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

19^th Sunday of the Year – August 9, 2020 

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9,11-13; Responsorial Psalm Ps 84:9-14; 

Romans 9:1-5 & Gospel Matthew 14:22-33. 

Theme: A Search for God!

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading reveals how the Prophet Elijah had a divine encounter with God on Mount Horeb not through a mighty wind, earthquake or fire but through a gentle breeze. In the second reading, St. Paul goes emotional by expressing great sorrow over his fellow Jews for not living up to expectation. The gospel narrates how the apostles were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee. It tells how Jesus saved Peter from sinking into the sea. Our liturgy invites us for a divine encounter with Christ through the Church which represents the boat and urges us to dispose ourselves to listen to God through the gentle breeze of quite time and communing with nature. 

 

 Introduction

Beloved in Christ, our liturgy urges us to genuinely search for God. While it reveals how Prophet Elijah found God through a gentle breeze at Horeb, it narrates how St. Peter walked up to Jesus on the water. It curious to note how and why Jesus reveals himself through nature. Our reflection entitled: “A Search for God” would present a summary of the readings in preparation for appropriate spiritual lessons.    

  Summary and Background of the Readings

The first reading (1 Kings 19:9,11-13) tells how the Prophet Elijah went into a cave at Horeb and spent a night in it. It further discloses that God told him to go out and stand on the mountain for a divine encounter. We are told that the Lord went by. Just then, there was a mighty wind which tore the mountains and shattered the rocks but the Lord was not in the wind. There came an earthquake but the Lord was not in the earthquake. This was followed by fire but the Lord was not in the fire. But at the sound of a gentle breeze, Elijah covered his face with his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cake.

In the second reading (Romans 9:1-5), St. Paul goes emotional by expressing great sorrow and mental anger towards his fellow Israelites who were adopted as sons and daughters of God, given the glory and covenants, laws and rituals as well as promises but did not live up to expectation. He further lamented why the descendants of the patriarchs and flesh and blood of Jesus who is God forever would betray such lofty privileges.

The gospel (Matthew 14:22-33) unravels the encounter between Jesus and his apostles on the Sea of Galilee. John the Baptist had been killed and as usual, Jesus withdrew into the hills to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, far out on the lake. There was a heavy wind. In the fourth watch of the night, he started walking on the lake towards the disciples. When they saw him, they were terrified and taught it was a ghost.  Jesus called out saying: “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” Peter then oblige him to walk on the water. As he walked towards Jesus, he felt the force of the wind, took fright and began to sink crying: “Lord! Save me” At that, Jesus stretched out his hand and held him saying: “Man of little faith. Why did you doubt?” As they went into the boat, the wind dropped. Those in the boat bowed down before him saying: “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

 

Pastoral Lessons 

1. The Mighty Wind Stands for Debauchery: Our liturgy reminds us that God cannot be found in the mighty wind which stands for debauchery that tears the mountains and rocks of our spiritual foundation.

2. The Earthquake Signifies Secular Music: Also, the first reading indicates that we cannot find God in the cacophony of wild music and various noises which distracts us from concentrating on any divine encounter with God.

 3. The Fire Denotes Sexual Promiscuity:  The reading suggests that God cannot be discovered in the fire of sexual recklessly which destroys the very fabric of our intimate union with him.  

4. The Sea Represents the World: Christians are urged to beware of the Sea which stands for the world that often distracts us from establishing a genuine relationship with God.

5. The Headwind Means Trials: The headwind represents the trials, tribulations and temptations in the world which keep tossing believers about. These come in form of sickness, hunger, unemployment, death, bereavement, rejection and persecution just to mention a few. 

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

18th Sunday of the Year – August 2, 2020

Readings: Isaiah 55:1-3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:8-9,15-16, 17-18; Rom 8:35,37-39  & Gospel Matthew 14:13-21.

Theme: A Thirst for God!

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading transports us to the time of the Prophet Isaiah who charges the Israelites to come and relish food and drink at no cost. What is more, in the second reading, St. Paul insists that nothing can come between us and the love of God in Christ Jesus. Amidst a world of tempting appetites for satisfying mundane thirsts, the message of the gospel which records the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish, urges us to watch out for spiritual delights as we thirst for righteousness through an ardent desire for the Word and Sacraments.

 

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, in a world where people thirst for material possessions, power, mundane satisfaction of the flesh and wetting of appetites with lavish dishes and cozy wines, Jesus invites us to crave for spiritual delights. Our liturgy entitled “A Thirst for God” shall scan through the readings in search of appropriate pastoral lessons.

 

Summary and Background of the Readings

The first reading (Isaiah 55:1-3) invites the people of Israel to come to the waters and enjoy food and drink without charge. The Prophet Isaiah assures that there is plenty wine and milk for the invitees. He queries those who waste money on what is not bread and labour for what does not satisfy. Changing the narrative of a lavish life on mundane feasts, he urges the people to oblige the Lord so that their souls might live. He further assures that the Lord would establish an everlasting covenant with them even as he demonstrates the steadfast love he promised through their Patriarch David.  

In the second reading (Rom 8:35,37-39), St. Paul dares the faithful on what can separate them from the love of Christ – He asks: Is it tribulation or distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness or peril or sword? Paul answers while affirming: “In all these, we are more than conquerors through Christ. He goes ahead to emphasize that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not things present, nor things to cone, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

The gospel (Matthew 14:13-21) relates the feeding of the five thousand men aside from women and children. It recounts how Jesus acted as a compassionate saviour who did not want to send the people home hungry as some might collapse on the way. As such, he asked his disciples to give them something to eat. They supplied five loaves and two fish. He looked up to heaven, blessed, broke and gave them to the disciples who fed the crowed. We are told that they were satisfied and 12 baskets full of the leftovers were gathered.     

 

Pastoral Lessons

1. Thirst for Righteousness: By inviting us to come to the waters even if we have no money, the Prophet Isaiah wants us to thirst for righteousness which does not require any cost - Instead of merely satisfying our physical thirst on food and drink, strengthened by the Eucharist, we are charged to hunger and thirst for righteousness through an inner longing for holiness and moral rectitude.

2. Thirst for Justice: By saying why spend money on what is not bread and labouring on what does not satisfy, Prophet Isaiah invites us to invest in breaking down the barriers of racism, classism and injustices everywhere – Our thirst for justice must go beyond Black Lives Matter to elicit a strong determination to ends all forms of discrimination and prejudices that are hurting. Like Archbishops Oscar Romero and Hilder Camara, we are charged make a preferential option for the poor through a righteous indignation for the vulnerable like the women and children who were excluded from the reportage of those that were fed in the gospel.  

3. Thirst for Peace: By keeping the lines of communication open with those who hold different values from us or our perceived enemies, the Eucharist is able to make us thirst for meaningful dialogue and sustainable peace – Although some parts of Southern Kaduna and Zamfara have not known peace recently because of activities of suspected killer-herdsmen and armed bandits, we are charged to thirst for peace in genuine terms while remembering that peace is a consequence of justice.

4. Thirst for Heaven: By challenging the Christian not to allow tribulation or distress, persecution or famine, nakedness or peril, sword or death, principalities or anything created to separate us from the love of God, St. Paul reminds us to shut the door for anything that would come between us and the love of God bearing in mind that our goal is heavenward.

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

16^th Sunday of the Year – July 19, 2020

Readings: Wisdom 12:-13,16-19; Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:5-6,9-10,15-16; 

Rom 8:26-27 & Gospel Matthew 13:24-43.

Theme: The God of Second Chance!

Sunday Synopsis

Today’s first reading assures that God is lenient with sinners. The second reading insists that God comes to help us in our weakness. In the gospel, after presenting the parables of the Darnel in the Field, Mustard Seed and Yeast, Jesus presents a seven-point explanation of the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds namely that: The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world; the wheat are the subjects of the Kingdom; the darnel stands for subjects of the evil one; the sower of the weeds is the evil one; the harvest is at the end of time and the reapers are the angles. We are reminded that just as God is patient with the sinner, we are challenged not to take his patience for granted but reform while bearing with the qualms of others.

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, the Christian religion is replete with the scandal of God’s patience with sinners. While some Christians are unsympathetic to sinners, others are. Our reflection entitled “The God of Second Chance” shall scan through the readings with particular reference to the gospel where Jesus presents the parables of the Darnel in the Field, Mustard Seed and Yeast. While some scripture scholars are of the opinion that the setting of the parable is the world, others hold that it is the Church. However, our reflection may overlap while seeking for a middle ground. To achieve this, we shall review the readings in the light of pastoral lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Wisdom 12:-13,16-19) assures that God is lenient with sinners. It relates that God disposes his strength through mild judgment while governing with leniency. Most importantly, the reading stresses that God displays his benevolence to sinners to teach us a lesson on “how the virtuous man must be kindly to his fellow men” and also give his children “good hope that after sin you will grant repentance.”  

In like manner, the second reading (Rom 8:26-27) insists that God comes to help us in our weakness. We are, therefore, called to be sympathetic to sinners rather being judgmental. Those who are strong must bear with the qualms of the weak while praying for their repentance.

The gospel (Matthew 13:24-43) presents us with three different but related parables. The first being the parable of the Wheat and Weeds otherwise known as the parable of the Darnel in the Field, the parable of the Mustard Seed and the parable of the Yeast. Jesus gives a seven-point explanation of the Parable of the Wheat and Weeds in the light of God’s patience with sinners.

Darnel in the Field: Jesus’ Explanation

1. The Sower of the Seed: The sower of the good seed is the Son of Man.

2. The Field: The field is the world.

3. The Good Seed/Wheat: The seed are the subjects of the Kingdom.

4. The Darnel/Weeds: The darnel stands for subjects of the evil one.

5. The Sower of the Weeds: The sower of the weeds is the evil one.

6. The Harvest: The harvest is at the end of time.

7. The Reapers: The reapers are the angles. 

Pastoral Lessons

1. Beware of Divine Retribution: By sparing only Noah and his family from the great flood (Gen. 6:9-8:22), dispersion of the builders of the Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9) and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18:20-21), our liturgy draws our attention to divine retribution or retributive which is the supernatural punishment of a person(s) by God as a consequence of their sins.   

2. Divine Retribution Could Delay: Today’s liturgy teaches us that divine retribution could be delayed or rather treasured up until harvest time (the end of the world) as the gospel indicates (Matthew 13:24-43).

3. God Gives Us a Second Chance: We are reminded about the nature of God namely that he is not a God of Now-Now who punishes the offender instantly as in the days of old as some religions of the world teach but that he is a God of the second chance.

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

15^th Sunday of the Year – July 12, 2020

Readings: Is. 55:-10-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 64:10-14(R.1); 

Rom 8:18-23 & Gospel Matthew 13:1-23.

Theme: Being Doers of the Word!

Sunday Synopsis

In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah reveals how the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and does not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the Sower and bread for the eating. In the second reading St. Paul reveals that what we face in this life is nothing compared to the glory which awaits us. The Parable of the Sower reveals how a Sower went out to sow and some seeds fell along the path on hard soil, others fell on rocky soil, some fell on thorns and still, others fell on good soil and produced its fruits. We are challenged to allow the Word of God produce abundant fruits in our lives.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today we are presented with the Parable of the Sower otherwise known as the Parable of the Four Soils. The Penny Catechism defines a parable as “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Jesus often used parables to teach the values of the kingdom. This is because he wanted to communicate with his audience in a manner that they would understand. The Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13:3-9; Mark 4:2-9 and Luke 8:4-8 while its interpretation is given in Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:13-20 and Luke 8:11-15. Titled “Being Doers of the Word,” our reflection urges us to be doers of the Word, not only hearers.” Our liturgy which challenges to “Walk the Talk,” shall highlight Jesus’ interpretation of the Parable of the Four Soils and summary and background of the readings in light of pastoral lessons.

Four Types of Soil: Jesus’ Interpretation

1. Hard Soil: According to the narrative, some seed fell on hard soil by the way side. This prevented the seeds from sprouting. Apparently, they became food for the birds of the air.

2. Stony Soil: There were also seeds that found themselves on stony ground. Because there was no enough soil for the seeds to germinate, they began to grow but could survive for “lack of depth.” The conclusion was obvious – since the plants did not take roots, they were withered by the sun.

3. Thorny Soil: Accordingly, the seed that feel on thorny soil grew but the competing thorns choked and killed them.

4. Good Soil: Some seeds fell into rich soil and produced its fruit. The good ground which received the seeds produced fruits in plenty.

Summary and Background of the Readings

In the first reading (Is. 55:-10-11), the Prophet Isaiah reveals how the rain and the snow come down from the heavens and does not return without watering the earth, making it yield and giving growth to provide seed for the Sower and bread for the eating.  It reveals how the Word which goes forth from the Mouth of the Lord does not return to Him empty without carrying out His will and succeeding in what it was sent to do.

In the second reading (Rom. 8:18-23), St. Paul reveals that what we face in this life is nothing compared to the glory which awaits us. He further discloses that creation is groaning in expectation of when it would give birth as we wait for our bodies to be set free. It encourages us to hold our heads high as we await our redemption.

The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23) reveals how a Sower went out to sow and some seeds fell along the path on hard soil, others fell on rocky soil, some fell on thorns and still, others fell on good soil and produced seeds of 30, 60 and a 100 fold. Accordingly, Jesus’ explanation of the parable highlights four different responses to the gospel. It is crucial to note that the Seed is “the Word of the Kingdom.” Jesus speaks to the heart of our reception of God’s Word which is often determined by the condition of our hearts. It also calls us to understand that salvation goes beyond hearing the Word and deceiving ourselves. On the contrary, it urges us to transcend the superficial delight of hearing the gospel to allowing it make fruits in our lives.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Understand the Word: Since the hard ground represents those who are hardened by sin because they hear the Word but do not understand it and that is why the devil steals the message from their hearts, we are urged to seek a true understanding of the Word of God in order that the devil might dull our hearts and prevent it from making any reasonable impact in their lives.

2. Reawaken Your Conscience: All hardened sinners especially those whose who have made their hearts a shopping mall for Satan should ask the Holy Spirit to assist them in reawakening their dead consciences so that as soon as they hear the Word of the Kingdom, the evil one would not snatch it away from their hearts.

3. Don’t be a Soft Target for the Devil: Those involved in ritual killing, occultic movements as well as other dubious activities in order to make it in life should realise that if they harden their hearts to hearing the Word and putting it into practice, they would forever remain soft targets for the devil.

4. Beware of Troubles: Because the stony ground represents supposed followers of Christ who profess the Word happily but it doesn’t change their hearts, Christians should beware of trials, tribulations and temptations otherwise, when troubles arise, their so-called faith would vanish quickly without practical impact in daily lives.

5. Pray for Lapses/former Christians:  We are urged to pray for lapsed or former Catholics who were in the rank and file of the Church officials of lay groups or clerics and were often delighted at the reception of the Sacraments but are now cold in the faith, have left the Church or are counter-witnessing so that the Lord of the harvest may restore them to the fold.

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

14^th Sunday of the Year – July 05, 2020

Readings: Zech. 9:9-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:1-2.8-9.10-11.13cd-14(R.1); 

Rom 8:9-11-13 & Gospel Matthew 11:25-30.

Theme: Humility Pays!

Sunday Synopsis

The first reading reveals the Messiah as a humble King who comes on a donkey. The second reading urges the faithful to embrace the spiritual and shun the mundane through humility. In the gospel, Jesus speaks to the heart of humility by insisting that the secrets of the kingdom are hidden from the wise and the clever but revealed to mere children. He, therefore, invites us to patiently embrace his yoke and burden because they are easy and light.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, our liturgy invites us to reflect on humility. From time immemorial, God shows preference for the weak and meek. As a humble God, he invites us to use humility as a ladder to access heaven. Throughout biblical history, God’s calls us to grow in grace through a humble disposition. As such, our reflection entitled, “Humility Pays” presents a brief background and summary of the readings and two stories on humility in view of basic pastoral lessons.

Background and Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Zech. 9:9-10) reveals the Messiah as a humble King who comes on a donkey. His coming is elicited by calls for gladness and joy as the king victoriously and triumphantly enters into the city on a colt. His coming would banish the bow of war as he proclaims peace for the nations and reigns forever.  

The second reading (Rom 8:9-11-13) urges the faithful to embrace the spiritual and shun the mundane. Therein, St. Paul assures that he who raised Jesus from the dead would give life to our mortal bodies if his spirit lives in us. He invites the faithful to obey the spiritual; otherwise, they would die while assuring that if they put an end to the misdeeds of the flesh, they would live.

In the gospel (Matthew 11:25), Jesus speaks to the heart of humility by insisting that the secrets of the kingdom are hidden from the wise and the clever but revealed to mere children. He adds: “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”

Little Boy and Proud Professor’s Narrative

A little boy carried his crippled elder brother on his back while going to school. Some group of children who saw them started making jest of them. In fact, one of them couldn’t hold it but said, “What a burden you are carrying!” The little boy replied the taunter: “He is not a burden, he is my brother.” In the same manner, when we fall in love with Jesus, the trials, tribulations and temptations of this world become a sweet yoke to shoulder.

In like manner, a Professor went for oil exploration in a riverine area. He met this local canoe boy by the river bank. After sharing pleasantries, a discussion ensued between the two. “Do you know anything about metrology or metaphysics?” The Prof asked the boy. The local said, “No!” The University Don said, “What an illiterate you are.” “How about, cosmology or aesthetics?” The village boy who was becoming embarrassed said, “No.” “Half of your life is gone” said the Prof. Just then, the explorer asked the boy to ferry him across the river. When the Prof got into the boat, the waves became strong and they began to sink. The boy who was now excited asked the Prof. Do you know swimology? The man who was extremely afraid, shouted “No, please!! Help me…” The boy said him, “Half of your life is gone.” He then asked a second question: “How about crocodialogy?” The Prof who was now literally crying said, “No!!” and the boy replied: “The whole of your life is gone!”  The point is, “Humility pays!” 

Pastoral Lessons

1. Rely on God: While the “learned” rely on mere human knowledge, children of the kingdom are urged to rely on God. This is why God reveals the mysteries of the kingdom to such. The word of God makes it abundant clear that God favours the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5 & Proverbs 3:34).

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

13th Sunday of the Year, A – June 28, 2020

Readings: 2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 88:2-3,16,19; Rom 6:3-4,8-11 & Gospel Matthew 10:37-42.

Theme: The Blessing of Giving!

Sunday Synopsis 

Today’s first reading presents us with the uncanny generosity of a Shunammite family that provided for the Prophet Elisha. The second reading also buttresses the point of giving when he reminds us that Christ gave himself up for us in order that we might gain the righteousness of God. By speaking on the cost of discipleship, Jesus reminds us about our obligation to the needs of the Church and those of our brothers and sisters while indicating that until it pains, giving remains a mere outward show. 

Introduction

Friends in Christ, food and shelter constitute basic human needs. When these are available in a family, life becomes easy as other human needs like clothing and education fall in place. However, in the African context, what seemingly makes a family complete is the blessing of a child. Childless families go through pains while waiting for a miracle. The first reading presents us with this kind of scenario as it tells how Prophet Elisha promised a child to a generous family that had none. Our gospel charges us on the cost of discipleship. We shall scan through the readings for appropriate spiritual lessons.  

Background and Summary of the Readings  

Our first reading (2 Kings 4:8-11,13-16) narrates the uncanny generosity of a Shunammite family which provided the Prophet Elisha and his servant Gehazi with food and shelter. As it were, in appreciation for their magnanimous deed, the Prophet promised them a child. It is obvious that food, shelter and a descent life were not out of reach for this family. What is crucial was their open-handedness. Their generosity to the Prophet fast tracked a miracle for this family. It was the miracle of a lifetime because the husband was well off in years. 

The second reading (Rom 6:3-4,8-11) also buttresses the point of giving when he reminds us that Christ gave himself up for us in order that we might gain the righteousness of God. It stresses that: “When he died, he died once for all, to sin, so his life now is life with God; and in that way, you too must consider yourselves to be dead to sin but alive for God in Christ Jesus.” 

The gospel (Matthew 10:37-42) reveals Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship. It relates how Jesus told the apostles that if anyone prefers him to father, mother, son or daughter, that person is not worthy of the kingdom. Jesus goes ahead to charge them to take up their crosses daily and follow him noting that: “Anyone who finds his life will lose it [but] anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” He assured that anyone who is generous to a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward and anyone who helps the needy will certainly not lose his reward. In the sight of God, a little with a pure heart is better that much gotten from loot. Apparently, until it pains, giving is only a show.              

       

Pastoral Lessons 

1. Be a Thanks-Giver: Thanks-givers are those who, with a cheerful heart, offer a wholehearted service to God for his kindness and blessings in their lives. Often times, these Christians invite neighbours and colleagues to Church where they book Mass of thanksgiving to God for promotion, protection and provision. Amidst family and friends, they often dance to the altar of God bringing their gifts before him. The first reading teaches us how material generosity brings about spiritual blessings. Little wonder Paul says: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).                                              

         

2. Refrain from Ought-Giving: Like the name implies, ought-givers are Christians who give because they ought to give, not because it is a dutiful service unto the Lord. A classical example is the story of Ananias and Sapphira who decided to hoard some parts of the money that accrued from the sale of their land and declared a little before the apostles. They gave because others were giving not because they were convinced to give. The long and short of the story is that they were struck dead (Cf. Acts 5:1-11). The second reading presents us with Jesus to learn from.                

3. Beware of Grudge-Givers: Grudge givers are those who complain as soon as it is time for collection, levy, bazaar, tithe or launching of whatever sort in the parish. They have anti-giving sentiments. Most times, their money is for their enjoyment. They prefer to lavish their money on cars, building, wine, women, recharge card, DSTV to mention a few, than “waste” it on any missionary enterprise. It is because of this kind of givers that St. Paul said: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The gospel invites us to give without counting the cost. 

4. Take to Qualitative-Giving: This is about setting aside the best of all that the Lord has given us to return thanks to him. It is because of this kind of giving that God accepted the sacrifice of Abel and rejected that of Cain (Gen 4:4 Cain). St. Paul insists that:  “Each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Like the Shunammite widow, the widow that gave two copper coins in the bible was poor but she gave more and was praised by Jesus (Cf. Mark 12:41-44).                     

5. Try Quantitative-Giving: In this kind of giving, we are supposed to assess our giving based on the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. Givers never lack. St. Paul says “…He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). The gospel emphasizes that: “If anyone who is generous to a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward and anyone who helps the needy will certainly not lose his reward.”

6. Embrace Spiritual-Giving: Spiritual-giving constitutes using our gifts and talents to the glory of God. Since God has given a variety of gifts, talents and all the duties and services of life to use them for his glory (Cf. 1 Pet 4:10). Spiritual-giving creates a platform for us to support the work of God in kind and whichever way we can. When parents motivate their children to take to the priestly and religious life, it constitutes spiritual giving. Our priests and religious who leave everything to follow Christ epitomize spiritual-giving. We ought to support their ministry with our prayers. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him so as to gain spiritual reward (Cf. Matthew 10:37-42).   

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.