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

January 6, 2019.

Epiphany of the Lord

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: Celebrating Christ, Our Star!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today we celebrate the Epiphany otherwise known as the manifestation of Jesus to the world. On this day, the Church celebrates a miniature Christmas because the Magi represent humanity in following the star of Bethlehem to not only identify the Lord but present Him gifts and worship Him as Lord.

The word Epiphany comes from the Greek Epiphania, which denotes the visit of God to earth. The celebration reveals Christ as the Son of God. Most importantly, it unites three events in the life of Christ namely 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. As it were, the Epiphany prepares the faithful for the second coming of Christ in glory. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Isaiah 60:1-6) from the prophet Isaiah discloses how everyone in Sheba would offer gold and incense to God while singing His praises - A clear testimony that the nations and kings have come to the light of the world. As it were, the reading is a forecast of how the Magi would be led by the star of Bethlehem to where the saviour is born. Interestingly, the prophecy of old takes flesh in the gospel (Matthew 2:1-12).

Aside from the exciting revelation of the Magi in the gospel, the reading tells us how sensible the wise men were in not returning to Herod who wanted to eliminate the child Jesus. Accordingly, they went through another way leaving Herod with his wicked plans on-hatched. 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.

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

Pastoral Lessons

1. Celebration of God as Man: Epiphany denotes the visit of God to the earth, the divine wedding of Christ with humanity and the fact that great things happen when God mixes with men – “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.”

2. Celebration of 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. 

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

The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 

the Mother of God – January 1, 2019.

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: Mary’s Motherhood & the Need for World Peace.

Introduction

Today being 1^st January 2019 is the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. Incidentally too, today is the “World Day of Peace” – a celebration that was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 as a day in which the Mass for peace is said throughout the Catholic world.  Our reflection today prepares our minds to learn from Mary’s school of love and fidelity to God’s will. Theotokos which means Mary as Mother of God being one of the dogmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary prepares us as her children to respond to the will of God. 

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 dependable and 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 being 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.

In a related development, the Blessed Virgin Mary kept everything that was said about her Son pondering it in her heart as the gospel (Luke 2:16-21) relates. The visit of the shepherds and the circumcision as well as the naming of Jesus does not only indicate how God mixes with men but how men must cooperate with the will of God for divine realities to be made manifest. The generosity of Joseph and Mary in showing their Son to the shepherds is something that we should think about.

What is a Dogma?

A dogma is the official teaching of the Catholic Church pertaining to faith and morals proclaimed by the Magisterium (the teaching body of the Church) through the Roman Pontiff which is binding 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).          

         

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

December 30, 2019.

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Readings: 1 Sam 1:20-22.24-28; Responsorial Psalm 84:2-3.5-6.9-10(R.5a); 

1 Jn 3:1-2.21-24 & Gospel Luke 2:41-52.

Theme: Overcoming the Challenges of the Family.

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. It gives us another opportunity to reflect on the family towards finding a panacea to the factors militating against this most ancient but noble institution. Based on our liturgical readings, we shall consider the background of the readings, the fourfold functions of the family as well as possible solutions to contemporary challenges facing marriage and the family. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Sam 1:20-22.24-28) recounts the story of Hannah and Elkanah. The aged parents had no child. Hannah was constantly in the presence of the Lord at Shiloh asking for the gift of a child. “…I will bring him and present him before the lord and he shall stay there forever” she had promised. When the Lord fulfilled his promise, this virtuous woman did not waste time in going to Shiloh to present her child to God in fulfilment of the vow she made to him.

In the second reading (1 Jn 3:1-2.21-24), Saint John informs that we are God’s children because the Father has lavished so much love upon us. He notes that when he is revealed, we shall see him as he truly is. It stresses that as God’s children, we ought to be guided by our conscience through keeping his commandments and overcoming every kind of fear even as we love one another bearing in mind that God’s Spirit lives in us.  

The gospel (Luke 2:41-52) tells the story of how Jesus got missing in Jerusalem during the feast of Passover at the age of 12. It recounts how his parents found him in the Temple sitting among the doctors, listening to them, asking them questions and how all those who heard him were astounded at his intelligent replies. His mother expressed worry but the child Jesus told them that he was about his father’s affairs. It notes that he followed them to Nazareth and lived under their authority. The gospel concludes that while Mary stored all those things in her heart, the child Jesus increased in wisdom, stature and favour before God and men. 

Fourfold Functions of the Family

In the light of our celebration, we will outline the fourfold functions of the family as given by Pope Saint John Paul II in Familiaris Consortio (1981, no.17) which include:

1. Forming a Community of Persons:  Every ideal family is formed by a community of persons namely father, mother and children.

2. Serving Life: Since married couples are open to accepting children lovingly from God, Christian marriage serves life. Parents also serve life because they are co-creators.

3. Participation in the Development of Society: The family has an indispensable role to play in the society in that parents work to contribute to the growth of society and give their children civic and religious education thus preparing them to be responsible members of the society.

4. Sharing in the Life and Mission of the Church: By bringing their children for baptism and dedication, parents share in the life and mission of the Church by walking the talk and preparing their children to do same. 

Pastoral Application

On the feast of Holy Family, I would like us to provide panacea to what the Fathers of the Church described as socio-cultural crisis faced by the family which are painfully the basic cell of society (Synod of Bishops, 2015, nos. 5, 6 & 7) not only in the African context but globally which I highlighted in my book “Couples Clinic.”. These are: 

1. Overcoming the Danger of Troubling Individualism: In a world where there is a growing danger of troubling individualism which deforms family bonds and ends up making each component of the family as an isolated unit, leading, in some cases, to the idea that a person is formed according to his own desires, which are considered absolute, couples are invited to over the troubling danger of individualism.

2. Checkmating the Crisis of Faith: In the face of crisis of faith among a great number of Catholics which often underlies crisis in marriage and the family leading to mass exodus Catholics out of the Church, family members are urged to checkmate the anomaly.

3. Rising above the Challenge of Loneliness: The Synod Fathers observed that many people are suffering from loneliness which arises from the absence of God in their lives leading to the fragility of relationships and so, couples are called to rise above the challenge of loneliness.

4. Defeating Poverty and Unemployment: In the face of increasing instances of poverty and unemployment in the workplace as well as the real nightmare of overwhelming financial difficulties which not only discourage the young from marrying but creates a general feeling of powerlessness in the face of socio-cultural realities that oftentimes end in crushing families, families are urged to defeat poverty and unemployment. 

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C –Dec 23, 2018.

Readings: Micah 5:1-4; Hebrews 10:5-10; Gospel Luke 1:39-44.

Theme: Closing Advent by Recognising the First Tabernacle!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today is the fourth and last Sunday of Advent. For four Sundays, we have been given the chance to prepare spiritually for the celebration of Christmas. Our liturgy starts with the message of hope as it navigates through its fulfillment in Christ who came to do the will of God. It ends with a call on us to prepare our minds by recognizing Jesus who is coming at Christmas in Mary’s womb, the First Tabernacle. 

 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Micah 5:1-4) presents us with the assurances of the Prophet Micah to the people that out of Bethlehem, least of the clans of Judah will be born one who would rule over Israel and restore their fortunes. He goes further to state that in his days, the remnant of Yahweh will return as the Lord feeds his flock with power. He concludes that the people will live secure and peaceful as the Lord extends his dynasty to the ends of the earth.

In the second reading (Hebrews 10:5-10), the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews tells us that Christ came to offer himself for us once for all to be holy. He emphasizes that he takes no delight in oblations, holocausts and sacrifices for sins but obedience to the will of God which he demonstrated by coming into the world.

The gospel (Luke 1:39-44) recounts the glorious visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her kinswoman Elizabeth. Saint Luke reveals how Mary’s greeting made the child in the womb of Elizabeth leap for joy. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 

Pastoral Application

Our pastoral lessons are drawn from the commentary of Saint Ambrose on Saint Luke's Gospel concerning the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary which we read today:]

1. God Favours the Humble: The assurances of the Prophet Micah to the people that out of Bethlehem, least of the clans of Judah will be born one who would rule over Israel and restore their fortunes demonstrates that God always favours the humble.

2. Obedience is Better than Sacrifice: The message of the letter to the Hebrews that Christ takes no delight in oblations, holocausts or sacrifices for sins but obedience to the will of God which he demonstrated by coming into the world challenges us to always desire to do the will of God.

3. God’s Word Comes to Fruition: By announcing something that was as yet hidden through the angel Gabriel, God urges us to relax because his word concerning us would be fulfilled.

4. Miracles of Others Evoke Faith in Us: Just as the angel’s message to the Virgin Mary that her kinswoman Elizabeth had conceived served to evoke faith in her, we are reminded that God enables miracles in the lives of our friends, nieghbours or family members to teach us that he has not passed us – meaning that our miracle is on the way.

5. Everything is Possible with God: The conception of an old sterile woman, Elizabeth assures that nothing is possible to God – Not even your deadly disease, poor finances or sins can prevent God from doing the needful in your life.

6. Trust in God Wins his Favour: We are challenged to emulate Mary who did not disbelieve the angle’s prophecy but was certain that God would fulfill that which he has promised.

7. Sharing what God does for us Increases Blessings: Because the Blessed Virgin Mary was eager to travel to the hill country of Judah to share the good news with cousin, we are encouraged to share God’s goodness in our lives with others as this increases blessings.

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

Third Sunday of Advent, Year C – Gaudete Sunday – Dec 16, 2018.

Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-18; Philippians 4:4-7; Gospel Luke 3:10-18.

Theme: Be Content & Joyful!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is Gaudete Sunday – A day in which the Church invites us to be joyful as we await the coming of the Lord at Christmas. Our reflection titled “Be Content & Joyful” disposes us to access our preparation whether it is on the material or spiritual side. As usual, we shall consider the meaning of Gaudete, the background and summary of the readings, Pastoral application and homiletic quotes to remember. 

The Meaning of Gaudete

In the spirit of our common celebration, it is important to understand what Gaudete Sunday stands for. Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday invites us to be joyful in the Lord at all times. 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. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Zephaniah 3:14-18), the Prophet Zephaniah brings tidings of great joy to the people of Israel. He invites them to “rejoice and exult.” He equally assures the people that the Lord has repealed their sentence and driven their enemies away noting that they “have no more evil to fear.” The prophet stresses that the Lord will exult with joy over his people and he will renew his love for them even as they dance for joy in the day of festival.\

The second reading (Philippians 4:4-7) is connected to the theme of being joyful - Therein St. Paul assures the Philippians that all he wants is their happiness. He further notes: “Let your tolerance be evident to everyone, the Lord is very near.” He urges that the people should not worry but pray for anything they need. He also maintains that the community ought to ask God for their needs in prayer and thanksgiving so that the peace of God which surpasses all that we can comprehend will guard their hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus.      

  

The gospel narrative (Luke 3:10-18) recounts the encounter between John the Baptist and his audience. It tells how the people asked John what they needed to do to be saved. Accordingly, John tasked them on charity by asking them to share their clothing and food with the needy. While he told tax collectors to exact no more than the actual rate, he charged soldiers not to intimidate people and to be content with their pay. It further emphasizes on John’s call to repentance due to the feeling of expectancy which grew among the people. John told the people that someone greater than he was coming who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. 

Pastoral Application

1. Joy Comes from the Lord: In a society where temporal goods of the earth promise fake joy, the word of the Lord assures that true joy comes from the Lord. 

2. Joy Comes from Victory Over Enemies: Just as the Prophet Zephaniah notes that the Lord would repeal the sentence of his people and drive their enemies, the message of Gaudate Sunday assures that the Lord would repeal the sentence over our lives even as he dislodges our foes.

3. Joy Removes Fear:  In the face of commercial-kidnapping, killer herdsmen and Boko Haram, the Lord assures that we would enjoy everlasting joy which is why he encourages us thus: “You have no more evil to fear.”

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

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C – December 09, 2018.

Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 125:1-6;

Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Gospel Luke 3:1-6.

Theme: Prepare a Way for the Lord!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, on the second Sunday of Advent, we are challenged on preparing a way for the Lord. At the heart of any endeavour is preparedness. I recall that during the military era in Nigeria, when the head of state or sole administrator was visiting your state or local government, the school was literally closed down for a week. The cleaning of the environment was intense that we were made the wash walls. There was also the uncanny practice of painting stress and stones which separated the lawns. On the D-Day, we usually got to school very early. Five or six hours before president or sole admin arrived, we stood in long queues with our teachers waiting and singing the schools anthem or other songs. The feeling was electric because our excitement knew no bounds. 

Our liturgy presents us with a similar scenario of preparing for the coming of Christ. The popular saying goes, “failure to prepare is planning to fail.” This is why advent prepares us for a blessed Christmas season. Our reflection shall scan through the background and summary of the readings, pastoral application and homiletic points to remember.

 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Baruch 5:1-9), God tells the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Prophet Baruch to remove the dress of sorrow and distress so as wrap themselves with the cloak of integrity. He assures that the Lord would show their splendor to every nation under heaven. The Prophet also charges that he would flatten each high maintain and fill the valleys to make the ground so that Israel can walk in safety. He concludes that God would guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory with his mercy and integrity.

The second reading (Philippians 1:4-6,8-11) recounts how St. Paul urged the Philippians to increase in knowledge and deepening in perfection. He encourages them on the principles of holiness by urging them to be blameless towards reaching perfection.      

In like manner, the Gospel (Luke 3:1-6) tells the story of how St. John went through the whole of the Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Apparently, it was a fulfilment of the Prophesy of Isaiah: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be straightened and rough roads made smooth. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.”

The Salesmen Narrative

A story is told of two salesmen who were sent to an island to sell shoes. The first salesman, upon arrival, was shocked to realize that no one wore shoes. Immediately, he sent a message to his home office in Chicago saying, “I will return home tomorrow. No one wears shoes.” The second salesman was thrilled by the same realization. Immediately he wired his home office in Chicago saying, “Please, send me 10,000 shoes. Everyone here needs them.”

This story mirrors society. Most times, some persons view world in terms of SUNSET while others see it was SUNRISE. Although top government officials such as Tiberius Caesar of Rome, Pontius Pilate Governor of Judea, Herod and Phillip Terach of Galilee and Ituraea as well as Annas and Caiaphas were mentioned in the gospel, only John the Baptist allowed himself to be sued by God for a just and holy course. 

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. Embracing Mercy and Integrity: As we approach Christmas, our liturgy urges us to use this period of Advent to demonstrate mercy to those at the margins of society as we showcase integrity. 

2. Putting on the Diadem of Glory: In a world where fame and fortune are the in-thing, we are urged to put on the diadem of God’s glory which entails holding our heads high through lofty engagements rather than mundane actions.