Author: Justine John Dyikuk

Fifth Sunday of Lent, Year B – March 17, 2024. Readings: Jer. 31:31-34; Ps 50:3-4,12-15; Hebrews 5:7-9; Gospel – John 12:20-33. Theme: Lifting Others! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Jeremiah says the Lord will make a covenant with the House of Israel. The second reading states that Christ “learned to obey through suffering.” The gospel tells how Jesus replied to the Greeks, Galileans as well as Philip and Andrew that the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. He emphasises in veiled language that unless a wheat grain falls to the ground…

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Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year B (Laetare Sunday) – March 10, 2024 Readings: 2 Chronicles 36:14-16,19-23; Ps 136:1-6; Ephesians 2:4-10; Gospel – John 3:14-21. Theme: Living by the Truth! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts how Israel lived falsehood by following foreign gods which led to the Babylonian Captivity. In the second reading, St. Paul urges us to live “the good life,” through the Truth that is revealed in Jesus Christ, whom God raised. The Gospel reading presents Jesus as the Son of Man, the Truth, the Life and the Light. As we celebrate “Rejoice Sunday,” we are urged to…

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Second Sunday of Lent, Year B – February 25, 2024. Readings: Genesis 22:1-2,9-13,15-18; Ps 115:10,15-19; Romans 8:31-34; Gospel – Mark 9:2-10. Theme: The Tabor and Calvary of Our Lives! Sunday Synopsis Our first reading recounts the faith of Abraham, who obeyed God through his willingness to offer his only son, Isaac. In the second reading, St. Paul insists that God did not spare his Son but gave him up to benefit us. The gospel reveals the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor where Peter, James, and John saw his glory. With prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we are sure to overcome…

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First Sunday of Lent, Year B – February 18, 2024. Readings: Genesis 9:8-15; Ps 24:4-6,7-9; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Gospel – Mark 1:12-15. Theme: Rainbow as a Sign of Contradiction! Sunday Synopsis The first reading reveal God’s covenantal love for humanity through Noah and his family. In the second reading, St. Peter draws a typology between the events of the old and the New Testament by disclosing that just as eight people were saved “by water” at Noah’s time, Christians are redeemed by the water of baptism. The gospel recalls Jesus’ faithfulness in resisting temptation the devil through 40 days’ fasting…

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ShikrotMpwi – Ash Wednesday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk – 14 February2024 Readings: Joel 2:12-18; Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 5-6AB 12, 14 & 17; 2nd Cor. 5:20-6:2; Gospel Mt. 6:1-6, 16-18. Theme: A Lent in Love! Synopsis The first reading invites the faithful of Yahweh to return to the Lord with their hearts, fasting, weeping, and mourning. In the second reading, St. Paul states that because we are ambassadors for Christ, God is appealing to us to be reconciled with him.The Gospel urges the faithful not to parade our good works. Rather than being hypocrites, it charges that we…

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Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B: World Day of the Sick – February 11, 2024. Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46; Ps 31:1-2,6,11; 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1; Gospel – Mark 1:40-45. Theme: Doing the Unthinkable for Christ! Sunday Synopsis The first reading discloses the characteristic compassionate nature of God who commanded Moses to instruct Aaron about the plight of lepers. In the second reading, St. Paul urges believers not to do anything that is offensive to others but to work for the good of all. Today’s gospel tells how Jesus defied culture and social conventions to touch and heal a leper who cried…

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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – February 4, 2024 Readings: Job 7:1-4,6-7; Ps 146:1-6; 1 Cor. 9:16-19,22-23; Gospel – Mark 1:29-39. Theme: Conquering Evil! Sunday Synopsis The first reading which highlights human suffering and the shortness of life, details Job’s lamentation about the problem of evil. The message of Saint Paul in the second reading relates with the gospel because it underscores strength in weakness through Christ. The gospel tells us where to find answers to the problem of evil – Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. Today’s liturgy assures that we can only conquer evil through the…

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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – January   21, 2024. Readings: Jonah 3:1-5,10; Ps 24:4-6,7-9; 1 Cor. 7:13-29-31; Gospel – Mark 1:14-20. Theme: The Cost of Discipleship! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts the sweet conversion narrative of the people of Nineveh. The second reading points to a similar sense of alacrity with a call for all to embrace holiness because “time is growing short.” The gospel reflects the theme of repentance and a call to believe the Good News. By stating that the disciples left their nets and their father to follow Jesus, the reading points to…

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Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – January 14, 2024. Readings: 1 Sam. 3:3-10,19; Ps 39:2,4,7-10; 1 Cor. 6:13-15,17-20; Gospel John 1:35-42. Theme: The Call to Holiness! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts the role of Eli in the call of Samuel. The second reading which urges us to embrace holiness stresses that “the body is not meant for fornication” but “for the Lord.” The gospel which reveals Jesus as the Lamb of God details about the call of the apostles. Like Jesus the Lamb of God who built his Church on the Apostles – “Cephas, meaning Rock,” parents…

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Readings Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7; Responsorial Psalm 28:1-4, 9-10; Acts 10:34-38 & Gospel Mark 1:7-11. Theme: Being heirs of the Kingdom Synopsis The message of Isaiah points to Jesus for whom John preached a baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sin. In the second reading, St. Peter assures that the Lord does not have favourites but loves anyone from any nationality who fears God and does what is acceptable to him. The Gospel narrates how the whole Judean countryside, and all the people of Jerusalem went to John at the Jordan to be baptised. With a call to embrace a baptism…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Epiphany of the Lord – January 7, 2024 Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Responsorial Psalm PS 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Gospel Matthew 2:1-12. Theme: Celebrating Christ, Our Star! Introduction Friends in Christ, today we celebrate the Epiphany otherwise known as the manifestation of Jesus to the world. On this day, the Church celebrates a miniature Christmas because the Magi – Melchior (Europe), Caspar (Asia) and Balthasar (Africa) represent humanity in following the star of Bethlehem. This is not only to identify the Lord but present Him gifts and worship…

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The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God – January 1, 2024. Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Responsorial Psalm PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8(R.v.2a); Galatians 4:4-7 & Gospel Luke 2:16-21. Theme: World Peace through Mary. Solemnity Synopsis In the first reading, God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel. In the second reading, St. Paul assures that we have received the spirit of adoption as God’s sons and daughters. The Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) kept everything that was said about her son pondering it in her heart as the gospel relates. The…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Year B – Dec 25, 2023 Readings: Is 52:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1-6 (R.v.3); Heb1:1-6; Gospel John 1:1-18 or John 1:1-5.9-14. Theme: Christmas Lessons from Rural Africa! In Rural-Africa, the excitement of children when light or power supply is restored after it has been interrupted for days or weeks is akin to that joy you feel when Santa Claus knocks at your door on Christmas morning to surprise you with a box of gifts. Perhaps an erstwhile gathering of African kids at the family…

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Tributes have accompanied the first Koma-priest, Fr. Simon Raphael Salama whose mortal remains was laid to rest Tuesday, 19 Dec. at the priest’s cemetery, St. Peter’s Minor Seminary, Yola, northeastern Nigeria amid tears and tributes.  Recognized as Nigerians in 1961, after independence, alongside the old provinces of Cameroun, Koma is part of the seven districts of Jada sub-county, Adamawa County. Koma, a tribe of 61,000 speakers and a member of the Niger-Congo family was said to be discovered by a corps member in 1986 who disclosed that while women wear fresh leaves, men wear loincloths. Meanwhile, in his homily…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Some thoughts on Christmas Vigil – Dec 24, 2023. Theme: Joining the Shepherds in the First Gloria! Introduction Beloved in Christ, today is Christmas eve. In Nigeria, we are quite familiar with the razzmatazz that is often associated with the day or period of time immediately before an event like the bachelor’s eve or what is popularly called, before the wedding – Usually, the friends of the groom or groomsmen raise money and throw some kind of a send-off party for their crony who is about to graduate from bachelorhood…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year B – Nov 24, 2023. Readings: 2 Sam. 7-1-5.8b-12.14a.16; Ps 89:2-3.4-5.27.29(R.2a); 2 Rom. 16:25-27; Gospel Luke 1:26-38. Theme: The Joy of Waiting! Sunday Synopsis Our first reading points to the remote stages of the family tree of Jesus who comes from the Davidic dynasty. In the second reading St. Paul describes Jesus as “the revelation of a mystery kept secret for endless ages… to bring the obedience of faith. The gospel reading recounts the traditional annunciation by the angel Gabriel. In keeping with the promises…

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Third Sunday of Advent, Year B – Gaudete Sunday – Dec 17, 2023. Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11; Luke 1:46-50,53-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; Gospel John 1:6-8,19-28. Theme: Imperative of Witnessing! Sunday Synopsis The Prophet Isaiah provides us with a blueprint for true witnessing – bringing the good news to the poor, binding up hearts that are broken and proclaiming a year of favour from the Lord. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians to rejoice and not suppress the gift of prophesy with contempt. The Johannine text notes that John came crying out in the wilderness as a witness who…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Second Sunday of Advent, Year B – December 10, 2023 Readings: Is. 40:1-5.9-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps. 9ab and 10.11-12.13-14 (R.8); 2 Pet. 3:8-14; Gospel Mk. 1:1-8. Theme: Prepare the Way! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah states: “A voice cries out in the wilderness, prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.” In the second reading, St. Peter underlines that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. He surmises that we should do “our best to live lives without…

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First Sunday of Advent, Year B – December 3, 2023 Readings: Is. 63:16-17,64:1,3-8; Responsorial Psalm Ps 79:2-3,15-16,18-19; 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Gospel Matt. 13:33-37. Theme: Being Ready for the Lord! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah makes the point that we are clay, the work of God’s hands and he, our Father, is the potter. In the second reading, St. Paul urges the Corinthians who were expecting the parousia to align themselves with Jesus Christ. He had challenged them to live the life of the spirit while awaiting the revelation of the Lord. The gospel urges us to…

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A diocese in Nigeria’s capital city has developed innovative ways of combating contemporary challenges confronting marriage and the family. This disclosure is contained in a pastoral message which came as a fruit of the just concluded 4th General Assembly of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja which held at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Garki, Abuja from Thursday 9 to Saturday, 11 Nov. The event which drew participants from all parishes across the Archdiocese had the theme, “Marriage and family in the contemporary society,” made a case for the most “cherished Christian ideals of love, fidelity, spirituality and discipline.” The…

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Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, A – Nov 26, 2023.  The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe & Last Sunday of the Year. Readings: Ex 34:11-12; Responsorial Psalm Ps. 22:1-3, 5-6; 1 Cor. 15:20-26,28; Gospel Matthew 25:31-46. Theme: Celebrating Christ, King & Shepherd Sunday Synopsis The first reading presents us with the image of God as a shepherd who takes charge of his sheep because human shepherds disappointed him. In the second reading, St. Paul states that at the end of time, Jesus will hand over the kingdom to the Father, having done away with every…

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Thirty third Sunday of the Year, A – November 19, 2023. Readings: Prov. 31:10-13,19-20,30-31; Responsorial Psalm Ps 127:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 & Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30. Theme: Resourceful for the Kingdom Introduction Friends in Christ, like a perfect marketer, Jesus tells us that terms and conditions apply to God’s kingdom. Our reflection titled, “Resourceful for the Kingdom” is weaved around setting our goals right. We shall draw lessons about “usefulness” as it relates to the gospel narrative on the parable of the talents. Background and Summary of the Readings The book of Proverbs (Prov. 31:10-13,19-20,30-31) challenges us to use our…

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Thirty Second Sunday of the Year, A – November 12, 2023. Readings: Wisdom 6:12-16; Responsorial Psalm Ps 63:2.3-4.5-6-8(R.2b); 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 & Gospel Matthew 25:1-13. Theme: The Oil of Readiness Sunday Synopsis In our first reading, wisdom is presented as a lady – bright, available, and approachable. In the second reading, St. Paul speaks about the eternal wisdom of what is to come. He stresses that those who are alive until the Lord’s coming will not have advantage over those who have died. The gospel tells the parable of the ten virgins – it brings to the fore the theme of…

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Thirty First Sunday of the Year, A – November 5, 2023.  Readings: Malachi 1:14b-2:2b; Responsorial Psalm Ps 131:1.2.3; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9,13 & Gospel Matthew 23:1-12. Theme: Lessons in Servant Leadership Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Lord warns priests of highhandedness to drive home the message of humility. The second reading tells how St. Paul and his companions demonstrated humility and servant leadership. He insists that they looked after the flock like a mother feeding and looking after her own children. In the gospel, Jesus lambasts the Scribes and Pharisees for pontificating in places of honour. He goes ahead…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Homily for All Souls Day, Year A – Nov. 2, 2023 Readings: Wisdom 3:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; Romans 6:3-9; Gospel Jn. 6:37-40. Theme: Remembering those Precious Souls Synopsis The first reading states that the souls of the virtues are in the hands of God assuring that and no torment shall touch them. In the second reading, St. Paul reveals Jesus’ victory over sin and death by stating that all who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death. The gospel…

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Homily for Solemnity of All Saints – November 1, 2023 Readings: Revelations 7:2-4, 9-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1BC-2, 3-4AB, 5-6; 1John 3:1-3; Gospel Matthew 5:1-12A. Theme: Journey to Sainthood! On All Saints Day, the Church prepares us for heaven by urging us to have our garments washed by the Blood of the Lamb like the elect whom St. John saw in the first reading. In the second reading, John emphasizes that we must purify ourselves for the eternal journey. The gospel presents us with Jesus’ blueprint for candidates of heaven – being poor in spirit, gentle, anxious about what is…

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Thirtieth Sunday of the Year, A – October 29, 2022 Readings: Ex 22:20-26; Responsorial Psalm Ps 18:2-3bc4.47.51ab (R.2136); 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10 & Gospel Matthew 22:34-40. Theme: Love Conquers All! Sunday Synopsis The first reading urges us to be kind and considerate to strangers, widows, and orphans because God hears their cry for vengeance. In the second reading, St. Paul demands that we copy the Thessalonians by being examples of faith, hope and love in our world. The gospel reading presents us with Christ’s message of vertical and horizontal dimensions of love. He said love of God and neighbour, “This is the…

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Cerebral Nigerian Bishop, Matthew Hassan Kukah has once again condemned religiously motivated violence committed against Christians in Nigeria tracing its roots to “radical Islam,” and calling for international action to save vulnerable groups. The cleric made the call recently during a keynote address delivered at the Religious Liberty Conference organized by the Notre Dame Law School and the Seymour Institute for Black Church and Policy Studies in the United States of America. The public intellectual who shepherds a diocese which covers three states of Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara where Sharia law was implemented on 27 Oct. 1999 by Governor Ahmed…

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Twenty-Ninth Sunday of the Year, A – October 22, 2023: World Mission Sunday. Readings: Isaiah 45:1,4-6; Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1,3-5,7-10;1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 & Gospel Matthew 22:15-21. Theme: Of Caesar and God Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, God anoints Cyprus, a pagan king who does not know him to demonstrate the from the rising of the sun to its setting, he is unrivalled. The second reading tells how Paul and Silvanus laud the Thessalonians for their “faith in action,” working for love, and persevering in hope. The gospel tells how the Pharisees who opposed paying taxes to the Romans connived…

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Twenty-Eight Sunday of the Year, A – October 15, 2023 Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 22:1-6; Phil 4:12-14,19-20 & Gospel Matthew 22:1-14. Theme: Weaving Your Wedding Garment! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah assures that the wedding feast of the lamb would take place on a mountain. Weaving the wedding garment requires endurance and patience. This is the more reason why like St. Paul in the second reading. He testifies that we can master everything with the help of the one who strengthens us. The wedding invitation in the gospel is open to all [and] wearing…

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