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

 Third Sunday of Lent, Year, A – March 15, 2020

Readings: Ex 17:3-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2.6-7abc.7d-9(R7d,8a); 

2^nd Rom 5:1-2.5-8 & Gospel Jn. 4-5-42 Or Jn. 4:5-15.19b26.39a.40-42.

Theme: Be Marketers of the Kingdom!

Sunday Synopsis

In response to the grumbling of the Israelites at Massah and Meribah about physical thirst, God provided them with water as our first reading (Ex 17:3-17) indicates. In the second reading (Rom 5:1-2.5-8), St. Paul suggest that the theological virtues of faith, hope and love can quench the thirst of any soul that longs for God. While Moses gave the Israelites physical water, Jesus promised the Woman of Samaria “Living Water.” Our liturgy indicates that both Moses and Jesus want us to be marketers of God’s love and mercy to a troubled world.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our readings today present Jesus as a marketer per excellence who invites us to be marketers of the kingdom. From the grumbling of the Israelites about physical water in the first reading, our liturgy takes us through the promise of the “living water” by Jesus to the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well. In a society where Jews and Samaritans, men and women don’t easily mix, an exciting encounter turns a supposedly wayward woman into the first herald of the gospel in her city. We shall scan through the readings for the requisite pastoral lessons. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Ex 17:3-17) relates the story of the grumbling of the people of Israel over water. In fact, it narrates that they almost stoned Moses. They quarried why God brought them out of Egypt. Moses responded by asking God to provide them with water. We are told that God ordered Moses to take some elders of Israel and move to the fore front of the people and with the staff in his hands at Horeb, strike the rock. At that, water gushed out and the place was named Massah and Meribah because it was there that the Israelites grumbled against God and tested him. 

In the second reading (Rom 5:1-2.5-8), St. Paul tells us that by faith, we are judged righteous and are at peace with God. He stresses that hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts by his Spirit. He maintains that while we were still helpless, Christ died for sinful humanity even as he discloses that it is not easy to even die for a good man. He surmises that what proves that God loves us is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.  

In a society where Jews and Samaritans, men and women don’t easily mix or relate with each other publicly, the gospel (Jn. 4:5-15.19b26.39a.40-42) reveals the story of the woman of Samaria who went in search of water and met a stranger (Jesus) who took her through the worship of the true God in Spirit and in Truth. He also tells her all that she has ever done; at the jaw-breaking encounter, she throws her jar of water and goes to the city to give a testimony of her experience. We are told that many people from that city believed in him not only on account of the woman’s testimony but based on their eye-witness account.

AIDA Model of Marketing as Recipe for Our Liturgy

Awareness, Interest, Desire and Action (AIDA) is a marketing strategy that advertisers use as a bait to entice customers to purchase their products.

1. “A” stands for Awareness: According to this theory, one has to be aware of a product before he thinks of buying it.

2. “I” means Interest: This means that one has to develop an interest in a certain product before one patronises it.

3. “D” represents Desire: Here, a person ought to desire goods before he or she acquires them.

4. “A” denotes Action: This is the main or actual action of buying the item.

This principle fits into our liturgy because the encounter between Jesus and the woman of Samaria presents a scenario which brings out the AIDA principle. Jesus was aware of all this woman had gone through; he became interested in saving her and he ignited the desire for “living water” in her. The good news is that she fell for his “product” because we are told, she left her water-jar and ran back to the village where she told the people: “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” Therefore, she became the first herald of the gospel in her town. 

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Be Marketers of the Kingdom: While Moses gave the Israelites water at Massah and Meribah, Jesus promises the woman of Samaria Living Water which shows that both Moses and Jesus teach us to be marketers of God’s love, mercy and hope who are charged to recruit others for kingdom like the woman in the gospel.

2. Practice the Theological Virtues: In the second reading, St. Paul encourages us to embrace the theological virtues of faith, hope and love bearing in mind that hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts by his Spirit.  

3. Desire the Water of Life: Jesus asked the woman of Samaria for a drink in order to ignite the desire for God in her soul, as such, we are charged to always desire the Living Water which wells up to eternal life.

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

Second Sunday of Lent, Year, A – March 8, 2020

Readings: Gen 12:1-4A; Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:4-5, 18-10, 20, 20, 22; 

2^nd Tm 1:8B-10; Gospel Mt 17:1-9.

Theme:  Arise, Do Not Be Afraid!

Sunday Synopsis

Today’s first reading (Gen 12:1-4A) reveals how Abram responded to the call of God by overcoming fear to travel to an unknown country.  In the second reading (2^nd Tm 1:8B-10), St. Paul urged Timothy his son in the faith to bear with hardships for the sake of Christ. The gospel reveals how the apostles Peter, James and John fell on their faces overcome with fear at the transfiguration experience. Amidst palpable insecurity, unemployment and extreme poverty Jesus assures: “Arise, do not be afraid.”

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, as a people, we are living in precarious times in Nigeria. The International Crisis Group captured the grim scenario in our country thus: “Confronted by multiple security challenges, notably the resilient Boko Haram Islamist insurgency in the north east, long-running discontent and militancy in the Niger Delta, increasing violence between herders and farming communities spreading from the central belt southward, and separatist Biafra agitation in the Igbo south east. Violence, particularly by the Boko Haram insurgency, has displaced more than two million people, created a massive humanitarian crisis, and prompted the rise of civilian vigilante self-defence groups that pose new policy dilemmas and possible security risks.” It is in this kind of situation that the theme of our reflection for the second Sunday of Lent, “Arise, Do Not Be Afraid” comes in handy as a soothing balm.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Gen 12:1-4A) reveals the call of Abram/Abraham. It discloses that Abram was not afraid of following God’s instruction to leave his father’s house to an unknown destination. By courageously taking a leap of faith, he was not afraid of losing his father’s heritage. He believed that God had a better offer for him. God promised to make of him a great nation even as he blesses and makes him famous. The Lord also assured: “I will bless those who bless you…curse those who slight you” while surmising: “All the tribes of the earth shall bless themselves in you.” 

In the second reading (2^nd Tm 1:8B-10), St. Paul urged Timothy his son in the faith to bear with hardships for the sake of Christ. He called on him to rely on the power of God who saved us and called us to be holy for his own purpose and by his grace. Paul maintained that it was the appearing of Jesus that abolished death and proclaimed life and immortality through the Good News. 

The gospel (Mt 17:1-9) tells the story of the transfiguration of Jesus at mount tabor. It relates how Jesus took his close allies, Peter, James and John to the mountain of transfiguration. It reveals how his face was transfigured in their presence and his clothes became dazzlingly white. Just then, we are told, Moses who represented the law and Elijah, the prophets appeared and were speaking to him.  At that, Peter asked Jesus if they could build three tents – one for him, another for Moses and a third for Elijah. The gospel further discloses that as they were still talking, a great cloud covered them with a shadow and a voice was heard: “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.” At that, the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. Jesus then touched them saying: “Arise, do not be afraid.” When they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were going down the mountain, he warned them to tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man is risen from the dead. 

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Take a Leap of Faith: In society where many young people are caught up in the web of astrology, horoscope or zodiac signs to know their fate, we are challenged to imitate Abram who undertook the risk to go to an unknown destination by taking a leap of faith trusting that the will of God will not take us where his grace cannot sustain us.  

 

2. Dispel Fear: By telling the three apostles, “Arise, do not be afraid,” Jesus invites us to the mountain of faith where we would be emboldened to overcome every kind of fear and face life issues headlong.

3. Have a Divine Encounter: Like the apostles Peter, James and John, Jesus calls us to leave our comfort zone of sin and complacency for a divine encounter with him.

4. Trust God: Rather than trusting in our wimps and caprices, we are urged to emulate the apostles who trusted in the Lord by following Jesus to the mountain. 

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

First Sunday of Lent, Year A – March 1, 2020

Readings: Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4.5-6ab12-13.14 and 17(R.3a); Romans 5:12-19 or Romans 5:12.17-19 & Gospel Matthew 4:1-11.

Theme:  Fighting Temptations!

“My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing” (Sirach 2:1).

Sunday Synopsis

Friends in Christ, today’s first reading (Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7) discloses the story of the abysmal fall of man. In the second reading, St. Paul reassures that although sin came to the world through one man, Adam salvation has been brought through one man, Jesus. The gospel (Matthew 4:1-11) amplifies the message of the two readings by inviting us to emulate Jesus, the bearer of the New Covenant who although was subjected to testing by Satan was able to give faith a fighting chance through wrestling the devil with the four interior empires of mindset, heartset, soulset and healthset to demonstrate that he is truly the Son of God.

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, Ash Wednesday ushered us into another Lenten Season – a Holy Season which invites us to prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Our liturgy presents us with the fall of Adam and the temptation of Jesus. The two narratives indicate that there are four interior empires which we must use wisely if we want to succeed in our spiritual journey. These are - mindset, heartset, soulset and healthset. Titled “Fighting Temptations,” this reflection shall scan through the readings for appropriate pastoral lessons. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Genesis 2:7-9;3:1-7) discloses the story of the abysmal fall of man. It narratives how Adam and Eve were deceived by the devil to eat the forbidden fruit. It also narrates how the tempter misled Eve who in turn convinced her husband to eat from the tree of life. Because they saw that the tree was pleasing to the eyes, they eat it. The text further reveals that they soon realized that they were naked and sewed fig-leaves to make lion-cloths for themselves.    

In the second reading (Romans 5:12-19), St. Paul reassures that although sin entered the world through one man, Adam, salvation has been brought through one man, Jesus. He emphasized that   Jesus will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. He surmised that just as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous.  

In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 4:1-11), Jesus the bearer of the New Covenant is being subjected to testing in the desert. Jesus is given three tests. In the instance, the devil tempted him to turn stones into bread but Jesus responded that “Man does not live on bread alone but by everyone word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” In the second test, Jesus was tempted to prove that he is God’s son by jumping from the pinnacle of the Temple because it is written that his angels would guard him lest he dash his foot against a stone (Cf. Psalm 91/90:11). Jesus replied: “You must not pit the Lord your God to the test.” In the third temptation, the devil promised Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth if only He would worship him. We are told that Jesus stood his ground by saying “You must worship the Lord your God and serve him alone.” At that, he gave the enemy a good fight through the four interior empires to demonstrate that he is truly the Son of God.

Four Types of Interior Empires

The cerebral author of the blockbuster book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, Robin Sharma tells us that there are four Interior Empires wherein lies the DNA of greatness. These are:

Mindset (Psychology): This has to do with how we dispose our minds psychologically to what happens to us on the inside. This relates to our readings today because the mind is the epicenter for temptations. That is where we can either nurse or fight temptations.  

Heartset (Emotionality): Like the mind, the heart is the engine room for good or bad. It is therein that we either nurture positive or negative emotions.  

Soulset (Spirituality): This pertains to our spirituality. The soul is what would account for our lives on earth. As such, how we feed it matters. The food for our souls include reading the Word of God, daily reception of the Holy Eucharist, patronizing the sacrament of reconciliation, prayer, fasting, almsgiving et al.     

Healthset (Physicality): This is where the battle of life is fought and either won or lost. All the other sets depend on healthset. You have to enjoy good health to have a sound mind, guided emotions and strong spirituality. As such, during this Lenten period, disciplining the body in terms of food and drink, exercise and leisure is crucial to fighting temptations. After all, experts have suggested that cutting down on sugar, dairy products and meat is key to living a healthy life. We have to be alive to worship God.  

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Have Custody of the Eyes: The temptation of Adam and Eve in the first reading and that of Christ in the gospel urges us to fight the lust of the eyes towards material possessions and other mundane-goodies of this world which often puts us in trouble.

2. Avoid the Sins of the Flesh: The temptation of Eve in the Garden and that of Christ in the wilderness challenges us to guard against the passions of the flesh such as gluttony, masturbation, fornication, adultery, bestiality, homosexuality and lesbianism.  

3. Resist the Pride of Life: Just as the devil wanted Adam and Eve to eat the forbidden fruit to become like God, Satan wanted Jesus to demonstrate his power by jumping from the pinnacle of the Temple – this calls the Christian to reject anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, presumption and useless boasting.

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

Seventh Sunday of the Year, A – February 23, 2020

Readings: Lev. 19:1-2, 17-18; Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 

1^st Cor. 3:16-23 & Gospel Mt 5:38-48.

Theme:  Being Paradoxical Heroes!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, in our society today, instead of entrenching the New World Order (NWO) of love inaugurated by Christ, some Christians have joined ranks with forces of evil in the world to propose a conspiracy theory of a secularist NWO which defers in intent and content with what Jesus offers us in the gospel. The current worldly NWO is the emergence of a totalitarian world government pioneered by a powerful elite which is secretive pushing a globalist agenda of eventually ruling the world. What is even more worrisome is that those behind it are a cabal which orchestrates important political and financial conspiracy policies in the world. 

Their aim is to cause systemic crises at both national and international levels with a ploy to achieving world domination through a secularist agenda of exaggerated feminism, celebration of man’s passions, unwarranted support for gay rights,  recruitment of others as illuminati, targeted persecution of Christians  and their values as well as the destruction of man’s body and soul. It is in the midst of these that Jesus calls us to be paradoxical heroes who would upturn the values of the world by going the extra mile to establish the NWO of love. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In our first reading (Lev. 19:1-2, 17-18), the Lord instructs Moses to relate to the people of Israel his message of love, anchored on holiness. He notes that this call to holiness has the appeal of loving kindness which eschews hatred for one’s brother or sister from the heart. The Lord goes ahead to prescribe fraternal correction, taking revenge, holding grudge against anyone and loving a neighbour as one’s self as prerequisite for holiness. 

In the second reading (1^st Cor. 3:16-23), St. Paul insists that we are God’s temple and his Holy Spirit lives amongst us. He also discloses that God would destroy anyone who destroys his temple (us) because we are sacred. The text charges the faithful to first of all try their best in preserving the body while allowing the owner (God) to do the rest.

Jesus reinforces the message of the first reading in the gospel (Mt. 5:38-48) wherein he upturns the thinking of society. In an unparalleled way, he entrenches a New World Order (NWO) which goes against the normal Eye for an eye, tooth for tooth. He insists that we should offer no resistance to the one who is evil, turn the other check to one who strikes us, offer our cloak to anyone who intends to go to law with us over our tunic, go two miles with a person who invites us for one, give to those who ask and never turn our backs on those who intend to borrow.     

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Do Not Hate: In a society where there is escalation in the formation of political, economic, cultural and intellectual jihad through strategic and systemic government policies against Christians, the first reading urges us to bear no hatred against our brothers and sisters but openly tell them their offense noting that this way, we will not take a sin upon ourselves.

2. Exact No Vengeance: In a world where Open Doors reported in 2019 that Christians are the most persecuted religious groups in the world who are oppressed in at least 60 countries, our liturgy reminds us that vengeance is the Lord’s.  

3. Bear No Grudge: Our liturgy calls us to emulate God who lets his sun to shine on both the good and the bad by bearing with the wicked until the end of time when God would reward good and punish evil.

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

Sixth Sunday of the Year, A – Feb 16, 2020

Readings: Sir 15:15-20; Responsorial Psalm Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34; 1^st Cor 2:6-10 & Gospel Mat. 5:17-37 or Mat. 5:20-22A, 27-28, 33-34A, 37.

Theme:  A Choice for God!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our liturgy reminds us that God does not force Himself or His Choices on us. It reveals that He respects our choices while making the implication of our actions very clear to us. To demonstrate His benevolence to the creators whom He cherishes and respects, God decided to put before them right and wrong, good and bad. He also lays out the implication of our choices which could make or mar us. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In our first reading (Sir. 15:15-20) Ben Sirach tells the people of Israel that God has placed before them two choices to be made. It further discloses that “…he has set before you fire and water to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand… life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” He adds that keeping the commandments of God would guide the people while trusting in Him would make them live. He also assures that God understands everyone’s deeds.

In the second reading, Saint Paul (1^st Cor. 2:6-10) maintains that we are dealing with a God who is rich in wisdom. He also relates that God reveals this wisdom to us through His spirit as the spirit scrutinizes everything, even His depths. Paul surmises that only a loving God would let us into His depths through His spirit leaving in us.

The gospel (Mat. 5:17-37) notes that it is up to us to shun mortal sins such as killing, adultery, lust, divorce and swearing. Therein Jesus instructs that He has not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it by establishing a new law of freedom which calls us to avoid scandal and eye-service so as to embrace genuine holiness. 

Types of Choices

1. Material Choices: In the daily events of our lives, we make choices – the choice to a better education; the choice of sustainable career, jobs and finances; the choice to healthy meals; the choice to good medical care; the choice to luxurious cars; the choice to state of the art mansions and the choice to finest clothing – the summary of our choices is that we often make good choices. However, most times, we fall short of making good choices for our faith. This brings us to the second type of choice at our disposal. 

2. Spiritual Choices: This is a deliberate choice for God; a choice for holiness; a choice for kindness and charity and a choice to receive the sacraments and be in full communion with Christ. Like Zac Poonen would say: “While on a plane, I discovered that the higher we ascended into the sky, the smaller things on the ground became. Eventually, I could no longer differentiate between ‘things of importance’ below me. The same ought to be in Christ. If the importance of material things aren’t growing smaller in your life, it is possible that you are not going higher in the Lord.” 

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. We Have Choices: To demonstrate His benevolence to creators whom He cherishes and respects, God puts before us right and wrong, good and bad and lays out the implication of our choices which could make or mar us.

2. God Respects Our Freedom: Because he respects our freedom, God does not control us like an operator with a remote-control in his hands.

3. We Cannot Escape God’s Wrath:  Although God respects our freedom, if we make wrong choices, we cannot escape his wrath.

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

Fifth Sunday of the Year, A – Feb 9, 2020

Readings: Is 58:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:4-5.6-7.8-9(4a); 1^st Cor. 2:1-5 &

Gospel Mat. 5:13-16.

Theme:  The Demands of Practical Religion

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today, Jesus presents us with salt and light as metaphors for practical religion. Our readings call us to let our “light break forth like the dawn” (Is. 58:7-10) by taking to the apostolate of the needy through ensuring that the hungry are feed, the naked are clothed and the homeless are sheltered. In the words of Bishop Peter Andrew Comensoli of Broken Bay Diocese, New South Wales, Australia, our liturgy charges to: “Wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness and love.” We shall scan through the readings for our Sunday recipe. 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 58:7-10), the Prophet Isaiah calls the people to share their bread with the hungry, shelter the homeless poor, clothe the naked and help their kith and kin. He challenges them to embrace integrity while assuring that anyone who shares his or her bread with the hungry and provides relief for the oppressed, would shine in the darkness and their shadows become like the noon.

In the second reading (1^st Cor. 2:1-5), St. Paul instructs that if we must succeed in letting our candle of faith burnt brightly, we ought to rely on the power of God. The Pauline message reminds us that it is the power of God at work in us that can help us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In summary, St. Paul prepares a template for Christians on why it is necessary for us to be children of light.

The gospel (Mat. 5:13-16) resounds the call to be light bearers. Therein, Jesus challenges his disciples to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. He explains the metaphor of salt and light by insisting that if salt loses its taste, it can no longer be seasoned or useful in any way but only to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. He also makes the point that no one lights a lamp and puts it under the bushel basket; instead, it is put on a lampstand where it gives light to everyone in the house. While he uses salt as seasoning which spices our faith for affirmative action, he indicates that light is the touch or candle that endlessly lights our way of faith. 

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Be Generous: The first reading (Is. 58:7-10) challenges us to embrace practical religion which feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless poor, clothes the naked and helps our kith and kin thus making our light shine in the darkness.

2. Be there for Others: By insisting that our light should shine in order that others may be drawn and give glory to the father, the Master wants us to use our life, time and resources for his service by letting the candle of our lives burn out for others. 

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

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – February 2, 2020.

Readings Mal. 3:1-4; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:7.8.9.10.(R.10bc);

 Heb. 2:14-18 &Gospel Lk. 2:22-40.

Theme: Being Present Before the Lord

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, I welcome you to the solemnity of the Presentation of the Lord. Today’s celebration urges us to reflect on the redemption (dedication) of Jesus and the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary after giving birth to her son in line with Jewish culture – a custom that most cultures have adopted for women after safe delivery. Although they had no need of redemption or purification, the example both Jesus and his mother sets the tone for our reflection titled: “Being Present Before the Lord.” 

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Mal. 3:1-4), the Prophet Malachi projects that the Lord would send his messenger to prepare a way for him as he finally enters his temple. He notes that the Angle of the Covenant is a purifier who would purify the Sons of Levi to offer him acceptable sacrifices even as the oblation of Judah is welcomed.   

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews (Heb. 2:14-18) reveals that as a compassionate and humble saviour, Christ shares equality with us to liberate us from the power of evil, fear and death. Since he is one like us in all things but sin, the reading maintains that he did that to atone for our sins and offer us salvation.    

The gospel (Lk. 2:22-40) presents us with the story of how the parents of Jesus took him to the Temple, (not Synagogue) to consecrate him to God as it is written in the Law of the Lord that: Every first born male must be consecrated to the Lord. The text disclosed that they took with them a pair of turtle doves and two young pigeons. Just then, moved by the Holy Spirit, Simeon, an upright man who looked forward to the consolation of Israel took the child in his arms and described him as the light of the gentiles and glory of Israel.

He also revealed that the child is destined for the fall and the rising of many in Israel and a sign that is rejected and a sword will pierce his (Jesus) mother’s heart so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. Luke assures that Mary bore everything in heart. On her part, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who was married for 7 years before her husband died and for 84 years has been in temple praying and fasting, spoke about him to all who looked forward to the redemption of Israel. After everything had been done, the child went with them to Nazareth and grew in maturity and wisdom as God’s favour was upon him. This brings us to the typology of “Presentation of the Lord in the Temple” in contemporary times:

Typology and Types of Presentation

Baptism: The first time we are “Presented in the Temple” is during the administration of the sacrament of baptism and the traditional child-dedication which follows in some dioceses. Little wonder, baptism which washes away original son, makes us children of God and members of the Church, is the first sacrament of Christian initiation which opens the way to other sacraments as well as our first place of encounter with God either as children or adults.

Holy Communion: The second time we are presented before the Lord is during the reception of First Holy Communion after we have been taught how to go for sacramental confession – here, we are spiritually disposed to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, the food of angels and food for heaven while calling God our Father during the Eucharistic sacrifice.

Confirmation: The third place we are presented before God is during confirmation. Through the Holy Oil of Chrism, we are empowered (in our youthfulness) to become soldiers of Christ so as to proclaim him without fear or favour. 

Holy Orders/Religious Profession: For priests and religious, answering the call of God to serve him in the priesthood or religious life becomes the fourth time they dedicate themselves through Sacred Ordination or perpetual vows (the example of Simeon and Anna suffices here). Through this, they dedicate their lives for fulltime ministry.

Holy Matrimony: For married couples, the fourth time they dedicate themselves to God is during the administration of the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Here, they exchange their consent before God and his Church to be there for each other until death do them part. 

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. Move to the Next Level: By presentation the Child Jesus in the Temple instead of a Synagogue, Mary and Jesus challenge us to move from our supposed level of comfort to the next level of spiritual heights as indicated in the first reading which indicates that the Lord would finally enter into his temple.

2. Catch them Young Christ: By presenting Jesus in the temple, Jesus’ parents have set an example for parents to take up the noble task of being what Lumen Gentium No 11 calls first heralds of the gospel to their children in the Domestic Church through ensuring that their kids get religious education.