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

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A – May 10, 2020.

Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; 1 Peter 2:4-9 & Gospel John 14:1-12.

Theme: Jesus Our Consolation, Our Destination

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading (Acts 6:1-7) tells us how the early apostles were able to sort out issues without wrangling or rancor occasioned by discrimination in the distribution of food through establishing the diaconate ministry. In the second reading (Peter 2:4-9) St. Peter reveals Jesus as the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God who charges us to be faithful to our baptismal vows as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people set apart. The Gospel (John 14:6) presents us with Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” In the face of COVID-19 epidemic, he invites us to follow him as the way, the truth and life bearing in mind that even if we lose our lives, our mansions are assured in heaven.

Introduction

Dearly beloved in Christ, before we understand Jesus’ paradigm and model of himself as the way, the truth and the life, it is crucial to recall some basics contained in the Penny Catechesis. The Church is divided into the Militant Church on earth, the Suffering Church in Purgatory and the Triumphant Church in heaven. As sojourners on earth, we the militant Church are pilgrims. Our target is heaven. But no one can get to a place unless he or she knows the way. No one can embark on a journey without an address, destination or direction. The first thing a taxi driver will ask you as you enter his car is, “where are you going to?” The second he will ask is, “where will you alight?”  It was in an attempt to answer these questions that Jesus clears the doubts of his apostles in the gospel with the words: “I am the way the truth and the life…” (John 14:6). In this reflection entitled “Jesus Our Consolation, Our Destination,” Jesus urges us to take our spiritual journey to the kingdom of God seriously. Ultimately, our liturgy suggests that we cannot get to the kingdom unless we know the way.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 6:1-7) tells how the early apostles were able to sort out issues without wrangling or rancor. Through an open door policy, dialogue and prayer, the apostles were able chose seven men of repute to help resolve the problem of discrimination of widows belonging to the Hellenists extraction by Hebrew women. This made them to concentrate on administration of the word and sacraments. We are told that the word of God continued to spread and the number of disciples and priests increased exponentially.  

In the second reading (Peter 2:4-9) St. Peter stresses that Jesus is the living stone rejected by men but chosen by God. He urges the faithful as a spiritual priesthood to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God. He assures that anyone who trusts in the Lord will not be disappointed. The Apostle surmised by referring to the faithful as a royal priesthood, a holy nation and a people set apart to sing the praises of God.

The Gospel (John 14:6) begins with Jesus’ words of encouragement to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s House…” The text captures the sober mood of the apostles as Jesus prepares to ascend to his father. He assures of eternal redemption noting that he is the way, the truth and the life to clear their doubts, especially Thomas’ and Philip’s inquiry. In the end, Jesus promised that the one who believes in him will perform greater works because he is going to the Father to continue his intercessory and redemptive role.  

Pastoral Lessons

1. Harness Charisms: By abdicating the role of equitable distribution of food between the Hebrews and Hellenists while they remain focused on administrating the word and sacraments, the early apostles are teaching us not to discriminate between people but harnesses different gifts and Charisms towards taking care of both the spiritual and physical needs of all vulnerable groups especially during this period of lockdown occasioned by COVID-19.    

2. Constitute a Holy Priesthood: The message of St. Paul in the second reading that the faithful should, like living stones, build themselves into a spiritual house and holy priesthood invites us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices unto God bearing in mind that by the virtue of our baptism, like Christ, we are priests, kings and prophets.

 3. Follow the Way: Since Jesus is the way, he wants us to know that without the way, there is no going which should convince us to follow Him along the royal road of the cross.

4. Make Him Your Way: Make a way for Jesus because he is the way for your family, business, finances, joblessness and sickness especially Coronavirus disease.

5. Know the Truth: In a world that is polarized by lies, fake news, propaganda and both disinformation and misinformation, Jesus reminds us that He is the TRUTH even as He challenges us to know that without the truth, there will be no knowledge and truth in the world.

6. Make Him Your Truth: Make him your truth from Sunday through Saturday as you struggle with how to feed your children, stay put at home and engage in domestic chores as well as personal hobbies within this difficult period.

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A: Vocation/Good Shepherd Sunday – May 3, 2020.

Readings: Acts 2:14,36-41; Ps 23:1-3a 3b-4, 5, 6; 1 Peter 2:20b-25 & Gospel – John 10:1-10.

Theme: Imitating the Good Shepherd

Summary Lines

The first reading reveals Peter’s edge-cutting homily on Pentecost which led to the repentance of about 3000 people. In the second reading, St. Peter urges us to imitate Jesus’ suffering and patience. The Gospel which describes Jesus as the Door of the Sheepfold warns us against going through another way. It assures that the shepherd will only open the door to those who listen to his voice. On Good Shepherd or Vocation Sunday, we pray for more vocations to the priestly and religious life even as we commit our missionaries on the fire-line to the care of God! 

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, the Fourth Sunday of Easter also known as Good Shepherd or Vocation Sunday invites us to measure our various vocations on the barometer of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The Catholic Church teaches that there are two vocations in the Church which the Penny Catechism refers to as Holy Matrimony and Holy Orders – Little wonder, they are called the Sacraments of Christian Vocation. Since sacraments are ladders for climbing to the heavens, it is important for the ministers of the word and sacrament to reassess their vocation. Members of the laity too who are grafted to the Lord by the virtue of their baptism into Christ are given another opportunity to reflect on their lives to see if the family is indeed the Domestic Church which incubates vocations to the priestly and religious life. Our reflection titled: “Fourth Sunday of Easter” aspires to provoke us to reflect on the standard set for us by our model, the Good Shepherd.  

  

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 2:14, 36-41) recounts how Peter gave an edge-cutting homily on Pentecost which led to the repentance and baptism of about 3000 people. It emphasizes that they repented of their sins and accepted the faith in fulfilment of the prophecies of old. It further revealed Peter’s testimony of the word thus: “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

In the second reading (1 Peter 2:20b-25), St. Peter calls the faithful to imitate Jesus’ patience by urging them to do right even if they have to suffer for it. He noted that although he did not commit any sin and no guile was found on his lips, when he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but trusted in the one who had the will to deliver him. Apostle Peter emphasized that he bore our sins in his body on the tree so that we might live for righteousness; he further assured that we are healed by his wounds - although we went astray, we are now back to the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls.

The Gospel reading (John 10:1-10) presents Jesus as the Door of the sheepfold. Therein, Jesus warns against going through another way other than the door; he assures that the shepherd will only open the door to those who listen to his voice and follow his lead.  He surmised: “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Pastoral Lessons

1. Seek the Holy Spirit: Pastors of souls are challenged to seek the Holy Spirit which has the power to make them preach edge-cutting homilies that are capable of changing multitudes as Peter did in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:8-12).

2. Seek Repentance:  Just as Peter’s audience repented and were baptised, there is no better time to make a metanio in our lives than during this Coronavirus pandemic when the world is in a slow motion of deaths, fear, anxieties, hunger, joblessness and seeming hopelessness.

3. Save Yourself: St. Peter was not oblivious of dissenting voices that was why he warned: “Save yourselves from this crooked generation – this advice is timely and worth pondering upon.

4. Be Patient: Apostle Peter urges that when we do right and suffer for it, we should take it patiently – this admonition makes a lot of sense to our many brothers and sisters who fell for the venom of COVID-19 for no fault of theirs – This is not a dead sentence; you shall come out victorious through Christ who strengthens us and heals all ailments.

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

Third Sunday of Easter, Year, A– April 26, 2020

Readings: Acts 2:14.22-33; Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2a.5.7-8.9-10.11(R.11a);  

1 Pet 1:17-21 & Gospel Luke 24:13-35.

Theme: Journeying with Christ!

Sunday Synopsis

Our first reading (Acts 2:14.22-33), reminds us about Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost which blamed the Jews for killing Jesus but assured that God raised him up and they are witnesses to his resurrection. The second reading (1 Pet 1:17-21) assures that God is an impartial judge stressing that we were redeemed not with futile things like silver and gold but with the precious blood of the lamb. The gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35) invites us to daily walk with Jesus through his living God like the two disciples whom he walked with, invited to stay over, explained the scriptures to and eventually opened their eyes at the breaking of the bread.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we continue witnessing to the resurrection of Christ, our liturgy presents Jesus as a Chief Catechist who catechised the two disciples on the way to Emmaus who recognised him at the breaking of bread. Events leading to the Emmaus story had been that of gloom for the disciples whose hopes were dashed at the scandalous death of their Lord and Master. Feeling that noting was left of the missionary enterprise, the apostles went back to their fishing profession. Little wonder Thomas was missing when the Lord came visiting. His doubt about Christ’s visible appearance confirms their state of mind at the Lord’s death.

In their discussion with Jesus, the Emmaus disciples made this disclosure: “We were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel;” they also noted that some of them also visited the tomb and found things as the women in their group had told them “but him they did not see” – they were presenting an uncertain scenario but Jesus changed the narrative. This sets the theme for our reflection titled: “Journeying with Christ.”   

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Acts 2:14.22-33), we are told that on the day of Pentecost, St. Peter challenged  the Jews for killing Jesus who was innocent and just by nailing him on the cross. He noted despite their wicked act, God raised him from the pangs of death. He maintained that they are witnesses to his (Jesus’) resurrection as the Holy Spirit gave them power.

The second reading (1 Pet 1:17-21) presents God as an impartial judge. Therein St. Peter reminds us that we were redeemed not with futile things like silver and gold but with the precious blood of the lamb. He indicated that this was destined for our sanctification noting that through him, we have confidence in God who raised him and gave him glory so that we might grow in faith and hope. 

The gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35) narrates the enthralling encounter between Jesus and the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. The disciples were discussing about the circumstances surrounding the unjust manner in which their people crucified the Lord when “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognising him.” H, however, used the opportunity to challenge their slowness to believe the prophets adding that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and enter into his glory. Going back to Moses and all the prophets, he catechised them concerning what referred to him in the whole of the scripture.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Journey to Emmaus: We must journey from Emmaus back to the “Jerusalem” of our places of work and domicile to proclaim that Christ is indeed risen as St. Peter charges us in the first and second readings (Acts 2:14.22-33 & 1 Pet 1:17-21).

2. Treasure the Word: This rare privilege of getting first hand catechesis from the Chief Catechist himself speaks to the heart of the importance of the Liturgy of the Word which is the first part of the celebration of Holy Mass that precedes the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

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

 Palm/Passion Sunday – April 5, 2020.

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

 Phil. 2:6-11 & Gospel – Matthew 26:14-27:66 Or 27;11-54.

Theme – Emulating the Lamb

Sunday Synopsis

In the first reading (Is. 50:4-7), the Prophet Isaiah presents a suffering servant who willingly offers his back to those who stroke him and his cheeks to those who tore at his beard. In the second reading (Phil. 2:6-11), St. Paul reveals Jesus as a humble servant who although was in the form of God, did not count equality with him a thing to be grasped. The gospel (Matthew 6:14-27:66) also emphasized that Christ faced his death as a humble servant who laid down his life for his sheep. Our liturgy calls us to emulate the lamb who emptied himself and took the form of a salve for our sanctification, glorification and redemption.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, another Passion Sunday is here again. Passion or Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. It reminds us of the messianic triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to face his blessed passion and so enter into his glory. Today’s liturgical ceremony is meant to concretize our hope. This is because palms are signs that we are willing to march with Jesus not only in moments of triumph and glory but also in times of fall and agony. As we go in procession with the palms today, we are urged to proclaim Christ as our messiah without fear. Our reflection titled: “Emulating the Lamb,” reveals how Christ went to the Cross like a lamb being led to the slaughter. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

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

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

The gospel narrative (Matthew 26:14-27:66) discloses the Passion of the Lord. It reveals how the Pharisees and elders of the people brought up all sorts of charges against Jesus. It further demonstrates that although Pilate was ready to set him free, the Jews who once praised him with palm branches in their hands shouted: “crucify him, crucify him.” In the end, we are told that Pilate handed him over to them. Matthew also emphasized that Christ faced his death as a humble servant who laid down his life for his flock. 

Three Theological Insights About Passion Sunday

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

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

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

While our liturgy reveals Jesus as the Lead Actor in this tragic episode, other actors or extras can be viewed as prisoners: (a) Pilate was imprisoned by his own weakness; (b) Priests (The High) were controlled not by the Truth but by their lust for Jesus’ blood; (c) Peter was imprisoned by his own weakness and (d) Judas ended his life as the prisoner of his helplessness.

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

1. There’s No Pain Without Gain: Those in any kind of difficulty are encouraged to remember that there can never pain without gain, seat without sweet.

2. There’s No Vanquish Without a Victor: Christians like Leah Sharibu, the only Dapchi abducted Schoolgirl who is still in the hands of Boko Haram because she refused to be converted to Islam face persecution are urged to remember that there can be no vanquish without a victor and tomb without triumph.

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

Fifth Sunday of Lent Year, A – March 29, 2020

Readings: Ezekiel 37:12-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 130:1-2.3-4.5-7a.7b-8.(R.7b); 

Rom. 8:8-11 & Gospel Jn. 11:1-45.

Theme: Resurrect that Dream!

Sunday Synopsis

Today, the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:12-14) encourages the remnant of Yahweh by assuring that God will restore their land. In the second reading (Rom. 8:8-11), St. Paul distinguishes between Sarkinos and Pneumatikos - flesh and Spirit while warning: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” The Gospel (Jn. 11:1-45) presents us with the raising of Lazarus to life after four days of being in the tomb. It narrates how many of the Jews who witnessed the extraordinary event believed in Jesus. In summary, our liturgy reveals Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life (Jn.11:25) who is able to do much more than we can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20).

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, as we gradually draw close to Easter, God invites us to a spiritual renewal. Today’s liturgy calls us to reverse from a life of sin to the life of the spirit. It indicates that this requires a requisite faith on our part to hear Jesus speaking to us through the daily events of our lives. St. Paul indicates that: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” Interestingly, in the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead, Mary and Martha brought their sadness to the Lord who transformed it into a faith-experience. Our reflection presents us with Mary and Marta who knew that they could not do anything about their brother’s death except bringing the matter to Jesus who did the extraordinary, to do same.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Ezekiel 37:12-14) tells us about the Prophet Ezekiel, a priest of the temple of Jerusalem. History reveals that he lived around 597 BC and was deported from Babylon with King Joachim alongside the first deportees. The prophet sings redemption song as the people count their blessings wrought about by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Ezekiel encourages the remnant of Yahweh by promising them that God will restore their land: “Behold I will open their graves and raise you from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you home into the land of Israel” (Ez. 37:12). This message of hope is even clearer in Verse 25 of Ezekiel 37. The message is a prelude to the gospel narrative wherein Jesus restores Lazarus to life as we shall soon discover.

In the second reading (Rom. 8:8-11), St. Paul distinguishes between Sarkinos and Pneumatikos - flesh and Spirit. This resonates with what he lists elsewhere as the works of the flesh - immorality, impurity, and shamelessness; idol worship and magic, hatred, jealousy and violence; anger, ambition, division, factions and envy, drunkenness, orgies and the rest (Galatians 5:19-21). It surmises that those who dwell in the flesh cannot please God. Conversely, in Galatians 5:22-23, he gives the fruits of the spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.

The Gospel (Jn. 11:1-45) presents us with the story of the raising of Lazarus after four days of being in the tomb. It relates that Lazarus who was ill had two sisters, Mary and Martha. Recall that Jesus was a family-friend. John proves this point when he said that Jesus loved them but did not come immediately when he learnt about the young man’s illness – he stayed two more days. By the time he showed up, Lazarus had passed on. He had told his disciples that Lazarus was resting and assured that he was going to wake him up. It relates that both Mary and Martha believed that if Jesus were there, their brother would not have died. It also reveals that although Jesus cried at the dead of Lazarus, he led his family to believe so as to see the glory of God. After he told the people around to remove the stone, he prayed and called Lazarus out; the dead man came out. He ordered those present to unbind the bandaged man and let him go. We are told that many of the Jews who witnessed the extraordinary event believed in Jesus.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Rely on God’s Spirit: Do not spend your life in the graveyard of quilt dealing with the corpses of the past – instead, rely on God’s Spirit to help you know when things are dead in your life so as to know when to release them.

2. Bury the Past: Chances are that if you continue to work with the dry bones of dead issues like self-doubt and guilt of the past, you too, will begin to decay – since no amount of work can resuscitate a corpse, all you need to do is to sign the dead certificate of those issues; bury the past and let it rest in peace.

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year A (Laetare Sunday) – March 22, 2020

Readings: 1 Sam 16:1b,6-7,10-13a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-3a.3b-4.5.6(R.1);

 Eph. 5:8-14 & Gospel Jn. 9:1-14 Or Jn. 9:1.6-9.13-17.34-38.

Theme: God Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong!

Sunday Synopsis

Laetare (rejoice) Sunday is considered as a day of relaxation from the normal rigors of Lent as Easter is insight. The first reading (1 Sam 16:1b,6-7,10-13a) recounts how God shows preference for the youngest son of Jesse, David amidst his older siblings. In the second reading (Eph. 5:8-14) St. Paul urges the faithful to be to be sons and daughters of light through living in complete goodness. The gospel (Jn. 9:1-14) tells how Jesus turned the darkness of lack of sight suffered by the blind man, Bartemaeus into a life-changing experience. Our liturgy urges us to rejoice as the Easter Season approaches.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is Laetare or Rejoice Sunday. The fourth Sunday of Lent is referred to as Laetare Sunday because the Latin words of the Introit “Laetare Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem) from Isaiah 66:10 appears in the entrance antiphon at Mass in the Western Christian Liturgical Calendar. As we continue our annual Lenten Observances of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, the Church bids us rejoice because our redemption is near. Laetare Sunday is considered as a day of relaxation from the normal rigors of Lent as Easter is insight. Traditionally, weddings which are usually discouraged during the period of Lent are performed on Laetare Sunday. To further authenticate “Rejoice Sunday,” servants were released from their Master’s Service to visit their mothers which is why in some Churches, Mothering Sunday is held on this day.

Background and Summary of the Readings 

The first reading (1 Sam 16:1b,6-7,10-13a) recounts how God shows preference for the youngest son of Jesse, David amidst his older siblings. The favour God shows to David is also demonstrated in the lives of the Israelites who despite being a small nation enjoyed divine blessings to the dismay of Gentile nations like Egypt and Babylon (Deut 7:7-8). In the end, we are told that the boy of fresh complexion with fine eyes and pleasant bearing was anointed with the horn of oil where he stood with his brothers and the spirit of God rested upon him from that day forward.

In the second reading (Eph. 5:8-14), St. Paul urges the faithful to be to be sons and daughters of light through living in complete goodness, right living and truth. He encourages believers to discover what is right and keep at it even as they avoid the futile works of darkness. He also invites them to expose evil and stop doing things in secret as these are things that people are often ashamed of. He notes that anything that is exposed by light is illuminated and anything illuminated turns into light. Paul surmised thus: “Wake up from your sleep, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  

The gospel (Jn. 9:1-14) tells how Jesus turned the darkness of lack of sight suffered by the blind man, Bartemaeus into a life-changing experience. His disciples had insinuated that the man was born blind because he or his parents had sinned. Jesus rebuked them and indicated that he is the light of the world. he then went ahead to make paste with his spittle to put into the man’s eyes with the order: “Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam.” The text disclosed that the man obeyed and came back with his sight restored. It also revealed how the man born-blind, first referred to Jesus as “the man” (Vs11) then, “Prophet” (Vs17) and “man of God” (Vs33) before he finally called Him “Lord” (Vs38). Apparently, the blind man’s faith grew from the ordinary to the extraordinary because he knew what he wanted and he went for it believing that he would get it - he also knew he was a no-body but Jesus was going to make him whole again.

Pastoral Lessons

1. God Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong: God’s preference for the youngest son of Jesse, David amidst his older siblings demonstrates that God has a way of making small things great and the fact that sometimes he chooses the weak to shame the strong.

2. God Looks at the Heart: We must realize that “God does not see as human beings see; humans look at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam.16:7).

3. God Loves Children of Light: In the second reading, Paul challenges us to wake up from our sleep; rise from the dead and let Christ shine on us for God loves children of light. 

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.