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

Eighteenth Sunday of Year, C – August 4, 2019.

Readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23; Responsorial Psalm Ps 89:3-6,12-14,17; Colossians 3:1-5,9-11; Gospel Luke 12:13-21.

Theme: Being Rich in the Sight of God

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today’s charge of “Vanity of vanities,” by Qoheleth the preacher and that of Jesus which invites us to be “rich in the sight of God” calls for sober reflection. We are living in a world where some Christians behave as if they would not die. Perhaps we have not come to terms with the reality that we live in time and space but God exists outside time and space. What this implies is that, we are corporeal, mortal and finite. There is a time to be born and a time to die (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). This is what Archbishop Gabriel Ganaka of Blessed memory calls the “Hatch” and the “Dispatch.” The thrust of our reflection today is that this world is transient and so we are. Therefore, our reflection shall draw practical lessons from the warning of Qoheleth and the story of the Rich Fool as presented by Jesus.  

Background & Summary of the Readings

The preacher, Qoheleth tells us in the first reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2,2:21-23) that all is vanity. He maintains that even though a person labours hard through wise, skillful and successful ways, he or she must leave that toil to someone who has not toiled for it all. He further reveals that, apparently, the toil and strain under the scourging sun, the laborious days, the cares of office and restless nights of such a person amounts to great injustice. Qoheleth surmises that these amount to vanity.   

In the second reading (Colossians 3:1-5,9-11), St. Paul urges the faithful to look for the things that are in heaven where Christ is not on the things that are on earth. He uses the death of Christ as a focal point for the Christian to kill everything that is earthly: fornication, impurity, guilty passion, evil desires and especially greed which is described as “worshipping of a false God.” He charges that Christians should put on “a new self” which does not discriminate but unite all. 

The gospel (Luke 12:13-21) reveals the consequences of greed. It narratives how Jesus, in responding to man who wanted him to intervene in an inheritance tussle with his brother, gave the parable of the Rich Fool to drive home a point about the vanity of being fixated about material possessions. He tells how after a bumper harvest the man in the parable thought of pulling down his store and building bigger ones. He also said to himself: “My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time.” But God decided to call him that night. At that Jesus asked, whose will his hoard be? He then concludes: “So it is when a man stores up treasure for himself in place of making himself rich in the sight of God.”

Four Sins of the Rich Fool

1. Pride: The first sin of the Rich Fool as deduced from the gospel text is that, he did not acknowledge God for a bumper harvest. He attributed his plentiful harvest to his wisdom and so, he excluded God from his future plans which were cut short.

2. Avarice: The man was avaricious which constituted his second sin. He did not think of the poor or needy people around him. In his plan of enjoyment, he did not include family, friends and nieghbours. As such, his plan of enjoyment could not see the light of day.

3. Debauchery: His third sin was the wet appetite he had for having it cool by eating, drinking and having a good time. He had mapped out a plan for licentiousness and a life of debauchery. Sadly, that ended as a dead wish.    

4. Senselessness: Fourthly, his sin was that while he was wise in the things of the world, he was foolish in the sight of God. If he was not “wise,” he wouldn’t have had a bumper harvest. Although he was diligent in his toil and strain under the sun, he was senseless in divine realities.  

Practical Lessons

1. Seek Divine Wisdom: The first reading teaches us to always seek divine wisdom which would turn our “toil, strain, cares of office and restless nights” into moments of grace by being sensible in divine realities through being foolish in the sight of men and wise in the sight God as the gospel indicates.

2. Attribute Everything to God: We are called upon to attribute every of our success to God as doing that would help us to view the seeming “great injustice” of leaving our property to others who didn’t work for it as an opportunity to move to a new world where the material is transformed into something indescribable.

3. Live An Impactful Life: In a world where some parents steal or kill to amass wealth for their children, Qoheleth charges that we live impactful lives such that our children would grow in virtue after we are gone because the houses and cars parents think they are leaving for their children would be obsolete tomorrow. 

4. Look for the Things of Heaven: In a world where your social relevance is measured according to your cash or coat, St. Paul urges us to look for the things that are in heaven where Christ is not on the things that are on the earth which are fleeting.

5. Do Not Worship a False God: We are challenged to shun avarice or greed which St. Paul described as “worshipping of a false God” as that is the shortest way of compromising our faith – the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10).

6. Resist the Sins of the Flesh: St. Paul insists that we kill everything that is earthly namely, fornication, impurity, guilty passion and evil desires by putting up “a new self” otherwise, we would not make heaven.

7. Shun Inheritance Tussle: In a country where there are rising cases of brothers killing each other because of land or other related family inheritance issues, we are urged to avoid bad blood about issues surrounding inheritance because nobody would take a dime with him or he when they die.

8. Live a Balanced Life: Unlike the Rich Fool in the gospel text who was engrossed in planning for a life of debauchery, we are to have a balanced kind of spirituality which sees having it cool through eating, drinking and having a good time as a way of praising God.

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. The preacher, Qoheleth tells us in the first reading that all is vanity.

2.  In the second reading, St. Paul urges the faithful to look for the things that are in heaven where Christ is.

3.  The gospel reveals the consequences of greed.

4. But God decided to call him that night.

5. Be rich in the sight of God - store up treasures for yourselves in heaven. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, we are called upon to shun pride, avarice, debauchery and a senseless attitude which makes us wise in the things of the world and foolish in the sight of God. Like the Rich Fool, we may be proficient and efficient in one thing or the other in life but the question is, would that lead us to eternal life? This is why the scripture says: “Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and woodworm destroy them and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor woodworm destroys them and thieves cannot break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20). Therefore, make concerted efforts to be rich in the sight of God. May God help us to store up treasures for ourselves in heaven. Amen!

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

Seventeenth Sunday of Year, C – July 28, 2019.

Readings: Gen. 18:20-32; Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2a.2bcd-3.6-7ab.7a-8 (R.3a); 

Colossians 2:12-14; Gospel Luke 11:1-13.

Theme: Persistence in Prayer

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our liturgy today challenges us to be persistent in prayer. As our own telephone conversion with God, prayer involves perseverance. This is because it is not all that we ask God of that he grants us. Sometimes, even when God answers our prayers, he does it in a different way. Besides, God does not always answer us immediately. What this means is that prayer demands both persistence and perseverance. Our reflection aspires to present a summary of the readings, the various forms of prayer, few examples of persistence and pastoral lessons.    

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Gen. 18:20-32), Abraham bargains with God concerning Sodom and Gomorrah. Their sins were grievous and the outcry against them was is huge. Therefore, Abraham stood in the breach for them by intervening. He asked God if there were 50 people will he destroy the city? God said no – Abraham said, how about 45? God said he would spare the people. When Abraham argued in favour of 30 - God obliged that we won’t destroy the people. He did the same thing for 20 and 10 and God replied that he would not destroy the people because of the few righteous ones. 

In the second (Colossians 2:12-14), St. Paul reveals that Christ has cancelled every record of the dept that we were to pay by nailing it on the cross. He maintains that we have been buried with Christ at out baptism and raised with him through our belief in the power of God who raised him from the dead. Paul surmises that we were dead because of sin and lack of circumcision but Christ brought us to life in him through the forgiveness of our sins.    

The gospel reading (Luke 11:1-13) narrates how Jesus taught the disciples how to pray. It tells how Jesus gave them the “Our Father” as a benchmark for Christian prayer. Therein, Jesus gave the story of a person whose friend comes in the middle of the night to ask for 3 loaves because a friend had just arrived and he has nothing in the house. He continued that if the friend answers from inside and says, the door is bolted, my children are asleep and I cannot get up, persistence would make him grant his friend’s request even if friendship does not. 

With this, Jesus said: “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him. He goes ahead to argue that which father would give his son a stone if he asked for a bread? Or hand him a snake instead of a fish? Or give him a scorpion for an egg? He ends by saying, if human beings who are evil know how to give their children good things, how much will the father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him. 

Forms of Prayer

The three forms of prayer in the Catholic Church are latria, hyperdulia and dulia. We shall highlight them thus: 

Latria

As a form of prayer, Latria has Greeco-Latin roots. It is the highest form of prayer in the Catholic Church. It is the worship that is reserved to God who alone is to be adored, worshipped and glorified. It establishes communion between God and humanity. The celebration of Holy Mass which involves thanksgiving, petition, supplication and adoration is the best example of Latria. 

Hyperdulia

This is the veneration and honour which the Church gives to the Blessed Virgin Mary because of her Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity and unique role in the mystery of salvation. This is what gives her primacy over the Saints because “God prepared her before hand to be the worthy mother of his son.” She assists the Pilgrim Church as well as the Church in purgatory through her glorious intercession by communicating their intentions directly to her son. May and October Devotions, Litany of the Saints and other Marian Prayers fall into this category.

Dulia

From its Greek origin, the term Dulia means the veneration given to the Saints. It is the honour given to the Saints through seeking their intercession before God. Examples of Dulia include, the veneration of the Saints and other intercessory prayers which invokes their causes. 

Examples of Personages who Practiced Persistence

Jacob: In his encounter with an angel, Jacob said: “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen 32:26). This is a clear example of persistence. 

Moses: In the fight between the Israelites and Amalekites, whenever the hand of Moses was lifted up, Israel won but if it fell, Amalek gained victory (Exodus 17:11). This shows persistence and perseverance.    

St. Monica: It took St. Monica years of tears and ceaseless prayer for her one-time wayward son Augustine, for God to grant her prayers. Accordingly, her son was moved by the sermon of St. Ambrose to become a Christian. Through her persistent prayer, Augustine did not only become a changed person but a priest rising to the rank of a bishop. 

St. Rita of Cascia: Born in 1381, in central Italy, St. Rita of Cascia wanted to become a nun but her parents married her off at the age of 12.  For 18 years, she was in an abusive and miserable marriage until her persistence in prayer and faith brought about a change in her husband who eventually died leaving her with two sons. Rita was persistent in prayer and faith and eventually was admitted into the convent where she became a nun. “Until her death in 1457, she spent her time praying for sinners, for the suffering, for those in need, for those facing challenges that seemed impossible.” In what can be described as a path of tears and disappointments, she persevered and today, she is called, Patron Saint of Impossible Cases. 

Practical Lessons

1. Pray in Season and Out of Season: By asking God if he could spare Sodom and Gomorrah because of 50, 45, 30, 20 and 10 people, Abraham teaches us to be persistent in prayer, in season and out of season.

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

Sixteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 21, 2019.

Readings: Gen. 18:1-10a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:2-3.3-4.5(1a); 

Col. 1:24-28; Gospel Luke 10:38-42.

Theme: Being Both Martha & Mary 

Introduction

Friends in the Lord, our liturgy presents us with Martha and Mary as metaphors for both Active and Contemplative Spirituality. What this means is that the Church is adorned with priests and religious who belong to the Apostolic Life following the example of Martha. They are called to serve the Lord in secular space by being actively involved in various apostolates like parish, school, hospital, orphanage et al for the sake of spreading God’s kingdom.

By the same token, those who emulate Mary are the contemplative consecrated men and women who belong to the Consecrated Life. Often times, as hermits, they live a simple community life of sharing and caring for one another as well as constantly observing the liturgy of the hours for the sins of the world. 

With this background, we shall pay attention to details through a summary of the sacred-texts. Appropriately, we shall draw some practical lessons while stating the memorable homiletic quotes. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Gen. 18:1-10a) recounts how the Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the heat of the day. We are told that as soon as Abraham saw three men standing near him, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them. We are told that he did this by bowing down to the ground after which he offered them water, shelter and food. After the visitors ate the loaves, curds, milk and calf, Abraham remained standing. Then, one of guests promised that they would come back next year while assuring that his wife would then be pregnant with a son. Meanwhile, Sarah was at the entrance of the tent, behind him, listening to the good news.     

In the second reading (Col. 1:24-28), St. Paul emphasizes that he accepts suffering for the sake of the gospel while disclosing that he was given the responsibility of completing God’s message which was a mystery that was hidden for ages but is now revealed to his holy people. He adds that it was God’s purpose to reveal this mystery to the gentiles while explaining that their proclamation, admonition and instruction are geared towards making everyone perfect in Christ Jesus.    

The Gospel reading (Luke 10:38-42) tells the story of Martha and Mary. It states how Jesus came visiting and Martha was busing serving him but Mary sat at his feet, listening to him. When Martha complained to Jesus that Mary had left her doing all the work by herself, he answered: “Martha, Martha, you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed. Indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part, and it is not to be taken from her.”

Practical Lessons

1. God Ministers to Us Amidst the Heat of Life: That the first reading notes that the Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day demonstrates how God ministers to us daily when all hope seems lost; when crisis seems to overwhelm us; when we are bereaved; when we are unemployed or financially down and when the whole world seems to be against us. It is at those times that God’s finger appears to intervene in human affairs. 

2. There is No Procrastination in Divine Affairs:  We are told that when Abraham saw three men standing near him, he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them. This tells us that there is no delay in dealing with God. Even though it is not clear whether Abraham knew they were divine messengers, however, his prompt and dutiful action challenges us to always be on time for God and those affairs which lead to his glory.

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

Fifteenth Sunday of Year, C – July 14, 2019.

Readings: Deut. 30:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:14 & 17,30-31,33-34,36ab & 37 (R.v.33) or Ps 19:8,9,10,11(R.9ab); Colossians 1:15-20; Gospel Luke 10:25-37.

Theme: A Call to Revolutionary Action

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church invites us to reflect on love of neighbour as a reflection of the love of God. The interesting part of our liturgy is that it presents us with a gospel for the daring. Perhaps it is important for us to realize that we are challenged to be paradoxical heroes like the Good Samaritan. Before we get into the meat of the reflection, I would like us to take a look at the summary of the readings and the example of a contemporary leader who exemplified what the readings demand. 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Deuteronomy 30:10-14) we are told that Moses charged the people to obey God by keeping his ordinances. He assured that the law of the Lord is neither in heaven nor beyond the sea that the people cannot reach. On the contrary, he emphatically stated: “The Word is very to you, it is in your mouth and in your heart for your observance.” 

St. Paul declares to the Colossians, in the second reading (Colossians 1:15-20), that Christ is the image of the unseen God. He maintains that he created all things, visible and invisible noting that he existed before creation. He adds that as one who holds all things in being, his body is the Church and he is its head. Paul further discloses that Christ is the first born from the dead who reconciles everything to himself through his death on the cross.   

  

The Gospel (Luke 10:25-37) reading narrates the response of Jesus to the lawyer who wanted to disconcert him by asking the question: “And who is my nieghbour?” It was this question that made Jesus to give the story of the man who was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hand of brigands. We are told that both a Priest and a Levite came and passed by on the other side but it was a Samaritan traveler who came to his rescue. 

He garnishes the story by telling us how the foreigner was moved with pity, bandaged his wounds, lifted him on his mount, took him to an inn and looked after him. He was ready to pay any extra expense the following day. Meanwhile he gave advance payment of two denarii to the innkeeper. At the end of the story when Jesus asked he lawyer who proved nieghbour to the man who fell into the brigand’s hands, the lawyer replied, “the one who took pity on him” and Jesus said: “Go, and do the same yourself.”  This leads us to finding a suitable contemporary example for the Good Samaritan story.   

Imam Abubakar: The Revolutionary Story of a Contemporary Good Samaritan

Sometimes last year when some armed men on motor bikes attached Nghar village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State, they razed down houses and killed scores of persons. In fact, in a village of about a thousand people, 84 people lost their lives in the sad incidence. It was in the midst of this tragedy that Imam Abdullahi Abubakar and his Fulani assistant went the extra mile to rescue 262 in a Mosque. When the attackers reached the Mosque, the Imam risked his life by kneeling in the dust to beg on behalf of the Christians and or Berom people he hid. He preferred to be killed than let the attackers in. After the tension soaked situation, he was able to convince the assailants and rescued about 300 people. In that way, the 84 year old Muslim leader rescued Christians whom he claimed, had always invited him to share the joy of Christmas. He also disclosed that he had always enjoyed tremendous goodwill from them.

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

 

Thirteenth Sunday of Easter, Year C – June 30, 2019.

Readings: 1 Kings 19:16b,19-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:12,5,7-11;

Galatians 5:1.13-18 & Gospel – Luke 9:51-62.

Theme: Let Go and Let God!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church presents us with the cost of discipleship. Titled “Let Go and Let God,” our reflection demonstrates what God expects of those he calls. Dwelling on the call of the Prophet Elisha and three other men as recorded in today’s gospel, the sacred text highlights the demands of true discipleship. What is more, it sets the tone for would-be pastors of souls to situate themselves around what the Lord demands of them.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (1 Kings 19:16b,19-21) gives us an account of the call of the Prophet Elisha. It tells how God directed Prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet to succeed him. It narratives how he met Elisha ploughing and threw his cloak over him. At that, Elisha left his oxen and ran after him. It further reveals how Elisha asked for permission to bid farewell to his father and mother noting that Elijah obliged him. Elisha then had a parting party with his family after which he became a servant of Prophet Elijah. 

In the second reading (Galatians 5:1.13-18), St. Paul notes that Christ has freed us from the yoke of slavery stressing that we were called to be free. He maintained that we should not use our freedom for self-indulgence but rather pursue the commandment of love of neighbour which demands that we should not snap or tear each other apart. Instead, we urges that we should be guided by the Spirit which is opposed to self-indulgent behaviour. The text concludes that this would make us not to be under the law.

The Gospel reading (Luke 9:51-62) narrates how Jesus sent some messengers to a Samaritan village to prepare for him but the people rejected them because he was heading to Jerusalem. At that, James and John wanted to call down fire on the people but Jesus rebuked them and they went on to another village. We are told that as they went along, a man wanted to follow them but Jesus replied him that “…the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” And when he told another to follow him, the man wanted to go and bury his father first but Jesus said: “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” To the third person who wanted to follow him but demanded permission to go and say farewell to his people, Jesus said: “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Practical Lessons

1. Self-giving: The call of the Prophet Elisha in the first reading and the three men in the gospel teaches us that the call of Christ demands total self-giving. 

2. Sacrifice: It also reminds pastors of souls about the cost of discipleship which demands heroic sacrifice.

3. Solidarity: The call of Elisha reveals the importance of synergy, solidarity and mentoring in the work of evangelisation which places a responsibility on senior priests to mentor young ones in the ministry as exemplified by the throwing of Elijah’s cloak over Elisha.

4. Self-indulgence: In the second reading, St. Pauls encourages that we should not use our freedom for self-indulgence but rather, that we should pursue the love of neighbour which entails that we should not tear each other apart as sometimes is regrettably the case in some of our Christian communities.   

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

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi Sunday), Year C – June 23, 2019

Readings: Gen. 14-18-20; Responsorial Psalm Ps 110:1.2.3.4 (R.4cda); 

1 Cor 11:23-26 & Gospel Luke 9:11b-17.

Theme – One Bread, One Chalice, One Family

Introduction

Beloved in the Lord, today the Church celebrates Corpus Christi Sunday - the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  It is believed that the celebration of the Body and Blood of Christ was introduced into the Church’s calendar in 1264 after an Augustinian Nun, Juliana of Liège saw the vision of a glistening full moon. In her vision, the moon was perfect but there were some hollow dark spots on it which represented the absence of a feast of the Eucharist. It was this vision which influenced the celebration of Corpus Christi. We shall now scan through the readings for pastoral lessons: 

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Gen. 14-18-20) recounts how Melchizedek, the King of Salem and priest of the Most High God brought bread and wine and pronounced blessing upon them. He also blessed Abram and thanked God for granting him victory. In thanksgiving to God, Abram gave Melchizedek a tithe of everything.

In the second reading (1 Cor. 11:23-26), St. Paul tells the Corinthians that what he is passing unto them is what he received from the Lord namely that before he was crucified, Jesus took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it and said: “This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.” In the same way, he took the chalice and said: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.” He further commanded them to do this as a memorial of the Lord’s death until he comes in glory.

  

The Gospel reading (Luke 9:11b-17) presents us with the Lucan account of the feeding of the five thousand. It narratives how Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God and cured many who were ill. But when evening came, the disciples were worried and told Jesus to send the people away to find food and lodging but he told urged them to provide food for the people themselves. They retorted that they had only five loaves and two fish until they went out to buy food for all the people. At that, he ordered the disciples to get the people sit in parties of fifties. After that, he took the five loaves and two fish, raised his eyes to heaven, said the blessing, broke them and handed them to the disciples to be distributed to the crowd who ate as much as they wanted. When the disciples gathered what was left, they filled twelve baskets.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Bread and Wine: The offering of bread and wine by Melchizedek in the first reading reminds us about the matter of the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist which eventually becomes the body and blood of Christ.

2. Tithe and Thanksgiving: By offering a tithe of everything he owned to Melchizedek, Abram teaches us that the perfect place for offering thanks to God is during the sacrifice of the Holy Mass.

3. Sacred Tradition: By telling the Corinthians in the second reading that what he is passing unto them is what he received from the Lord, St. Paul reminds us that we must not toy with the patrimony of sacred liturgy which the Church has maintained for 2019 years through theatrical shows in the name of liturgy.

4. Memorial Celebration: The command that we should celebrate the Eucharist as a memorial of the Lord’s death until he comes again urges the Church to keep this holy summon and encourage the faithful to attend daily masses as remedy for sin and source of spiritual nourishment for the pilgrim journey. 

5. Catechises and Care for the Sick: Since the gospel text revealed that Jesus preached to the crowds about the kingdom of God and cured those among them who were in need of healing, Pastors of souls are challenged to seriously embrace the teaching of catechesis and pastoral care of the sick.  

6. Food and Lodging: The concern which the apostles had about food and lodging demonstrates that although the Church is not primarily a Non-Governmental Organisation, because its main duty is preaching and sanctification of the world, she nonetheless has a responsibility to care for those at the margins of the society like the aged, Internally Displaced Persons, widows, orphans et al. 

7. Charity and Generosity: By freely donating the five loaves and two fish, the apostles constantly challenge us that having been strengthened by the Eucharist, we are obliged to share our earthly resources with those who are in dire need.

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

Pentecost Sunday Year C – June 9, 2019

Readings: Acts 2:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 104:1ab.29bc-30.31.34(R.30); 

Romans 8:8-17 & Gospel John 14:15-16.23b-26.

Theme - Pentecost: The Celebration of Unity in Diversity!

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is Pentecost Sunday - The day that the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles in forms of tongues of fire. Pentecost can be traced to 33AD. The day marks the official beginning of the Church (Catholic) (Cf.Acts 2:1-4, 38-42). This day is reminds us that the Catholic Church has 2019 years behind her. The celebration of Pentecost also known as “WhitSunday” dates back to the 4^th century. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek “Pentekoste which means fiftieth. It was the second of the 3 most important annual feasts in Jewish calendar which occurred 7 weeks after the Passover and was primarily a feast of thanksgiving for harvest; first fruits of wheat crop were offered to God on that day. It later came to be associated with the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.”

All Jews at home and in the diaspora were expected to attend. As such, there was no fitting day for the descent of the Holy Spirit than this day. This is dramatic event that the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles talks about. Being the birthday of the Church, the event presents us with five elements which are crucial for our reflection- They are: Formation of the Church, variety of gifts in the Church, unity as an indispensable ingredient of faith in the Church, manifestation of the Spirit among believers and the abiding presence of the Spirit in the Sacraments. Before we delve into the pastoral lessons for this Sunday, it is imperative to glance through the readings:

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 2:1-11) recounts the Pentecost event: It tells how the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles in the form of tongues of fire. It also reveals that they began to speak in tongues. We are told that devout men and women who were living in Jerusalem assembled at the sound only for each one to hear these men speaking in his own language. They were amazed that people from different parts of the world could hear the apostles in their native language speaking about the marvels of God.

In the second reading (Romans 8:8-17), St. Paul stresses that those who live according to their inclinations cannot please God. He charges all to live by the Spirit of God. He notes that when Christ is in the believer, even though the body is dead to sin, the spirit is alive because the person is justified by Christ. He maintains that we have no obligation to human nature which leads to sin and slavery and urged all to receive the spirit of adoption. He surmises that we are heirs of God and join-heirs with Christ so long as we share in his sufferings, so as to share in his glorification.   

 

The gospel narrates how Jesus insists that anyone who loves him must keep his commandments. He assures that he would ask the Father who would give us the Paraclete to be with us forever. He further discloses that the words he speaks are not his but those of the Father and called on the faithful to be guided by the Spirit Holy sent by Father who will remind the world about everything that Jesus said.

    

Fivefold Elements of Pentecost Sunday

  

1. Formation of the Church: Pentecost Sunday marks the birthday of the Catholic Church. Catholics believe this teaching because of the testimony of the scriptures as well as Church historians. Those who hold a contrary opinion often begin their Church history from the Reformation (31 October 1517). However, biblical accounts relate that Christ started his ministry at the age of 30 (Cf. Luke 3:23). It also discloses that He carried out his mission for three years. It was after the paschal events of His death, resurrection and ascension that the Holy Spirit, which He promised came down on the Apostles.

2. Variety of Gifts in the Church: Pentecost Sunday speaks to the heart of variety of gifts in the Church. Some have the gift of tongues while others have the gift of interpreting tongues. These gifts adorn the Church with men and women who are blessed with different talents which are meant for the service of God and humanity. The bible says, “What have you that has not been given you by the Lord and if it has been given you by the Lord, why brag about it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Having the capacity to put God’s gifts into use further demonstrates that there is variety of gifts in the Church.

3. Unity as an Indispensable Element in the Church: That the apostles were able to understand what others were saying in their native langue aptly describes unity in diversity. The tribes, tongues, peoples and nations (Revelations 7:9) that the bible speaks about reveals the various kinds of people God has decorated the world with. Today’s celebration reveals that unity is as an indispensable component of the Church.

4. Manifestation of the Spirit among Believers: Standing on the promises of Christ, believers are able to do much more than they can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20), through the help of the one who strengthens them (Philippians 4:13). Christians have the leverage to allow the Holy Spirit to manifest in their lives.

5. Abiding Presence of the Spirit in the Sacraments: Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would abide with us forever (John 14:16). This promise is still valid because all the sacraments of the Church are administered by the power of the Holy Spirit. The definition of a sacrament as an outward sign of inward grace ordained by Christ attests to this fact.

Practical Lessons

1. Praying at all Times: We are urged to emulate the apostles by praying in season and out of season. It is only when we pray at all times that the presence of the Holy Spirit will always be with us.

2. Preaching the Gospel Publicly: When the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles, they were empowered to engage in public proclamation of the gospel. Based on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), we are empowered to continue the work of evangelisation.

3. Public Leadership in the Christian community: After receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles were better prepared to be leaders in the early Christian Community. In like manner, the contemporary Church is charged to allow the Holy Spirit to minister to her on the rudiments of Christian leadership. 

4. Paralyzing Our Fears:  The Apostles who were once timid were emboldened to stand before secular authorities to preach the gospel not minding whose ox is gored. In the same vein, pastors of souls are challenged to embrace courageous witnessing by talking truth to power not minding the consequences. 

5. Putting Faith into Practice: We are challenged to take up Catholic Action which entails witnessing to the Gospel in a highly visible way. We can achieve this through showcasing spiritual gifts namely love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control to the world.

6. Concretizing our Confirmation commitments: With particular reference to the sacrament of confirmation (Acts 8:14-17; 9:19; 19:6 & Hebrews 6:2), confirmed Christians are once again challenged to live up to their confirmation commitments. It is not just enough to bear a confirmation name – that additional name means that as a soldier of Christ, you are ready for the battles of life which includes trials, temptations and tribulations. In the wake of various attacks on Christians in some parts of our country, Sri Lanka and Egypt, we invoke the Holy Spirit to empower us so as to endure to the end.

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

Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year C – World Communication Sunday –June 2, 2019.

Readings: Acts 17:55-60; Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1-2b.6.7c.9(R.1a.19a);Rev. 22:12-14.16-17.20& Gospel John 17:20-26.

Theme: “We are Members One of Another” 

(Eph 4,25): From Social Network Communities to the Human Community.

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today is World Communications Day (WCD). In his 53rd World Communications Day message titled“We are Members One of Another” (Eph 4,25): From Social Network Communities to the Human Community,”the Holy Father, Pope Francis gave a theological appraisal of advances in media technology while challenging the world to appreciate human communication as an essential component of social networking. While charging all to use the media in the service of humanity, the message urges Directors of Social Communications, Catholic Media Practitioners, Media Professionals and indeed and all Media Workers to use this day to advance the course of human communication in such a manner that it showcases the Church’s understanding of good communication. Instead of preaching on the normal readings for 7^th Sunday of Easter, we shall highlight essential points from the message of the Roman Pontiff. 

Punchy Notesfrom Pope Francis’ 2019 WCDMessage

1. Since its arrival, the Church has always promoted the Internet as a vehicle of encounter between people and solidarity among them.

2. In the face of myriad challenges, current communications should be viewed in the context of human relations towards rediscovering cooperation, interaction and human solidarity.

3. Based on the metaphors of the Net and Community, the Net is a resource of our time which is a source of knowledge and relationships that were once unthinkable.

4. While technology has brought about profound transformations in the process of production, distribution and use of content, the Internet brings about the extraordinary possibility of access to knowledge.

5. However, experts have noted that it has also brought about risks which threaten the search for, and sharing of, authentic information on a global scale.

6. Regrettably, the Internet has also become one of those areas which are most exposed to disinformation, conscious and targeted distortion of facts and an instrument that is often used to discredit interpersonal relationships.

7. Social networks which help in connecting, rediscovering and assisting human beings to relate with one another are also used for manipulation of personal data of others for obtaining political or economic advantages thus demeaning the self-worth and rights of others.

8. Statistics show that among young people, one in four is involved in episodes of cyberbullying.

9. The metaphor of the Net which was the basis of the Internet invites us to reflect on the multiplicity of lines and intersections towards ensuring its stability in the absence of a centre, a hierarchical structure and a form of vertical organization.

10. From an anthropological point of view, the metaphor of the Net recalls the image of the community that is stronger, cohesive, supportive and animated by feelings of trust even as it pursues common objectives.

11. The community is a network of solidarity which requires mutual listening and dialogue based on the responsible use of language.

12. As social network communities, virtual communities demonstrate cohesion and solidarity as well as groups of individuals who recognize one another through sharing common interests or concerns characterized by weak bonds.