Don’t Be Attached, We Are Only Pilgrims!

Weekly Missionary Reflection
33rd Week in Ordinary Time, 14 November 2021
Dan. 12:1-3; Ps. 16:5,8,9-10,11; Heb. 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32

The end time creates uncertainty and questions. It is always worrying and discomforting humans. Don’t humans always want certainty and also all the things that require obedience in faith? The end time is the example. There are many hypotheses and predictions. But none is true. However, humans will never stop predicting and guessing the year, day, and date of it. False prophets will always appear as there are always some people who like false news and hope. Jesus has emphasized: “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (v. 32). Even the Son who is granted great power doesn’t know either. It remains a mystery for all of us. Only the Father has the right the reveal it to us when the time comes.

Therefore, Jesus just speaks about the signs of the end time. That is His first focus in His speech. In a previous speech, Jesus has told some signs of the end time, such as false messiahs, wars, rebellions, earthquakes, famines, persecutions, etc (Mark 13:5-23). All these will be experienced by His followers. Jesus does not want to give false hope. He wants all His followers to remain faithful in hope. Sufferings are part of faith. Cross is the proof. Do not expect to be His followers without bearing His cross.

Second, the Lord’s coming is described as a cosmic shock that sweeps across the world. This is of course terrifying if you and I are attached and bound to this world and its offers. A “destroyed” world will absolutely frighten those who feel they own and have control over this world. Actually, as the followers of the Lord, we are only pilgrims in this world, who dwell for a temporary time.

Third, Jesus invites us to focus on what will happen, instead of when it will happen. At the end time, we will be gathered by the Lord. He will come as the glorified Son of Human “to gather His elected people” (v. 27). This is the good news giving us hope. The Lord, Himself, speaks this. We will not be left scattered without direction and guidance. We will not be left separated, from the relationship with ourselves and from all His creations and the Creator. He will definitely gather us together with Him. The unity with the Lord offers us certainty and strength, gives us the truth and unity.

Fourth, Jesus invites us to read the signs of the end time and be alert. Read the Lord’s signs in many experiences and encounters! Find the Lord’s message in any sufferings and joys. There is always a hidden message from the Lord in any event and experience. There is always His plan and purpose in our struggle and darkness. This is the way to live in the light of faith: to be always alert. Being alert in life enables us to stay in certainty, not in doubt or living just on the surface and pseudo while predicting and contemplating the time of the Lord’s coming.

(Hortensius Mandaru – Indonesia Bible Society)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in the unity with Your Son, Jesus Christ, who always presents Himself in the Eucharist for the world salvation. May the Holy Spirit, as the soul of Jesus, also lead and give me the strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with St. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, I specially present my prayer to our Pope and Indonesian Church prayer apostles of this month:

For Evangelization intention:
For those suffering from depression: May those who suffer from depression and mental exhaustion receive the support and guidance to a better life. We pray …

For Indonesian Churches intention:
Appreciation of the faith: May Catholic families be enabled to appreciate their faith in life in a better way. We pray …

Special Intention for the year of St. Joseph:
Please unite us with our brothers and sisters who have died and pray for us, as St. Joseph blessed the ministry of the Son. We pray…

Amen