Day 5
26th Thursday in ordinary time, 05 October 2023
Feast: St. Faustina Kowalska, St. Anna Maria Gallo
Reading: Neh. 8:1- 4a,5-6,7b-12
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12
“Ezra read clearly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read .”
(Nehemia 8:9)
After baptism, we legitimately become the followers of Christ in this world. As the followers of Christ, we do not just sit back, passively wait for the final result and just let the Holy Spirit work. Instead, the followers of Christ should take action and work. However, in order to work to the best as God wishes, first of all, we have to know what God’s will is. The simplest way we can do this is by drawing closer to God through prayer and reading the Scripture. Do we consistently read the Scripture in our daily lives, or do we just listen to it during the mass in the church?
In the first reading, we know that the Israelites were excited with the presence of Ezra, the scribe who read the book of the Law of Moses. People gathered and listened to him. Since they were in exile, nobody read out God’s words to them. When the book of Law was scrolled, the people stood. This attitude expressed reverence for the Word of God. This reminds us that the Word of God is holy and deserves to be revered. We should also have a deep reverent attitude when listening to His Words, through Scripture reading or spiritual teaching.
After the book of Law was read, the attendants pondered the meaning. Nehemia and the priests, including Ezra the scribe read the book and interpreted it so the Israelites could understand the Word of God well. Therefore, after reading the Scripture, we also need to stay silent for a while, interpreting and pondering it in our daily lives. In this way, the Word of God will live in our daily actions and deeds.
In his message for the 97th World Mission Day, Pope Francis said that Jesus is the living Word, the only one who can make our heart burnt within us when He illuminates and transforms it. Sometimes we might find it difficult to understand the Scripture. No worry, as it is not our intelligence or ability that makes us understand the Word of God. The Word of God is a living Word that will burn our hearts and illumine our minds when we read and listen to it. Our heart is transformed no more a cold or lukewarm heart. The flame will urge us to proclaim the mystery of the Lord’s salvation to the world, with the power and wisdom from the spirit of the Lord Himself.
Inner disposition when listening and receiving the Word of God is important. If our heart is open, respectful, and ready to receive it, the Word will work to the fullest. It will root, dwell, and grow in our hearts. We are not only enabled to comprehend the Word, but the knowledge of the Word will lead our way in our daily lives, especially in the path of mission.
Our mission today: to make the Word of God the light who will lead every missionary activity.
(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
Luminous Mysteries
1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:16-17)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Asia (yellow beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for the light of Your love for the continent of Asia. Thousand of cases are revealed, and drug trafficking is increasingly becoming a concern. Humans are poisoned with false pleasure and waste Your given grace of life. O Merciful Father, free the lost souls. Illuminate their hearts to find a path returning to You. May education on the danger of drugs and the way to avoid bad relationships be continuously promoted to raise the awareness of society, especially young people. Keep law enforcers away from selfishness and greed, so they can honestly and strictly fight against the drug for the sake of a healthy society. Through our Lord, JesusChrist, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
2. The Wedding of Cana
“At the request of Mary, His mother, Jesus overcame the lack of wine. That what Jesus did […] This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” (John 2:11)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Australia & Oceania (blue beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, bless the continent of Australia and Oceania so they can love nature, the source of their food and life. Show them to gratefully maintain and care for what You have granted for their lives. Keep them away from selfishness, desire to control, and temptation of greed that leads to exploitation. Bless the nature conservation efforts in Oceania, especially to prevent the loss of biodiversity. May love and respect for nature encourage everybody to take concrete action to maintain the beauty and sustainability of nature. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
3. The proclamation of the Kingdom of God
“Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” (Mat. 4:17.23)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Europe (white beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, send Your Holy Spirit to the continent of Europe. Guide each heart to Your calling with joy. Rise the Spirit of vocation and apostolic spirit among the priests, nuns, and all members of Your church. May the missionaries, lay people and ecclesiastical groups be united and work together to regenerate the spirit of faith in this continent. Ignite the cold heart and light the path, so that those lost people can find Your way back. Grant wisdom to the authorities for them to value and care for the religious heritage that has now been turned into places of entertainment. May Catholic churches on the continent of Europe rise and develop for the glory of Your name. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
4. The Transfiguration
“And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matt. 17:2.5)
Prayer is intended for the continent of America (red beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, of all nations, we pray for Your mercy, especially for the continent of America. Technology advancement and development have an impact on the rising level of stress and living demand. It has caused anxiety, depression, and mental issues. Through the presence of the experts, heal the hurt and raise the broken spirit. Remove the darkness and ignite Your light of hope. Especially to young people, guard their faith and life, so they may resist the temptations of modern life, especially not to forget You. May the advances in technology and communication be utilized by the influencers to share good news, and social media become positive means to maintain mental health and promote life. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
5. The institution of the Eucharist
“And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” (Mark 14:22-24)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Africa (green beads)
Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for peace on the continent of Africa. Conflict and violence have urged people to flee, leaving their hometowns. As You protected Your Son in the exile, also protect them in their way. Suffice them on the foreign land, so that they can survive physically, and mentally and keep their faith that You will not abandon them. Grow love and a sense of humanity, so more people would become the broken Bread and be shared to ease others’ sufferings. May the root of crime; the supply of weapons and explosives, be stopped soon so the continent of Africa can become a safe and peaceful place again. 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) 