Day 1
26th Sunday in ordinary time, 01 October 2023
Feast: St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Patron Saint of Mission
Reading: Eze. 18:25-28
Gospel: Matt. 21:28-32
“But suppose a sinful person turns away from the evil things they have done. And they do what is fair and right. Then they will save their life.”
(Ezekiel 18:27)
Today’s Gospel tells a parable of the reaction of two sons who got the order from their father to go and work in the vineyard. The first son immediately said, “Yes”, but did not go. The second son initially refused, but then he changed his mind and went. The main message of the parable: action should speak in accordance with words. Jesus wants to tell that true faith and obedience to God is not only expressed through words only, but also through real actions. We are called to be consistent in faith and action, staying away from hypocrisy.
Today the universal Church honors Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, the Patron Saint of Mission. There are many stories of her, but let’s refresh the following few things. First, Saint Therese had felt the power of God since her young age, repented from her childishness and indulgence, and wished to become a nun. Second, Saint Therese was sad to see people hurting Jesus and rejecting to repent. For these reasons, she constantly persevered in her prayer as a reparation for those who rejected to repent. Third, Saint Therese diligently and consistently prayed for missionaries in the lands of mission and for the progress of the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
Today’s readings and the story of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus invite us to reflect on the honesty and consistency of our faith as the disciples of Christ. Are we like the first son who says yes to God, but our actions deny Him? Or are we like the second son who might have left God but sincerely repent and return to Him?
Today’s reading from the Book of Ezekiel emphasizes that it would be very good if we turn away from our sins, and turn back to God. By turning back to God, we indirectly save our own lives on the day of judgment. God’s mercy and grace always offer us the opportunity to repent and turn back to Him. Like the second son who was given the opportunity to correct his attitude, so does God always open up opportunities for us to improve our lives and follow His will.
In our daily lives, we might speak holy words, but we act the opposite way. We seem like to hurt Jesus without hesitation and even might turn away from His love. As an act of mission at the beginning of this mission month, let’s try to live in accordance with our faith. Aligning words and actions, so that people can see the fruit of faith in our daily actions. Stay away from hypocrisy and always strive to grow in love and obedience to God, realizing that His grace and mercy are always with us.
Our mission today: we need constant repentance in order to fulfill our responsibility as the disciples of Christ.
(Ignasius Lede – Commission for Mission of The Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia)
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 Indonesian Church of this month:
For the Synod
We pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a lifestyle at every level, and allow herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the peripheries of the world.
For the Empowerment
We pray that the empowerment activists are blessed with perseverance, tenacity and creativity in assisting small communities to meet their needs and increase their welfare.
Amen.
MISSIONARY ROSARY
The Glorious Mysteries
1. The Resurrection
“The angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.” (Matt. 28:5-6)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Asia (yellow beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for Your grace of unity for the continent of Asia, especially our country, Indonesia, which will soon hold a Presidential Election. May the election be held in an open, transparent, and accountable circumstance that becomes the instrument of uniting the entire Indonesian. Guide our hearts and minds to elect the wise and just president. May our faith in You be the foundation to make us active citizens, willing to care and participate in advancing our people and country. Keep us away from any conflicts, acts of violence, and negative impacts in this election, for us to rejoice in welcoming the new president. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
2. The Ascension
“When he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ‘Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.’” (Acts 1:9-11)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Australia & Oceania (blue beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we are praying for the continent of Australia and Oceania. Grant the Spirit of Faith to the community so they can appreciate the history and root of life. Currently, the Aborigin, indigenous people of Australia, are facing suffering, oppression, and injustice due to racism, enslavement, violence, and confiscation of their land rights. Protect them and restore their freedom to live on the land inherited from their ancestors. Enlighten everyone’s mind to interpret the respect for ancestors and history as the form of our faith in the history of Your creation. May Your work of love become real through the efforts to maintain and care for the culture inheritance and treasure, including the life of the indigenous people. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit
“Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting […] and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts. 2:2.4)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Europe (white beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, bless the continent of Europe with the Spirit of fraternity. Free every heart from fear of the refugees and asylum seekers, that cause stigma, hostility, and discrimination. Instill respect for life so that justice and humanity can be practiced especially to the weak and marginalized, those who need safety and protection. Many children who are victims of war could not meet their parents due to restrictions. May they soon be gathered with their family and gain back their free life. And may the differences can be compromised, a new solution can be achieved to reach the reconciliation that will ensure the rights of life and equal protection for everybody. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with them. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”(1 Thess. 4:14.17)
Prayer is intended for the continent of America (red beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, grant freedom for the victims of human trafficking and slavery, especially in the continent of America. Save the victims, as You are our Saviour. May those who had undergone such crime be lifted by You and be filled with Your joy. Set the criminals free from evil and guide them to repentance. May Your grace be with the individuals, groups, and organizations in fighting human trafficking and slavery, so that respect for human dignity can be established on this earth. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
5. The Coronation and the Blessed Virgin Mary
“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev. 12:1)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Africa (green beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for your blessing on the continent of Africa to free them from natural disasters and violence. Food crisis due to drought, flood, and ongoing conflicts has caused high mortality. Victims are the children: killed and died from malnutrition. Pour out your grace, oh Merciful and Loving Father, bless the nature of this continent so it can provide abundance to support the lives of its people. Free them from poverty and the threat of extreme hunger which is the cause of their suffering. May the spirit of solidarity continue to grow within all of us, for the whole world would care and work together to offer help to our brothers and sisters on the continent of Africa. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
Situs Resmi Karya Misi Kepausan Indonesia (KMKI) 