Don’t Be Lulled By The Worldly Pleasure!

Weekly Missionary Reflection
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 07 August 2022
Wis. 18:6-9; Ps. 33:1,12,18-19,20,22; Heb. 11:1-2,8-19 (long) atau Heb. 11:1-2,8-12 (short); Luk. 12:32-48 (long) atau Luk. 12:32-40 (short)

“Be prepared” is the dominant subject in the preaching of Jesus. Last week the greedy rich man was labeled “fool” as he was busy building pseudo security for his wealth. As a result, he was not prepared when the Lord came to take his life. Today Jesus invites His disciples to be always prepared. How?

First, “Sell your belongings, and give alms!” Unlike the Greedy who multiplied and hoarded his treasures, Jesus’ disciples are asked to sell all their belongings. For what? It is not for living ascetically like John the Baptist, but for sharing with the poor (giving alms). Jesus emphasizes the wish of the Law: belonging for sharing, wealth for solidarity. By doing so, we are preparing “an inexhaustible treasure in Heaven”. This logic of the Gospel is obviously weird for the capitalists: saving life by sharing things. The sharing disciples will always be ready for the Lord’s coming, as they are convinced that the Creator has secured their “eternal saving”.

Second, being prepared does not mean living in passive waiting, nor being busy with calculating and predicting the end of the world. Being prepared is living actively in preparing and organizing ourselves! We expect that the Lord will definitely come, only that we don’t know the timing. That means we must live with optimism and realistically. We are optimistic that He will definitely come. We are also realistic so we have to organize our life now and here. Eschatology is not for dreaming, but for building ethical conduct: arranging daily life in accordance with His will. Jesus confirms it with two allusions: “Gird your loins and light your lamps”. “Girded loins” means: always being prepared to work. This is the style of a nimble servant: always be prepared to carry out the task and mission given by the Lord at any time. “The lighted lamp” means enlighting life to others. Life is full of “fuel”, positive energy for others and the environment. The disciples should always be sharing testimony and lighting, as they are driven by the gospel energy: love, compassion, social solidarity, justice, and peace.

Third, by living like a vigilant servant, we will get a wonderful surprise: the Lord Himself will come to serve us, His servants! A life filled with evangelical energy will present the value of the kingdom of God in today’s world. God transforms the pattern and order of human life through the life of His church so that He could serve all our needs for living. That is what Jesus emphasizes at the beginning: “Do not be afraid anymore, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.”

Fourth, Jesus gives special attention to the ministry of the church leaders (v. 45-46). Those entrusted with the task and duty in the church should act as servants to others. The postponed coming of the Lord often lulls the church leaders. They forget to serve and guide the church members. They even misuse their power and authority, treating others arbitrarily, and seeking worldly pleasure. Jesus confirms that: they will be beaten more severely than the ordinary ignorant servants (v. 47-48).

(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 salvation of the world. May the Holy Spirit animating Jesus, also be my guidance and strength today so that I am ready to be the witness of Your love.

Together with St. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church this month:

For the purpose of Universal Churches: Small and medium-scale of business
We pray for the small and medium scale of businesses. In the midst of economic and social crisis, may they find a way to continue their business and serve the community.

For the purpose of Indonesian Churches intention: Trusted means for distribution of donation
We pray for the community groups to be able to create a trusted means to distribute the virtue and donation from the good-hearted people to the needs.

Amen