Weekly Missionary Reflection
5th Sunday of Easter, 07 May 2023
Act. 6:1-7; Ps. 33:1-2,4-5,18-19; 1Pet. 2:4-9; John 14:1-12
We need to understand the language of each other in our communication. It’s good to use the same language: Indonesian language or the same dialect. We also have to understand if our partner needs “sign language” if he/she is deaf or mute. Believing in God needs a “correct language or pattern” as well. Otherwise, it could be difficult for us to believe in Him due to our misunderstanding.
The first reading in Acts 6:1-7 shows the different ways of believing between two communities. The difference was caused by the “different language of the Hellenists and the Hebrews”, yet by the social condition as well, showing their different economic condition. Those differences could be related to the way of praying or expressing one’s faith which is so diverse. We are grateful that God calls all of us to believe while opening ourselves to form a community of believers, who have different ways of believing. If we can endeavor this call, we can communicate our faith and help each other to manifest the faith in words and action. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us to open ourselves to each other.
The second reading of 1 Pete 2:4-9 shows how God allows misunderstanding among human beings so that we can understand each other. We know that Mother Mary also asked the angel to explain her meaning so that the message of faith could be comprehended well. Openness brings the opportunity to remove the obstacles of our faith that prevent the manifestation of the faith. Whereas, through various expressions of faith we could proclaim Divine Mercy, so that our living together may grow holy to a joyful “Walking Together”. “Lord, teach us to be good believers”.
The Gospel reading, John 14:1-12, explains how Jesus encourages the faith of the disciples in God the Father who will definitely love humans. The process of “Walking Together” shows that we have to go through a long process to understand the meaning of the Lord’s communication with us. We are reminded again that The Lord Jesus is the “way, truth, and life”. Hence, we are invited to believe, step by step, to comprehend the Lord’s will, which then our heart is opened for His will. In our journey of life, we pray that we may believe how God the Father and God the Son unite in the power of the Holy Spirit. May our individual, family, and communal life be closer to Him.
“Lord, increase our faith”.
(RP. B.S. Mardiatmadja, SJ – Lecturer of STF Driyarkara)
DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER
Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in 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 of this month:
For church movements and groups
We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.
For the wisdom of Mary
We pray that the mothers and women be willing to imitate Mother Mary, to be patient, wise, willing to sacrifice, and believe that the Lord will make the impossible possible for the life of their children and society.
Amen
Situs Resmi Biro Nasional Karya Kepausan Indonesia 