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…
Author: Justine John Dyikuk
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…
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…
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…
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…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Sixth Sunday of the Year, A – October 1, 2023 Readings: Ezekiel 18: 25-28; Responsorial Psalm Ps 24:4-9; Phil 2:1-11 & Gospel Matthew 21:28-32 Theme: Faith in Action Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Ezekiel invites us to be consistent in righteousness. In the second reading, St. Paul counsels that we should be kind and tender-hearted by emulating Jesus’ humility. In the gospel, Jesus gave the parable of the two sons who were told to go and work for their father. The first said no and later…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Fifth Sunday of the Year, A – September 24, 2023 Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:2-3.8-9.17-18(R.8a); Phil 1:20c-24.27a & Gospel Matthew 20:1-16. Theme: A God of All Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah tells the people of Israel to seek the Lord while assuring that he is near. In the second reading, St. Paul states that life for him is Christ but death would bring him something greater. He contends that Christians should avoid anything that is unworthy of the gospel of Christ. Matthew’s gospel…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Fourth Sunday of the Year, A – September 17, 2023 Readings: Ecclesiasticus 27:33-28:9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 102:1-4,9-12; Rom 14:7-9 & Gospel Matthew 18:21-35. Theme: The Power of Forgiveness Sunday Synopsis The first reading discloses that resentment and anger are bad behaviours associated with the sinner. It also reveals that if we forgive, God would forgive us. In the second reading, St. Paul affirms the need for us to be considerate towards others by stating that the life of each one of us has an influence on the other. In…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk, 23rd Sunday of the Year, A – September 10, 2023 Readings: Ezekiel 33:7-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:2.6-7abc.7d-9(R.7d,8a); Rom 13:8-10 & Gospel Matthew 18:15-20. Theme: Amicable Conflict Management Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, the Lord chides the Prophet Ezekiel on the need for fraternal correction to win the other. In the second reading (Rom 13:8-10), St. Paul insists that love which conquers all is the summary of the law. In the gospel, (Matthew 18:15-20) Jesus provides a fourfold blueprint for conflict management – talking to the person alone, taking one…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty Second Sunday of the Year, A – September 3, 2023 Readings: Jeremiah 20:7-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 62:2-6,8-9; Rom 12:1-2 & Gospel Matthew 16:21-27. Theme: The Cost of Discipleship Sunday Synopsis The first reading foreshadows Jesus as the suffering servant who allows himself to be seduced, overpowered, insulted, derided, and imprisoned in his bones. In the second reading, St. Paul urges us to offer up our bodies as a holy sacrifice pleasing to God. The reading suggests that the faithful embrace self-abnegation much like Jesus who renounced everything to the…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Twenty First Sunday of the Year, A – August 27, 2023 Readings: Isaiah 22:19-23; Responsorial Psalm Ps 137:1-3,6,8; Rom 11:33-36 & Gospel Matthew 16:18. Theme: Divine Endorsement! Sunday Synopsis The first reading tells how God removed Shebna as Master of the Palace and appointed Eliakim son of Hilkiah by presenting him with a key as a symbol of authority to unite the inhabitants of both Jerusalem and Judah. In the second reading, St. Paul reveals that the depths of God are rich and his wisdom and knowledge deep. The gospel…
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Mass during the Day: Year A – August 15, 2023 Readings: Rev. 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; Responsorial Psalm Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16; 1 Cor. 15:20-27; Gospel Luke 1:39-56. Theme: Making Heaven through Mary Solemnity Synopsis The first reading presents the BVM as “a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon – with twelve stars on her head” who bore the ark of God’s covenant, Jesus. The second reading tells how Jesus, the new Adam and Son of Mary, the new Eve will subdue all things and put his…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 19th Sunday of the Year – August 13, 2023 Readings: 1 Kings 19:9,11-13; Responsorial Psalm Ps 84:9-14; Romans 9:1-5 & Gospel Matthew 14:22-33. Theme: A Genuine 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…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Transfiguration of Our Lord, Year A – August 6, 2023 Readings: Dan 7:9-10.13-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1-2.5-6.9.(R.1a.9a); 2 Pet 1:16-19 & Gospel Matthew 17:1b-9. Theme: The Transfigured Life! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, Daniel sees vision of the “one of great age” whose kingdom will never “be destroyed.” The second reading relates the power of God’s testimony about Jesus in glowing terms: “This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour.” The gospel tells the transfiguration story urging us to be heirs of the kingdom by shunning everything…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 17th Sunday of the Year – July 30, 2023 Readings: 1 Kings 3:5,7-12; Responsorial Psalm Ps 118:57-72,76-77,127-130; Rom 8:28-30 & Gospel Matthew 13:44-52. Theme: Secrets of the Kingdom! Sunday Synopsis The first reading discloses how King Solomon chose wisdom instead of riches or power over his enemies. In the second reading, St. Paul reveals that God cooperates with those who love him. The gospel unviels the parables of the hidden teasure, fine pearls and dragnet. Introduction Friends in Christ, in today’s gospel (Matthew 13:44-52), Jesus relates three apocalyptic parables to…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 15th Sunday of the Year, A – July 16, 2023 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…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 14th Sunday of the Year – July 09, 2023 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,…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 13th Sunday of the Year, A – 2nd July 2023 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…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk 12th Sunday of the Year – June 25, 2023 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, 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, St. Paul reveals how sin entered the world through one man, Adam and redemption was equally won by one man, Jesus. The gospel tells how Jesus told the twelve…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Eleventh Sunday of the Year, A – June 18, 2023 Readings: Exodus 19:2-6 Responsorial Psalm 99:2-3,5; Romans 5:6-11 & Gospel Matthew 9:36-10:8. Theme: Imitating Jesus’ Compassion Sunday Synopsis The first reading tells how God assured the children of Israel through Moses that he carried them on eagles’ wings. In the second reading, St. Paul discloses that what proves that God loves us is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. The gospel reveals how Jesus had compassion on the people who felt harassed and dejected. We are…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi: Year A – June 11, 2023. 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: Becoming what we celebrate! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recalls how the Lord fed the Israelites with manna in the desert. In the second reading, St. Paul maintains that the cup and bread that we bless are a participation in the blood and body of Christ. In the gospel, Jesus reveals himself as the living bread which has come down from…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Trinity Sunday – June 04, 2023 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: Trinity as Holy Kiss Sunday Synopsis The first reading details how the Lord descended on Moses at Sinai when he took the tablets of stone. It recounts that he called on the name of God who comes across as “The Lord – of tenderness and compassion, slow to anger rich in kindness and faithfulness.” In the second reading, St. Paul wishes the Corinthian community perfect…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Pentecost Sunday – May 28, 2023 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: A Pentecost of presence and peace! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts the miracle of Pentecost. In the second reading, St. Paul states that no one can say “‘Jesus is Lord’ unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit.” He goes ahead to stress that, “There is a variety of gifts but always [given by] the same Spirit.” The gospel narrates how Jesus appeared to the apostles…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year, A – World Communications’ Sunday – May 21, 2023 Readings: Acts 1:12-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1,4,7-8; 1 Pet 4:13-16 & Gospel John 17:1-11. Theme: United in Prayer! Sunday Synopsis The first reading recounts how the disciples in the company of some women including the mother of Jesus returned to Jerusalem and were “united in continues prayers.” In the second reading St. Peter urges believers to bear the qualms of this life in expectation of a greater glory. The gospel tells how Jesus prayed that the…
Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Responsorial Psalm Ps 47:2-3,6-7,8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23, 22-23 Or Hebrews 9:24-28,10:19-23; Gospel Matthew 28:16-20. Theme: An Assuring Goodbye Synopsis The first reading tells how Jesus was lifted up while the apostles looked. In the second reading, St. Paul prayed God to enlighten the minds of the elect to understand the mysteries revealed in Christ. The Gospel reading recounts the Great Commission (GC) Christ gave entrusted to the Apostles and the Church. Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” The GC was given with warm assurances of divine endorsement that God will…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A – May 14, 2023. 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: Coached by the Spirit Sunday Synopsis 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…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year, A – May 7, 2023 Readings: Acts 6:1-7; Responsorial Psalm Ps 32:1-2,4-5,18-19; 1 Pet 2:4-9; Gospel John 14:1-12. Theme: The Royal Road of the Cross! Sunday Synopsis The first reading reveals that the diaconate ministry emerged because of cries of marginalisation of Hellenists by Hebrew women. The second reading speaks of Jesus in metaphorical terms as the stone which was rejected but ends up as the corner stone. In the gospel, Jesus says: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A: Vocation/Good Shepherd Sunday – April 30, 2023. 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 Sunday Synopsis 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 against going through another way. It assures that the shepherd…
Shikrot Mpwi – Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk Third Sunday of Easter, Year A – April 23, 2023 Readings: Acts 2:14.22-33; Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2a.5.7-8.9-10.11(R.11a); 1 Pet 1:17-21; Gospel Luke 24:13-35. Theme – Emmaus: Journeying with the Chief Catechist! Sunday Synopsis In the first reading, St. Peter, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, proclaims Christ crucified and raised to the hights by God’s right hand. The second reading reveals that Christ paid the supreme price to free us from sin and death so that we can relish faith and hope in God. The gospel discloses the Emmaus event and…
Introduction The Easter Vigil is “the Mother of all holy vigils.” Holy Mother Church invites us to greater joy and hope. Joy because the Lord is risen and hope because his resurrection wrought our salvation. As such, it is crucial to summarise our celebration thus: Christ’s Abiding Presence Today’s liturgy reminds us that Christ is present in the priest, God’s holy people, the Easter candle – light, the Word, the consecrated bread and wine, the white or gold liturgical colour, the Baptism fount and the suffering, poor and the stranger. 1. The Priest: God is present in the priest who…
