Author: Justine John Dyikuk

Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk First Sunday of Lent, Year A – Feb 26, 2022 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 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…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Fifth Sunday of the Year, A – Feb 5, 2023 Readings: Is 58:7-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:4-5.6-7.8-9(4a); 1st Cor. 2:1-5 & Gospel Mat. 5:13-16. Theme:  The Demands of Practical Religion Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah urges the people to share their bread with the hungry and shelter the homeless poor. In the second reading, St. Paul instructs that if we must succeed in letting our candle of faith burnt brightly, we must rely on the power of God. The Pauline message reminds us that it is the power…

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Fourth Sunday of the Year, A – Jan 29, 2023 Readings: Zep 2:3; 3:12-13; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10; 1st Cor 1:26-31; Gospel Mat 5:1-12A. Theme: Beatitudes as Signs of the Kingdom! Sunday Synopsis The message of the first reading from the prophet Zephaniah reveals that holiness requires humility. In the second reading, St. Paul invites the faithful to only boast in the Lord. He discloses that God calls the weak to shame the strong. The gospel describes Jesus’ manifesto as found in the Beatitudes which paints the picture of the desired character for entry into God’s kingdom. Through…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Third Sunday of the Year, A – Jan 22, 2023 Readings: Is 8:23-9:3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1,4,13-14; 1st Cor. 1:10-13,17; Gospel Matthew 4:12-23. Theme: Discipling for the kingdom! Sunday Synopsis The first reading reveals that “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” It assures that the Lord would break the rod of the oppressor just as he gladdens his people. In the second reading, St. Paul invites Christians to shun divisions, rivalries and rancour and instead, be united in belief and practice. He warns that since…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Second Sunday of the Year, Year A – Jan 15, 2023 Readings: Is 49:3,5-6; Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2,4,7-8, 8-9,10; 1st Cor. 1:1-3; Gospel John 1:29-34. Theme: Imitating Jesus’ Victimhood! Sunday synopsis The prophesy of Isaiah in the first reading confirms the prophetic role Christ the Lamb of God plays in the gospel. In the second reading, St. Paul extorts the Corinthian community to embrace holiness of life. His message presents an urgent call to prayer for grace and peace as Gods sons and daughters. The gospel reading presents St. John the…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Epiphany of the Lord – January 8, 2023. 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 Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah reveals how everyone in Sheba would offer gold and incense to God while singing His praises. The second reading talks about the revelation of God’s mystery which the solemnity of Epiphany unravels and celebrates. The gospel narrative is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah in the first reading. Aside from the…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk The Octave Day of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God & World Day of Peace – January 1, 2023. 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: Global Peace through Mary Sunday Synopsis World Day of Peace was established by Pope Paul VI in 1968 as a day in which the Mass for peace is said throughout the Catholic world. In the first reading, God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Vigil Mass for New Year/Cross Over Night – December 31, 2022. Readings: Numbers 6:22-27; Responsorial Psalm PS 90:1-6, 12-13,15-16(R98); James 4:13-15 & Gospel Matthew 6:31-34. Theme: Crossover Night of Glory. Synopsis The first reading like that of tomorrow recounts how God commanded Moses to bless the sons and daughters of Israel. The second reading clearly reveals how God is behind the arrangement of times and seasons. It maintains that tomorrow belongs to the Lord which is why we must put God first in all our plans. The gospel comes with…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – December 30, 2022 Readings: 1 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14; Responsorial Psalm PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Col 3:12-21 & Gospel Matthew 2:13-15,19-23. Theme: Standing Up for the Family Solemnity Synopsis In the first reading, Ben Sirach invites children to honour their parents. In the second reading, St. Paul calls on wives to be submissive to their husbands and husbands to love your wives. He also invites husbands to love their wives by avoiding any bitterness towards them. The gospel tells how…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), Year A – Dec 25, 2022 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 – Christ as Light of the Nations Sunday (Christmas) Synopsis Our liturgy draws attention to the need for Christians to embrace the light of Christ. In the first reading the Prophet Isaiah speaks of liberation and consolation for the people returnees from exile. The second reading reveals how God spoke in the past to our ancestors through prophets but in our…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A – Dec 18, 2022 Readings: Is 7:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:1-2,3-4,5-6; Rom 1:1-7 & Gospel Mat 1:18-24. Theme: Re-Inventing the Emmanuel Event! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah brings glad tidings to the House of David that a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son. In the second reading St. Paul reminds us that we have received the grace of apostleship. The gospel presents the circumstances leading to the saviour’s birth disclosing how Joseph took his wife home after the Lord…

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Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Third Sunday of Advent, Year A – Gaudete Sunday – Nov 11, 2022 Readings: Is 35:1-6a.10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:6c-7.8-9a.9bc-10(R.cf.Is 35:4); James 5:7-10; Gospel Mat 11:2-11. Theme: The Imperative of Christ’s Coming! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah urges us to rejoice because the glory and majesty of the Lord are coming. In the second reading, St. James admonishes us to establish ourselves for the coming of the Lord while noting that patience is key to a good Advent. The gosple reveals that haven worked tirelessly for the coming of…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Second Sunday of Advent, Year A – Nov 4, 2022 Readings: Is. 11:1-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 72:1-2. 7-8.12-13.17.CR.cf.7; Rom. 15:4-9; Gospel Mat. 3:1-12. Theme: Being Heralds of Christ’s Coming! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah prophesies about one whose dwellings shall be glorious maintaining that the nations seek after him. The reading second reading invites us not to give up hope assuring that the hopeful are helped by God to be tolerant and kind to others. In the gospel, John appears in the wilderness of Judea saying: “Repent,…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk First Sunday of Advent, Year A – Nov 27, 2022. Readings: Is 2:1-5; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2,3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Rom 13:11-14 & Gospel Mat 24:37-44. Theme: Welcoming Christ! Sunday Synopsis The first reading throws an open invitation to the mountain of the Lord to learn from his ways and walk in his paths/light. In the second reading, St. Paul invites us to wake up now because salvation is nearer than it was when we were converted. He challenges us to put off the works of darkness such as drunken…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Thirty-Fourth Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 20, 2022. The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe & Last Sunday of the Year Readings: 2 Sam 5:1-3; Responsorial Psalm Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5(cf.1); Col 1:12-20; Gospel Luke 23:35-43. Theme: Let Christ Reign in You! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts how David was anointed by God as shepherd, prince and king over Israel. In the second reading, Saint Paul reveals that we have been qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. The…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Thirty-third Sunday of the Year, C – Nov 13, 2022 Readings: Malachi 4:1-2a; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:5-6,7-9ab,9cd(R.cf9cd); 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; Gospel Luke 21:5-19. Theme: Danger of False Prophets! Sunday Synopsis The first reading reveals that at the end of time, God will punish the arrogant and evildoers by burning them up. In the second reading, St. Paul challenges the faithful to be industrious and ready for every kind of good work. In the gospel, Jesus discloses that nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom and earthquakes, plaques and famines…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day, Year C – Nov. 2, 2022 Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk) Readings: Wis 3:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; Rom 5:5-11 Or Rom 6:3-9; Gospel Jn 6:37-40. Theme: Remembering those Precious Souls Background No other time is appropriate to remember the dead than around this time of the year in which Christian Catholics around the world traditionally dedicate the souls of the departed to God, whether they Christians or not. This pious act of charitable remembrance resonates with the spirit of our celebration. Two significant…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Solemnity Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk All Saints’ Day, Year C – Tuesday, 1st November 2022 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. 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 namely being the poor…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 31st Sunday of the Year, C – October 30th, 2022. Readings: Wis 11:22-12:2; Ps 145:1-2.8-9.10-11.13cd-14(R.1); 2 Thess 1:11-2:2; Gospel – Luke 19:1-10. Theme: Larger than Life Sunday Synopsis The first reading reminds us that the Lord is merciful to all. It further reveals that he does not abhor or hate anything he has created. In the second reading St. Paul prays for the Thessalonians that God may make them worthy of His calling. The gospel recounts how Jesus entered Jericho and went to Zacchaeus’ house. His appearance at the senior…

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In a novel manner that demonstrates a shepherd whose sheep are dear to his heart, the Archbishop of Glasgow, Most Rev. William Nolan who preferred a ceremony attended by his flock has finally received his pallium in a colorful ceremony held, Saturday at the 206-year-old St. Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral. I’ll Smell like the Sheep Delivering his homily at the occasion which had bishops from the different dioceses under the Archdiocese of Glasgow, 25 priests, and lay faithful from different parts of the Archdiocese, Archbishop Nolan expressed gratitude while noting that the reception of the pallium reminds him to “smell like…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 30th Sunday of the Year, C/World Mission Sunday – October 23, 2022. Readings: Sir 35:12c-14; Ps 34:2-3.17-18.19 & 23 (R.7a); 2 Tim 4:6-8; Gospel – Luke 18:9-14. Theme: Humility as Doorway to Heaven Sunday Synopsis Our first reading reveals that the prayer of the humble, those who serve the Lord wholeheartedly, pierces the clouds as the Lord hears their plea. It maintains that He listens to the cries of the injured party especially orphans and widows who petition heaven by pouring out their supplication. In the second reading, St.…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty-Ninth Sunday of the Year – October 16, 2022. Readings: Ex 17:8-13; Responsorial Psalm Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8; 2 Tm 3:14-4:2 & Gospel Luke 18:1-8. Theme: Pray Until Something Happens (PUSH) Sunday Synopsis The first reading reveals how the hand of Moses became weary when the people of Israel were fighting the Amalekites. It narrates how Aaron and Hur held Moses’ hands up to ensure victory. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds Timothy and indeed all Christians to keep to the truth. Jesus reveals how the widow kept…

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Twenty-Eight Sunday of the Year, C – October 09, 2022. Readings: 2 Kgs 5-14-17; Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4; 2 Tm 2:8-13 & Gospel Luke 17:11-19. Theme: In All Things, Give Thanks Sunday Synopsis The first reading narrates how Naaman was healed and he offered gifts to Prophet Elisha and worshipped the God of Israel. In the second reading, St. Paul narrates how he was chained on account of the gospel. The gospel reveals how Jesus healed 10 lepers but one, a foreigner, returned to offer thanks to Jesus. We are charged to support the Church in cash or…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty-seventh Sunday of the Year, C – October 2, 2022. Readings: Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4; Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9; 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14; Gospel Lk 17:5-10. Theme: A Faith that Moves Mountains Summary Lines In the first reading, the prophet Habakkuk is overwhelmed with the violence around him. The second reading recommends that we take as our norm the sound words that we hear from the apostle in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The gospel starts on a note of requisition – The apostles asked…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk                                                                                          Twenty-Fifth Sunday of the Year, C – September 18, 2022. Readings: Amos 8:4-7, 13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 113: 1-2.4-8.R.v.17); 1 Tim 2:-1-8; Gospel Lk. 16:1-13. In the first reading the Prophet Amos warns Christians about the ways of “the children of this age.” The second reading presents God as an unbiased umpire who “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” The Prophet Amos challenges contemporary Prophets and indeed all Christians to speak truth to power and ensure freedom. The gospel reading presents…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Fourth Sunday of the Year, C – September 10, 2022. Readings: Ex. 32:7-11, 13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13,17&19(R.cf.Luke15:18); 1 Tim 1-12-17; Gospel Lk 15:1-32. This homily urges us to reflect on God’s love for us which is both radical and prodigal. In a society where sin has become a cancer, we are reminded that the handy cure is God’s unfathomable mercy. God was enraged and wanted to destroy the Israelites but Moses pleaded on their behalf. Saint Paul disclosed to Timothy that although he persecuted the Church…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Second Sunday of Year, C – August 28, 2022. Readings: Sirach 3:17-20.28-29; Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:4-5ac.6-7ab. 10-11(R.11b); Heb. 12:18-19. 22-24a; Gospel Luke 14:1.7-14. The first reading reveals that gentility and humility are prerequisites for finding favour in the sight of God. The second reading discloses the glory of the beatific vision, the heavenly Jerusalem. The gospel reading narrates how on a certain Sabbath Jesus went to the house of a leading Pharisee for a meal and watched people taking places of honour. While there, he emphasized that if someone…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty First Sunday of the Year, C – August 21, 2022. Readings: Is 66:18-21; Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1, 2; Heb 12:5-7, 11-13; Gospel Luke 13:22-30. Theme: The Hard Way, the Only Way Sunday Synopsis The first reading states that God would gather people from every nation under the earth to witness his glory. The second reading highlights the fact that God disciplines his children because he loves them. The reading emphasizes that although at the time of trial, suffering might seem unpleasant and painful, it is nonetheless part of training.…

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1. In the Catholic Church, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) is a dogma. A Dogma is a light along the path of faith and an official teaching of the Catholic Church that pertains to Faith and Morals which is pproclaimed by the Magisterium – the teaching body of the Church through the Roman Pontiff and is binding on all Catholics. The four Marian Dogmas are: Mary as Mother of God (theotokos), Immaculate Conception, Perpetual Virginity, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; a fifth, Mary as Advocate, Mediatrix and Co-redemptrix is being proposed. 2. The Marian dogma…

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Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twentieth Sunday of Year, C – August 18, 2019. Readings: Jer. 38:4-6, 8-10; Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2, 3, 4,18 (R.14b); Heb.12:1-4; Gospel Luke 12:49-53. Theme: Fire to the Earth Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah is persecuted because he spoke truth to power. The prophet was stirring a revolution in the land. The second reading assures that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” The Gospel reveals how Jesus spoke of bringing “fire” to the earth. We are charged to seek for the fire…

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