Mother Mary, A Role Model for The Faithful

Weekly Missionary Reflection
Sunday, 13 August 2023
The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Rev. 11:19a; 12:1-6a,10ab; Ps. 45:10c-12,16; 1Cor. 15:20-26; Luk. 1:39-56

Today Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A celebration that shows how Mother Mary has such an important role in the history of God’s salvation and the development of the Catholic faith.  Some of us may have devotion to Mother Mary and at least have visited places of pilgrimage as a devotion to Mother Mary.

The story in today’s Gospel invites us to reflect on the mystery of Mother Mary visiting her relative, Elizabeth, who was also expecting her first son. The part that always touches my heart is the Song of Mary or Magnificat. Those who are used to reciting daily prayers should be familiar with the Canticles of Mary. One of the canticles that attract me is “For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him.”(Luk. 1:48-50).

When I reflect on those words of Mother Mary, I am asking myself, what is the big event that Mother Mary had gone through that she could express such gratitude? Didn’t she have a hard life? She gave birth to her First Son in poverty. As soon as she gave birth, Mary had to live in escape. She also had to witness Jesus, her Son, went through many uncomprehended hardships. And in the end, she had to see her own Son’s cruel death. Despite those hardships, Mother May remained grateful.

What Mother Mary had gone through in her life is a reflection of each of us. Mother Mary who gave birth to Jesus, the Saviour, went through such a hard life yet she strived to keep her faith. That’s why God glorified her and sanctified her body and soul. Mother Mary is an example for us, Christians,  who have faith in Jesus Christ. Indeed, we are never alone in our unsmooth lives. Whenever we could live in our faith, we will see the “big works” in our lives and eventually, we may hope to gain glory like Mother Mary who was assumed into heaven, body, and soul. 

(Br. Kornelius Glossanto, SX – Xaverian Missionary)

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 of this month:

For World Youth Day
We pray that World Youth Day in Lisbon will help young people live and witness the Gospel in their own lives.

Independence IdealsWe pray that the government and the members, political elites, and intellectuals will strive together for the ideals of independence and national integrity, with no disputes and arguments that perplex the people and break unity and harmony.

Amen.