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

Second Sunday of the Year, Year A – Jan 26, 2020

Readings: Is 8:23-9:3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 26(27):1, 4, 13-14; 

1st Cor. 1:10-13, 17; Gospel Matt. 4:12-23.

Theme: Discipling for the Kingdom

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today the Church invites us to follow the example of Jesus by recruiting others for the kingdom. As priests and religious and members of the laity, our baptism incorporates us into the priestly, kingly and prophet mission of Christ. Titled “Discipling for the Kingdom,” our reflection shall scan through the readings, define discipling, its institutions and types and state why discipling is crucial for the Church. This is with the view to obtaining the requisite pastoral lessons in the light of discipling.  

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is 8:23-9:3), the Prophet Isaiah provides us with a script and background for Jesus’ ministry to the gentiles nations. By emphasizing that a people that lived in darkness has seen a great light, Isaiah was offering hope to the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali which settled around the Lake of Galilee after the exodus and were suffering due to their mixing with non-Jews. He assured that they would no longer be described as people living in darkness. This is because God would set them free and grant them his glorious light.

The second reading (1st Cor. 1:10-13, 17) relates how St. Paul urges his audience to unite in belief and practice. He discourages the practice of cult personality like saying “I am for Paul” or “I am for Apollos” by reminding the Corinthian-community that it was Christ who died for them not the disciples. He also reiterated that they were baptised in the name of Christ. Paul surmised that Christ sent him to preach the Good News though not in terms of philosophy.   

The gospel (Matt. 4:12-23) presents us with Matthew’s revelation of Jesus’ geographical sojourn from Nazareth, in the Galilean hinterland, to Capernaum by the lakeside. This was a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He relates how Jesus replaces John the Baptist whose ministry had come to an end by disclosing God’s saving plan. Jesus’ movement from his hometown, Nazareth through the Galilean countryside demonstrates that he was set to bring light to a region of “those who walk in darkness and the shadow of death.” Little wonder, his first target was “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24).

Galilee was an admixture of Jews and non-Jews alike. That is why it was referred to as “Galilee of the Gentiles.” In this sense, Galilee is a metaphor for a ministry to the gentiles. This indicates that Matthew wanted to teach that after his death and resurrection, Jesus’ mission would be directed to gentile nations as encapsulated in the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). It also shows that both Isaiah and Matthew agree that Jesus’ ministry and that of the further Church is discipling nations.

Discipling, Its Types and Institutions

Discipling is the intentional, deliberate, relational, loving and purposeful guidance which one who is inspired by the Holy Spirit and guided by the Church’s principles provides to others especially the young in order to bring them close to Christ.

1. Home: By presenting the baby Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:22-40), his parents wanted to demonstrate the role of parents in the lives of their children. The home is the Domestic Church (Lumen Gentium, 1964, No. 11) where parents “by word and example... [are] the first heralds of the faith with regard to their children” (CCC , 1997, No. 1656). Accordingly, parents ought to provide their children with family catechesis and exemplary discipling.

2. Church: The essential role of the Church is discipleship or discipling through preaching, teaching and sanctification of souls. For example, we are told that when the early apostles preached in Derbe, many disciples were won to the Lord (Acts 14:20). Little wonder, the early Church chose Deacons for the distribution of food for the marginalized so as to concentrate on preaching the word and discipling (Acts 6:1-7). That way, “The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. A great company of the priests obeyed the faith” (Acts 6:7). So, the local Church, that is, the parish has the mandate for discipling by ensuring that people are prepared for the sacraments and very parishioner belongs to a pious society. Leaders of lay pious societies ought to be discipled so as not to lead people astray.   

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

Second Sunday of the Year, Year A – Jan 19, 2020

Readings: Is 49:3,5-6; Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2,4,7-8, 8-9,10;

 1^st Cor. 1:1-3; Gospel John  1:29-34.

Theme: Emulating the Lamb!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, with the Christmas season gone, we are back to the Ordinary Season of the Church. Today, we are presented with Jesus as the Lamb of God who offers unceasing atonement for our sins through the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist. In this regard, based on our liturgical readings, we shall reflect on “Emulating the Lamb” in view of the requisite pastoral lessons. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

The Prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading (Is 49:3,5-6) projects the prophetic role that Christ, the Lamb of God, would play. The Prophet insists that the expected one would restore the fortunes of Jacob, become a light to the nations even as his salvation reaches to the ends of the earth.

In the second reading (1st Cor. 1:1-3), St. Paul calls the faithful to embrace holiness of life. He lists unity of the spirit, prayer, grace and peace as prerequisites of living according to the demands of Christ.

The gospel (John 1:35-42.) reveals the story of the call of the apostles. Like social networking, we are told that upon seeing Jesus, John said to two of his disciples: “Look, there is the Lamb of God.” He continues: “This is the one I spoke of when I said, a man who is superior to me would come.” John further disclosed that it was to reveal him to Israel that he came baptising with water. He confessed that he was the one the Holy Spirit descended on. John noted that he received confirmation that Jesus would baptism with the Holy Spirit because he is the Chosen One of God. 

Eucharistic Theology of Jesus as LAMB of God

1. “L” Stands for Life: In his discuss on the Holy Eucharist, Jesus says: “…the bread that I shall give is my flesh for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Here Jesus reveals himself as “the Life of world.”

2. “A” Stands for Altar: Jesus is the Altar and the lamb of sacrifice who offers himself to the father for our redemption. To be sure, one of the Prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayer during the Easter season describes Christ as the “sacerdos, altare et agnus - priest, altar, and lamb” of sacrifice. As such, in a tradition that dates back to St. Cyril of Alexandria and Origen, the priest or deacon kisses and in the case of the former, incenses the altar because it is a sign of Christ. 

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

Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord - January 12, 2020.

Readings Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Responsorial Psalm 28:1-4, 9-10; 

Acts 10:34-38 & Gospel Matthew 3:13-17.

Theme: Heirs of the Kingdom 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, the Baptism of the Lord brings Christmastide - that is, the Christmas Season to an end. Since in a celebration like this a proper catechesis about the theology of baptism is important, it is good to remind ourselves about how the Penny Catechism views baptism: “as a sacrament which washes away original sin, makes us children of God and members of the Church.” A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Christ.” In baptism, water is the matter of the sacrament while the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” remain its form. We shall scan through the readings so as to derive the practical lessons therein. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

The message of Isaiah in the first reading (Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7) points to Jesus who submits himself to be baptised by John as one who is endowed with the spirit whom the Lord delights in. He projects that Jesus would establish true justice and be a light of the nations and open the eyes of the blind, free captives from prison as well as those living in darkness from the dungeon.   

In the second reading (Acts 10:34-38), St. Peter  assures that the Lord does not have favourites but loves anyone from any nationality who fears God and does what is acceptable to him. He contends that Jesus it was who brought the Good News of peace after he had been baptised in the Jordan by John and endowed with the Holy Spirit; went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.

The Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17) narrates that Jesus appeared from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. It disclosed that John wanted to dissuade him but Jesus insisted that it was to fulfil all righteousness. It was at that that John gave in and baptised Jesus. Just then, the heavens opened and the Spirit descended on him like a dove and the voice of the father said: “This is my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on him.”

Types of Baptism

The Catholic Church teaches that there are three types of baptism which include baptism by water, blood and desire:

1. Baptism by Water: Baptism by water is done by a priest or deacon either by sprinkling, immersion, or both methods. At the point of death, anyone can baptise at the request of the catechumen using the Trinitarian Formula. Baptism like Holy Orders creates an indelible character in the soul of the recipient that no human power can change and it is done once in a life time. 

2. Baptism by Blood: This refers to the martyrdom of the believer who is killed for his/her faith before he/she had the chance to be baptized.

3. Baptism by Desire: This applies to those who wished to be baptized but die before receiving the Sacrament. This desire may have been explicit (fully and clearly expressed) or implicit (implied but not directly expressed).

Baptism as RICE & Reasons for Infant Baptism

1. “R” Stands for Rebirth: In baptism we are born again by water and the Holy Spirit. We are cleansed from original sin and become sons and daughters of God in a special way.

2. “I” Stands for Initiation: At baptism we are initiated or admitted into full membership in the Church, the community of the children of God in the world.

3. “C” is for Consecration: In baptism we consecrate and dedicate ourselves to seek and to spread the kingdom of God. We commit ourselves to be servants of God, to do God’s will and serve God with our whole lives.

4. “E” is for Empowerment: At baptism the Holy Spirit comes into our lives and empowers us, equips us, gives us the moral strength to say no to evil and to live as God’s children that we have become.                                                                 (Kasomo, 2016).

Another important aspect of the Sacrament of baptism which the Catholic Church has often been attacked about is Infant Baptism. As such, children are baptised for the following reasons:

1. To Enjoy Freedom from Darkness: “Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness [and be] brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which all [people] are called” (Cf. CCC 1250). 

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

Epiphany of the Lord - January 5, 2020.

Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13;

 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Gospel Matthew 2:1-12.

Theme: Christ Our Star

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today is the Epiphany of the Lord otherwise known as the manifestation of Jesus to the world. Epiphany is a miniature Christmas because the Magi represent humanity in following the Star of Bethlehem to identify the Lord, present gifts to Him and worship Him as God. The word Epiphany comes from the Greek Epiphania, which means the visit of God to Earth. The celebration reveals Christ as the Son of God and unites three events in the life of Christ - the adoration of the Magi, the baptism of Christ in the Jordan and the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee. In sum, the Epiphany prepares the faithful for the second coming of Christ in glory. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Isaiah 60:1-6), the prophet Isaiah reveals how everyone in Sheba would offer gold and incense to God while singing His praises. This is a clear testimony that the nations and kings have come to the light of the world. The reading forecast how the Magi would be led by the star of Bethlehem to the birth-place of the saviour.

The second reading (Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6) talks about the revelation of God’s mystery which the solemnity of Epiphany unravels and celebrates. It makes it clear that that mystery has indeed been revealed by the spirit which is why Gentiles can also lay claim to God’s inheritance that they are part of the same body and promise through Christ. 

The gospel (Matthew 2:1-12) narrative is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading. Aside from the exciting revelation of the Magi in the gospel, the text tells us how sensible the wise men were by not returning to Herod who wanted to eliminate the child Jesus. Accordingly, they went through another way leaving Herod with his wicked plans unfulfilled. Notably too, the Magi were thrilled at the star which guided them to the manger. Their mystic gifts would go down in history as artifacts (sacramentals) of faith: Gold signifies His kingship, myrrh stands for His death and frankincense signifies His priesthood. 

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. Celebrates Our Act of Worship: We are called upon to bow down and adore the Lord as well as offer Him our total loyalty even as we revere Him as signified by the mystic gifts of gold which stands for His kingship, myrrh which signifies His death and frankincense which represents his priesthood.

2. Celebrates Christ Our Star: We are urged to let Christ our Star guide our pilgrim journey just as the star of Bethlehem led the Magi to the manger.

3. Celebrates Our Common Heritage: The message of St. Paul in the second reading that the mystery [of the Epiphany] has indeed been revealed by the spirit which is why Gentiles can also lay claim to God’s inheritance demonstrates that we are part of the same body and promise through Christ.  

4. Celebrates God as Man: Epiphany means the visit of God to the earth, the divine wedding of Christ with humanity also shows that great things happen when God mixes with us – “This day the Church is joined to her heavenly Spouse, for Christ has cleansed her crimes in the Jordan. With gifts the Magi hasten to the royal nuptials, and the guests are gladdened with wine made from water.”

5. Celebrates God as King: On this day, Christ is revealed to the three kings at Bethlehem as a symbol of His revelation to the Gentiles – an indication of the call to all nations to embrace the Christian faith and spread same.

6. Celebrates Christ as Light of the world: At Epiphany, Christ the light of the nations bursts forth to all nations as the fulfillment of the prophecies of old namely: “The Gentiles shall walk in Thy light, and kings in the brightness of Thy rising.”

7. Celebrates the Visit of the Magi: Like the three wise men, we are challenged to develop the courage to draw others to the light of Christ in our journey of faith.

8. Celebrates the Universality of Salvation: According to tradition the biblical Magi named Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchior represent the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa thus symbolizing the universal call to holiness and salvation.

9. Celebrates the Eucharist: That the star led the Magi to Bethlehem which means House of Bread signals that the new born king would eventually feed the world with the Bread of Life in the Holy Eucharist.       

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah reveals how everyone in Sheba would offer gold and incense to God while singing His praises.

2. The second reading talks about the revelation of God’s mystery which the solemnity of Epiphany unravels and celebrates.

3. The gospel narrative is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading.

4. Aside from the exciting revelation of the Magi in the gospel, the text tells us how sensible the wise men were in not returning to Herod…

5. They went through another way leaving Herod with his wicked plans unfulfilled.

Conclusion

In his 2018 homily for the Solemnity of Epiphany, Pope Francis stressed that we must emulate

three actions of the Magi namely, seeing, setting out and bringing gifts to the Lord. Therefore, we must learn to see the star, set out and offer our gifts to God now and always as we proclaim Christ as the light of the nations. He surmised that we should “…Imitate the Magi: looking upwards, setting out, and freely offering our gifts.” May God help through Christ Our Lord. Have a Great Week Ahead!

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

The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God & World Day of Peace – January 1, 2020.

Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Responsorial Psalm PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8(R.v.2a); 

Galatians 4:4-7 & Gospel Luke 2:16-21.

Theme: Peace in the World through Mary Our Mother

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today we celebrate another New Year. We thank God for guiding us through 2019 to a brand new year. The Church in her wisdom has asked us to begin the year with the celebration of the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) as Mother of God and World Day of Peace which was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 as a day in which the Mass for peace is said throughout the Catholic world. There is no better way to commence the year than to seek the maternal intercession of the BVM. This is why our reflection titled “Peace in the World through Mary Our Mother” aspires to draw attention to the importance of global peace through the continuous intercession of the Queen of Heaven and Earth. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Numbers 6:22-27), God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel. The invocation of divine benediction upon the children of Israel signals dependence on God who is merciful. There is no proper time to seek God’s blessings than the beginning of the year which makes the reading apt.

In the second reading (Galatians 4:4-7), St. Paul assures that we have received the spirit of adoption as God’s sons and daughters. It also discloses that this was made possible through the incarnation of Christ who humbled himself to be born of a woman, the BVM who is the mother of God. The text assures that we have been given the spirit of his Son which makes us cry “Abba! Father.” This means that we are no longer slaves since we have a father and a mother who are always there to listen to our needs.

The gospel (Luke 2:16-21) relates that the BVM kept everything that was said about her Son and pondered it in her heart. The visit of the shepherds and the circumcision as well as the naming of Jesus does not only indicate how God mixes with us but shows how we must cooperate with the will of God for divine realities to emerge. 

Why is the BVM Mother of God?

1. Because the Aramaic title “the Mother of my Lord” refers to Jesus Christ as Adonai “My Lord.”

2. Because the child Jesus, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, is described as Holy and addressed as the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

3. Because Mary’s Cousin Elizabeth would refer to as “Mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43).

Of Dogma and Theotokos

A dogma is the official teaching of the Catholic Church which pertains to faith and morals proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church) through the Roman Pontiff which binds on all Catholics. Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate and make faith secure (John 8:31-32). Built upon divine foundations, dogmas are firmly rooted in scripture as evident in the Holy Scripture (Cf. Matthew 18:18 & 16:18-19, John 21:16 & Luke 10:16).                                      

Theotokos simply means “God bearer.”  It is traced to the Council of Ephesus in 431, the third Ecumenical Council. It was Cyril of Alexandra who rose against Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople (Turkey) who held that Mary was only the mother of the human Jesus and not God. St. Cyril defended the teaching that Mary is theotokos because she gave birth to the Word of God made flesh. Since then, the Catholic Church has upheld the teaching that Christ has two natures, human and divine insisting that the Virgin Mary gave Christ humanity. St. Athanasius (373) had argued that theotokos shows that the true humanity of Christ pre-existed.  

The BVM in Islam

Muslims hold the BVM in high esteem. Interestingly, in the Holy Quran, there is no mention of a woman except Maryam, the Mother of Isa, Jesus whom Christians regard as the Christ. Chapter 3 of the Holy Quran is called “family of Maryam” and chapter 19 is titled “Maryam.” Chapter 3:34 says Mary was born without original sin; she never committed any sin in her life and she was ever virgin. Also, Quran chapter 50:23 reveals that she went to heaven with her physical body describing the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. 

Pastoral Lessons

1. The Clergy Should Ensure Justice and Peace: Since God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel in the first reading, religious leaders are charged to seek the welfare of the people in a way that justice and peace are justly dispensed.  

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

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Year A – Dec 25, 2019

Readings: Is 52:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1-6 (R.v.3); Heb1:1-6; 

Gospel John 1:1-18 or John 1:1-5.9-14.

Theme - Christ as Light of the Nations

Introduction                      

Beloved in Christ, we thank God for bringing us to yet another Christmas Season. Our liturgy reveals Christ as the light of the world. As we celebrate Christmas, we are quickly reminded to emulate the celebrant (Jesus) as the Light of the World. The gospel of John (1:1-18) states: “In him was life, and the life was the light of the men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Our reflection titled “Christ as Light of the Nations” draws attention to the need for Christians to embrace the light of Christ through their words and deeds. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is 52:7-10) the Prophet Isaiah speaks of liberation and consolation for the people returnees from exile. He praises the feet of the one who brings Good News, heralds peace, brings happiness and proclaims salvation. He assures that the Lords shall redeem Israel noting that the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

The second reading (Hebrews 1:1-6) reveals how God spoke in the past to our ancestors through prophets but in our time, he spoke through His Son. It describes him as the radiant light of God’s glory, perfect copy of his nature and one who sustains the universe by his command. It notes that now he has destroyed the defilement of sin and taken his place in divine majesty. It further discloses that God gave Him the sacred duty of purifying sins while insisting that we imitate the angels in worshipping Him.

The gospel (John 1:1-5.9-14) showcases Christ as the life that is the light of the world which shines in the dark. It discloses that darkness cannot overpower it even as it maintains that John was a witness to the light so that everyone might believe through him. The text emphasizes that it is from him that we all received grace in return for grace.  

Pastoral Application and Lessons

1. Christ Illumines the World: The Good news of Christmas is that the birth of Christ illumines every facet of our lives and world.

2. Richer Nations Ought to Assist Poorer Ones: Our liturgy challenges super powers of the world to ensure that the shortfall of infrastructure in smaller countries is top priority.

3. Seek Justice and Peace: Christians too, wherever they are, are charged not to leave the task of ensuring justice, development and peace to the United Nations or G-8 countries alone.

4. Walk the Talk: The Nativity of Christ challenges us to walk the talk by making sure that the light of Christ is felt in people’s lives in such a manner that that it dispels the darkness of secularism, modernism and consumerism in the world.