Day 3
26th Tuesday in ordinary time, 03 October 2023
Feast: Sts. Ewald, Martyrs
Reading: Zech. 8:20-23
Gospel: Luke 9:51-56
“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them? Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.”
(Luke 9:54-56)
When Jesus was about to head to Jerusalem and passed the Samaritan village, He sent His disciples ahead of Him to prepare for His reception. However, when the Samaritans knew that Jesus was going to Jerusalem, they rejected Him. The disciples reacted in different ways. Some of them were angry and would like to punish them by calling down the fire from heaven. But Jesus rebuked them and asked them to go to another village.
Messengers of God need to have love and humility. What will the world be, if we do our ministry with violence and using our own law? Jesus gave an example. He did not react negatively towards the rejection of the Samaritans. After being rejected, Jesus instantly moved on and asked His disciples to journey to another village. This was the attitude that Jesus would like His disciples to have, before sending them in pairs (cf. Luke 10:6-10). The disciples were not allowed to respond to the rejection with anger, curses, or punishment. Jesus’ message is clear: the duty of a messenger is to proclaim the Good News with joy. That means Good News is proclaimed with no coercion. Being accepted or rejected does not matter to the messenger. The messenger just needs to focus on passing the message to the next person.
As happened to Jesus and His disciples, we will also face rejection and challenge in our mission of proclaiming Good News. In such a situation, we do not need to insist, get angry, or grumble which causes us to respond to those who reject us. In today’s Gospel reading Jesus resolutely asked us to control ourselves. By having self-control, others’ rejection will not matter to us. Remember, Jesus respects the free will of each human. Nevertheless, we must always remind ourselves that the Kingdom of God is at hand. Punishment will be intolerable without repentance (cf. Luke 10:11-12).
Sts. Ewald whom we celebrate today gave us an example of persistence in proclaiming the Good News. As missionaries, the Ewalds had the burning spirit in proclaiming the Gospel in Saxons. They were rejected. Nevertheless, the Ewalds were not discouraged, instead, they boldly continued the preaching of Jesus Christ. They believe that the glory of Christ’s name was above all, even if it had to be paid by their martyrdom.
Proclaiming Good News should be aimed at all mankind. Spirit and fire of mission must always flame wherever we are. It will not be influenced by the situation and venue nor the response of the people receiving the preaching. Do not rejoice as Good News preacher if people commend and applaud us. Instead, we have to become resilient Good News messenger. Our duties are ministering people we are meeting, as Good News and God’s salvation are offered to everybody without exception.
Our mission today: proclaim the Gospel to every single person
(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
Sorrowful Mysteries
- The Agony of Jesus in the Garden
“O my Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Mat. 26:39)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Asia (yellow bead)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, bless our endeavor on the continent of Asia in implementing the Protocol for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. We are fully aware of our duties, roles,and responsibilities as part of the Catholic Church to prevent and refuse any sexual crimes against children and vulnerable adults. Bless all endeavors, processes of assistance and recovery for the victims. Heal the hurt and trauma of the victims. May each person hand in hand work together and realize the importance of this protocol for the honor of mankind’s dignity and the purification process of the Church, as well as the path to repentance, spiritual renewal, and vocation. May the Church become a safe place for everybody. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
2. The Scourging of Jesus at the pillar
“They smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from Him, and put his own clothes on him.” (Mark 15:19-20a)
Prayer is intended for the Continent of Australia and Oceania (blue beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, bless the continent of Australia and Oceania with the grace of hope, love and faith. In nowadays housing crisis has caused many people lose their house and difficul to find help, especially the women and children. Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Saviour, promises that we will not be left orphans. Send Your help to those neglected. Let Your light of hope keep shining, conquering despair. Knock each heart, so that more people are aware of their neigbours and would lend a helping hand. May the authorities take quick action for a solution and service to a decent and affordable house for everybody. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
3. The Crowning with Thorns
“They platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him, Hail King of the Jews!” (Mark 15:17-18)
Prayer is intended for the Continent of Europe (white beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for the unification of the continent of Europe. May everybody in this continent support each other and walk together as a mankind family. The continent of Europe has been Your blessed home for people from different nations, races, and cultures. Sometimes living together in diversity is not always easy. For this reason, grant humility and great love so that everybody would prioritize tolerance and respect for dignity and human rights. Protect them from the crime of racism, including the use of racist, anti-Semitic,and xenophobic arguments, in the public realm or political discourse that may result in unfavorable conditions and inter-ethnic conflict. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
4. The Carrying of the Cross
“And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha.” (John 19:16b)
Prayer is intended for the continent of America (red beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for Your wisdom to the people in the continent of America, for them to appreciate Your given value of life to mankind. Crimes against humanity, such as massacre and murder, have increased recently on this continent. Protect and save everyone from danger. Comfort and strengthen the families of the dead victims so that they can overcome the trauma and grief they have been undergoing. Guide the decision makers in making strict rules and sanctions in controlling the usage of firearms. May all layers of society work together to strive for public safety through the spirit of fraternity, love, and dialogue. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit; and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.” (Luke 23:46)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Africa (green beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we come to you to pray for the continent of Africa. Religious life in several areas is still in threatened condition. The political conflict that turns into religious conflict has caused many people to suffer from persecution for defending their faith in You. Protect Christian communities from the threat of being kidnapped and murdered by the terrorists. May Your mercy and inclusion be showered upon this continent, and eliminate the terror, fear, and oppression experienced by Your people, so that they can pray and glorify again Your name as the Almighty Father. As we believe wherever sin increases, Your grace increases. 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) 