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

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

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

Theme:  Fighting Temptations!

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

Sunday Synopsis

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

Introduction

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

Four Types of Interior Empires

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

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

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

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

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

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theme:  Being Paradoxical Heroes!

Introduction

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

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theme:  A Choice for God!

Introduction

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

Types of Choices

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

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

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gospel Mat. 5:13-16.

Theme:  The Demands of Practical Religion

Introduction

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

 Heb. 2:14-18 &Gospel Lk. 2:22-40.

Theme: Being Present Before the Lord

Introduction

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

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

Typology and Types of Presentation

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

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

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

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

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

Pastoral and Practical Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theme: Discipling for the Kingdom

Introduction

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

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

Discipling, Its Types and Institutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theme: Emulating the Lamb!

Introduction

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

Background and Summary of the Readings

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

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

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

Eucharistic Theology of Jesus as LAMB of God

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

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