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

12^th Sunday of the Year – June 21, 2020

 Readings: Jer. 20:10-13.; Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:8-10,14,17,33-35; 

Rom 5:12-15 & Gospel Matthew 10:26-33.

Theme: Fear Not!

Sunday Synopsis

In the first reading (Jer. 20:10-13), the Prophet Jeremiah decries the antics of the wicked against the good man but expresses trust in God who is able to deal with evil men. In the second reading, (Rom 5:12-15) St. Paul reveals how sin entered the world through one man, Adam and redemption was equally won by one man, Jesus. The gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) tells how Jesus told the twelve not to be afraid as everything hidden would be uncovered. Our liturgy urges us not to be afraid but trust in God as he has the ability to do much more than we can ask or imagine.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, fear has been adjudged as man’s greatest enemy. It makes you feel inferior and lose out on many things in life. Fear has led many people to their early graves. This reminds us of a quote from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “A coward dies a hundred times before his death.” Aware of the devastating effects of fear, Jesus charges us (Matthew 10:26-33) thus: “Do not be afraid...” In this reflection titled “Fear Not,” we shall consider the types of fears there are and suggest possible ways of combating them in the light of the gospel.

Background and Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Jer. 20:10-13), the Prophet Jeremiah decries the antics of the wicked against the good man but expresses trust in God who is able to deal with evil men. He, however, maintains: “My opponents will stumble, mastered, confounded by their failure; everlasting, unforgettable disgrace will be theirs.” He adds that the Lord who is just and scrutinizes the loins and the heart would indeed deliver the soul of the needy from the hands of evil men. 

In the second reading, (Rom 5:12-15) St. Paul reveals how sin entered the world through one man, Adam and redemption was equally won by one man, Jesus. He further discloses how the new Adam brought divine grace, an abundant free gift as ultimate remedy for sin and fear.

The gospel (Matthew 10:26-33) tells how Jesus urged the twelve not to be afraid as everything hidden would be uncovered. He adds: “What I say to you in the dark, tell in the daylight; what you hear in whispers, tell in the daylight, proclaim from the housetops.” He also encouraged them not to be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul adding that there is no need to fear. He surmised that anyone who does not declare him before others, he would disown in the presence of the father.

Types of Fear

1. Negative Fears: This consists of fear of the past, fear of the future, fear of the unknown, fear of holiness, fear of being caught and the fear of men. Its subtypes include:

a). Fear of the Past: Today, many people are caught up in web of past sins or guilt of things they may have done in their lives a long time ago. Because they are held down by guilt and self-pity, they are afraid that others might come to know their former ways and judge them.

b). Fear of the Future: Because most young are tossed about by the vicissitudes of life, they fear the future. Many young people are deceived into astrological horoscope or zodiac signs wanting to know their fate in life; the fear of what the future holds for them has landed many young people in the hands of crooks. Parents too are preoccupied with what the future holds for their kids. Some end in the hands of fortune tellers who dupe them of their hard earned money and valuables.

c). Fear of the Unknown: Fear of the unknown takes place when people become paranoid suspecting everything and anyone around them to the point that they are nihilistic – fear of the unknown makes them to doubt everything, including the existence of God. These people easily have premonitions that evil is lurking around the corner.

d). Fear of holiness: Most young people are afraid of holiness. There is a tendency that holiness is for the aged or those who have chopped life in Nigerian parlance. Perhaps this is why the Holy Father, Pope Francis has consistently called on young people not to be afraid of embracing holiness. 

e). Fear of being Caught: There is growing fear of not being caught which further plunges some people into sin. Popularly called the 11^th commandment, “thou shall not be caught,” the fear of being caught actually makes people to commit sin. 

f). Fear of Men: In the gospel, Jesus warned “Don not be afraid of those who cannot kill the soul.” This is indicative that our fear should be directed to God not human beings. More often than not, we fear our parents, spouses or superiors more than God. We are often prepared to displease God in order to please human beings. This is what constitutes fear of men.

2. Positive Fears: We shall consider the fear of sin, fear of hell and fear of God as positive fears in the light of Jesus’ charge: “Do not be afraid:”

a)  Fear of Sin: As children of God, we are called to fear sin. This is positive fear because if we shun sin, God’s abiding presence would remain with us. As such, Jesus calls us to be afraid of sin so as to please God.  

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

Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi: Year A- June 14, 2020.

Readings: Deut 8:2-3.14b-16a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 147:12-13.14-15.19-20 (R.12a); 2 Cor 10:16-17 & Gospel John 6:51-58.

Theme: Holy Eucharist as Food for Our Journey!

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading (Deut 8:2-3.14b-16a) recalls how the Lord fed the Israelites with manna in the desert.  In the second reading (2 Cor. 10:16-17), St. Paul maintains the cub and bread that we bless are a participation in the blood and body of Christ. In the gospel (John 6:51-58), Jesus reveals himself as the living bread which has come down from heaven. We are charged to embrace the Eucharist as food for our journey while shunning divisive tendencies in the body of Christ. 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today the Church celebrates Corpus Christi Sunday - the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. The feast of the Body of Christ, Corpus Christi was introduced into Church calendar in 1264.  It is said that the vision of a glistening full moon, in which an Augustinian nun, Juliana of Liège influenced the celebration. The moon she saw was perfect but for some hollow dark spots which she was told represented the absence of a feast of the Eucharist. This led to the official pronouncement about the solemnity. We shall do a synthesis of the readings in the light of pastoral exigencies.

Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Deut 8:2-3.14b-16a) recalls how the Lord fed the Israelites with manna in the desert. In the reading Moses reminded them that man must not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. He charged the people to remember God’s benevolence in their lives.  

In the second reading (2 Cor. 10:16-17), St. Paul maintains the cub and bread that we bless are a participation in the blood and body of Christ. He further notes that although we are many, we are one in the body of Christ. The reading suggests that this oneness is contingent on the one bread and the one chalice that we share. It further points to the fact that the oneness reflects the Church’s Catholicism and Universality.

In the gospel (John 6:51-58), Jesus reveals himself as the living bread which has come down from heaven. He assures that anyone who eats this bread will live forever. Although many of the Jews murmured amongst themselves and queried how this man would give them his flesh to eat, Jesus insisted:  “…Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. He surmised that the bread he shall give is different from the one their fathers ate and died. 

Pastoral Application

1. Believe in the Real Presence: Corpus Christi Sunday calls us to reaffirm our belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist and the fact that he is present with us in body, soul and divinity when we receive Holy Communion to assist us in our daily struggles.

2. Be in Full Communion: It challenges those who are not yet communicants to approach pastors of souls so as to be in full communion with Church through the Eucharist, the spiritual meal for our journey.

3. Patronize the Eucharist: Those who have excommunicated themselves from receiving Holy Communion for many years are urged to do the needful by going for confession so as to be in full communion with Christ and with the Christian assembly (Cf. CCC, no.1415). 

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

Trinity Sunday – June 7, 2020

Readings: Ex. 34:4B-6, 8-9; Responsorial Psalm Dn. 3:52, 54, 55, 56; 2 Cor. 13:11-13 & Gospel John 3:16-18.

Theme: Holy Kiss as Metaphor for Trinity!

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading (Ex. 34:4B-6, 8-9) points out that God is love. The second reading (2 Cor. 13:11-13) presents us with the love that exists between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The gospel reading (John 3:16-18) reveals how God expressed the love he has for us by sending his son to redeem humanity. On Trinity Sunday, we are charged to love God and neighbour unconditionally while worshipping him with heart, mind and soul alert.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. The theme for our reflection taken from the second reading (2 Cor. 13:11-13) where St. Paul urges us to greet one another with the Holy Kiss is: “Holy Kiss as Metaphor for Trinity.” Though they are three distinct persons, they constitute one Godhead absolute in perfect harmony, consisting of one substance. They are coeternal, coequal, and co-powerful (Slick, 2010). Entitled “Holy Kiss as Metaphor for Trinity,” our reflection shall scan through the background, theological insight, trinity as a mystery and pastoral lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Ex. 34:4B-6, 8-9) tells how the Lord revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai as a merciful and gracious Gods low to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. We told that Moses then worshipped God. He goes ahead to ask pardon for the people begging that the Lord should take the people as his inheritance.

In the second reading (2 Cor. 13:11-13), St. Paul enjoins the faithful to rejoice, mend their ways, agree with one another and live in peace. He assures that by so doing, the God of love and peace will be with them. He surmises: “Greet one another with a holy kiss – the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and he love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

The Gospel reading (John 3:16-18) reveals the love of God to humanity through sending his beloved son Jesus so that those who believe might not perish but have eternal life. Therein, Jesus cautions: “He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”

Trinity: Brief Theological Insight

The teaching of Hypostatic Union is encapsulated in the angelus when we pray, “And the Word was made flesh” – the mixing of water and wine during the celebration of the Holy Mass while the priest prays silently, “By the mystery of this water and wine may come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity” further proves the point. The hypostatic Union does not imply that Jesus is half God and half man. On the contrary, He is fully divine and fully man - That is to say, Jesus has two distinct natures namely, divine and human as indicated in scripture: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... 14 and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us...” (John 1:1, 14).  This means that the divine word became flesh in the single person of Jesus, who is thus both human and divine in nature – The divine nature was not changed or altered in this union.

Closely related to the theology of the hypostatic union is the Latin communicatio idiomatum which translates into (communication of properties/attributes). This teaching ascribes both divine and human natures to the one person of Jesus (Cf. John 17:5; John 3:13; Matthew 28:20). Since the person of Jesus died, His death was of infinite value because the properties of divinity were ascribed to the person in His death (Slick, 2010). The Trinitarian communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy is encapsulated in this teaching: God the Father created the world, God the Son redeemed the world and God the Holy Spirit sanctifies the world. In the bible, there are various passages that teach about the Trinity: The Father is called God in (Phil. 1:2); the Son is called God in (John 1:1, 14), and the Holy Spirit is addressed as God in (Acts 5:3-4).

Trinity as Mystery

The Holy trinity is a mystery we cannot fully understand unless we become eternal like God. Since it is a mystery, we must be careful not to introduce inequality when addressing the Trinity in prayer – for instance some people say: “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” which is wrong. In addressing the Trinity, we should say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Sometimes we make the mistake of removing the definite article in the Son and the Holy Spirit after addressing the Father.

St. Augustine was said to have been contemplating about how to describe the Trinity to his flock - upon going to the sea shore, he saw a boy trying to empty the water into a small hole he had dug. When the Saint told him that it was an exercise in futility, the boy retorted, it is also impossible for you to explain the Trinity and he vanished.   

Pastoral Lessons

1. Reflect the Father’s Creative Power: By revealing that God descended in the cloud as our first reading indicates, we are urged to respond to the devastating effects of global warming by being accountable in sustaining God’s plan for creation.

2. Emulate the Son’s Sacrificial Love: In the light of God’s tenderness, compassion, kindness and faithfulness as espoused in first reading (Ex 34:4B-6, 8-9) in answer to the gospel (John 3:16), we are challenged to live for our brothers and sisters who are suffering from COVID-19 in different isolation centres and others who are at the margins of society.

3. Relish the Consolation of the Spirit:  In the seeming helpless situation of a health pandemic and lockdown, our liturgy calls us rely on the consolation of the Holy Spirit as His abiding presence assures that we are not alone. 

4. Seek the Trinitarian Unity: The hypostatic union plus the unity of the Godhead as demonstrated in the Trinitarian Communion calls us to seek the unity of the spirit in our homes by making them the desired domestic church and the Church, citadel of God’s love abiding presence where the Eucharistic celebration enables us to use our gifts and talents for the common good.

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

Pentecost Sunday –   May 31, 2020

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

 1 Cor. 12:3b-7.12-13 & Gospel John 20:19-23.

Theme: Birthday of the Church: A Fitting Celebration!

Sunday Synopsis

The Greek word Pentekoste which means fiftieth stands for a celebration which occurred 7 weeks after the Passover. It was primarily a feast of thanksgiving for harvest but was later associated with the giving of the law to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was on this day when all Jews at home and those in the diaspora came together that the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles. In the second reading, St. Paul underscores the importance of unity of the spirit when he said: “Jews and Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” In the gospel, Jesus challenges us to embrace the missionary enterprise through peace and reconciliation!  

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, today is Pentecost Sunday – This day is crucial in the life of the Church because it marks the birthday of the Catholic Church. 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. Thus, there was no fitting day for the descent of the Holy Spirit than this. We shall reflect on the theme: “Birthday of the Church: A Fitting Celebration!”

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Acts 2:1-11) recounts the miracle of speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost when a sound came from heaven like a mighty wind and filled where the apostles were. It tells how the spirit fell like tongues of fire on the apostles who spoke and Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene and visitors from Rome (Jews and proselytes), Cretans and Arabians could hear them talking in their own tongues about the mighty works of God.  

In the second reading (1 Cor. 12:3b-7.12-13), St. Paul assures that no one can say “Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.” He goes ahead to state that there are a variety of gifts but given by the same Lord. Paul noted that just as one body has many parts, so also we though many are one in Christ. He surmised that: “For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one body – Jews and Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”  

The gospel reading (John 20:19-23) reveals how Jesus appeared to the timid apostles with the message: “Peace be with you.” We are told he showed them his hands and his side and they were glad to see him. He then gave them the Great Commission: “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” He breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

Pastoral Lessons

1. Speak in Tongues of Love: Today, the first reading reminds us to eschew any speaking in tongues that is bereft of concrete charity to our brothers and sisters amidst the current health crisis across the world.

2. Celebrate Diversity: Pentecost celebration assures that though many we may be, we are united in diversity which further calls us to live out the Church’s catholicity (universality) to the full.  

3. Celebrate the Church: Since Pentecost makes the formal formation or birthday of the Church, Catholics should realise that their church predates the Reformation of 31 October 1517 to 33AD when on Pentecost Sunday, the Church (Catholic) (Acts 2:1-4, 38-42) began – We are charged to proudly celebrate the Church’s birthday!

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

Stories as Spiritual Lungs of a Continent: 15 Adaptations of Pope Francis’ 54th World Communications’ Day Message for Africa

By Justine John Dyikuk

1. There is no Continent of the world that Pope Francis’ choice of the theme of storytelling for the 54^th World Communications’ Day Message which was given in Rome, at Saint John Lateran, on 24 January 2020, Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales finds expression like Africa where the story-telling matrix is employed as a purveyor of truth and morals – Since as a story-telling people children often gather at the family compound or village square for tales by the moonlight in a typical African setting where the moon brings joy, light and energy to the community, we need to invest heavily in digital storytelling formats so that those stories of yester-years can be retold in modern catechism/catechises through VCDs/DVDs or Cinema and Digital television screens.

2. In a Continent is badly battered by years of colonialism, neo-colonialism/political shenanigans, militarism and exploitation of resources, the Holy Father’s message to avoid stories that “tear down” and strive for those which “build up” towards helping us to rediscover our roots and the strength to move forward together is key.

3. The 54^th World Communications’ Day Message reminds us about the critical place of forging universal bonds of unity. This is why it read it part: “We need a human story that can speak of ourselves and of the beauty all around us. A narrative that can regard our world and its happenings with a tender gaze. A narrative that can tell us that we are part of a living and interconnected tapestry. A narrative that can reveal the interweaving of the threads which connect us to one another.” 

4. Philosophic sagacity unveils the huge story-telling capacity of African peoples which further helps us to weave our stories from birth through childhood, adolescence, days of youthfulness, adulthood and old age to death in order to shape our convictions or behaviours towards understanding and communicating “who we are.” 

5. The Pontiff made the point that stories “give us not only the word textile but also text” to weave the thread of our “heroes’” narratives and ours as well, perfectly – This is a wakeup call for the people of Africa to remember their everyday heroes of faith like Saints Felicity, Perpetua, Charles Lwanga, Kizito and our Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi amongst others too numerous to mention who were driven by the force of love which made them courageous in the face death so that “we can find reasons to heroically face the challenges of life.”

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

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A – May 17, 2020.

Readings: Acts 8:5-8,14-17; Responsorial Psalm Ps 66:1-3,4-5,6-7,16,20; 

1 Pet 3:15-18 & Gospel John 14:15-21.

Theme: You’ll Live Because I Live

Sunday Synopsis

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the first reading (Acts 8:5-8,14-17) charges the faithful to imitate the early apostles by taking seriously the healing ministry of the Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. In the second reading (1 Pet 3:15-18), we are urged to always be ready to give an explanation to anyone for the hope we bear – in gentleness, reverence and a clear conscience. The message of the gospel (John 14:15-21) reminds us about Jesus’ call to love by keeping his commandments even as it assures that he would not leave us orphans.  

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, as we look forward to the Ascension of the Lord, the apostles were perplexed and worried. However, Jesus urges them to keep his word while assuring that he will not leave them orphans. This warm assurance was followed by the sending of the Holy Spirit. The sets the tone for our reflection titled “You’ll Live Because I Live.” The miracles recorded in the first reading were a consequence of the fulfillment of God’s promise. We shall scan through the readings with a view to deriving appropriate pastoral lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading recounts (Acts 8:5-8,14-17) how the apostles brought healing and joy to those who were possessed, paralysed and crippled in Samaria through the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit promised by Christ as the comforter is seen at work bringing succour to the sick. The people of Samaria enjoyed the gift of the Holy Spirit because Peter and Paul laid their hands on them. This becomes the remote stages of the development of doctrine for the sacrament of confirmation.

The second reading (1 Pet 3:15-18) urges the faithful to always be ready to give an explanation
to anyone for the hope they bear. Therein, St. Peter adds that that it should be done with gentleness, reverence and a clear conscience. He further maintains that it is better to suffer for doing good rather than evil. He surmised: For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit.”

In the gospel reading, (John 14:15-21) we are told that although the disciples of Jesus were overjoyed at his resurrection, they were nonetheless disturbed because he was ascending to the Father. They were perplexed and had many unanswered questions, much as they had when He was crucified – Was He going to leave them orphans? How would life be when their Lord and Master returns to the father and is no longer physically present with them? These troubling questions made the apostles sick as they struggled to understand the events that would unfold. Therefore, Jesus charged them to love him by keeping his commandments. He also assures that he would not leave them orphans.  

Pastoral Lessons

1. Pay Attention to the Word: Just as we were told in the first reading that with one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip, we are challenged to develop an ardent love for listening to the word of God in scriptures and as they are interpreted to us by the Church’s Magisterium for the salvation of our souls.

 
2. Expect Signs and Wonders: The reading reminds us that signs and wonders are associated with believers who pay attention to the Word of God.

3. Minister to the Sick: The scare of COVID-91 has the capacity to dampen our spirit towards effective care for the sick – however, that unclean spirits cried out in a loud voice,
came out of many possessed people and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured reminds us about the importance of ministering to the sick in the name of Lord who is our heavenly physician that can do much more than we can ask or imagine.

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.