in his house. At that, the crowd complained that Jesus was mingling with sinners. 

However, when Jesus got to the senior tax collector’s house, the man promised to give half of his property to the poor. He added that if he had cheated anyone, he was ready to pay back four times the amount. Jesus’ audience had passed premature judgement on Zacchaeus, shut him out and summarily condemned him. To their dismay, Jesus said: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.”  This leads us to the two kinds of human judgement there are:

Types of Human Judgement

a). Internal Judgement:  This happens in the Church where we find people who feel that they are holy and so do not associate with sinners. They hate to see the priest mingle with people they have tagged as “sinners.” In their overzealous pharisaic attitude, they criminalise, stigmatize and label others and are angry even when the “sinner” tries to make amends. Perhaps they have failed to understand Abigail Van Buren’s popular saying that: “The Church is a hospital for sinners not a museum for saints.” Besides, Jesus warned the Israelites that at the end of time, they would be judged by Gentile nations. He also maintained that “the first shall be the last and the last, first” (Matt 20:16).

b). External Judgement: There is a tendency for Catholics to behave like the Israelites who felt that because they are the chosen people, salvation is their exclusive preserve. Most of us are guilty of passing external judgement on others because we feel that those outside the Catholic Church or Christian faith will not be saved. Sadly, we demonstrate this attitude in relations to non-Catholics and non-Christians. We often put them out, label and condemn them for eternal damnation. We forget that Jesus used the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and prodigal son to teach us about the universality of salvation.  

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. Be Merciful: The message of the first reading (Wis 11:22-12:2) that God is merciful to all and overlooks people’s sin so that they can repent challenges us to be kind and merciful especially to those whom society labels as sinners like prostitutes, witches and wizards et al. 

2. Recognize Jesus in Others: On a daily basis, Jesus passes through the Jericho of our lives but only those who have the eyes of faith can recognize him in others especially those who are adjudged sinners in our various communities.   

3. Embrace Humility: Just as it took humility for Zacchaeus to put aside his high status (chief tax collector) and social standing (wealth) in society to climb a tree in public, unless we throw away our earthly trappings of power and money towards embracing humility, we may not meet the Lord in our lifetime or the next. 

4. Desire God Ardently: We are challenged to emulate Zacchaeus who developed “an irresistible desire” for the Lord which emboldened him to find a way to catch a glimpse of Jesus. 

5. Fix Your Gaze on God: Instead of putting his gaze on his predicament of shortness in stature, the tax collector fixed his gaze on Christ which indicates that the Christian should have a larger than life approach to religion by looking at the bigger picture based on God’s plans for his or her life.