Day 10
27th Tuesday in ordinary time, 10 October 2023
Feast: St. Daniel et al; St. Paulinus of York
Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
“She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.”
(Luke 10:39)
Jesus drops by the house of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Many of us see the story of these two sisters as a competition of two women: one served with action, and the other just sat down listening to the Teacher. Two disciples of Jesus with opposite gestures. The pattern of discipleship is collided: action vs. contemplation, work vs. prayer. Humans like to compare wealth, beauty, intelligence, popularity, etc. From comparing to competing, underestimating, and even ill-treating. Is the story of Martha and Mary a story of competition?
Martha bustles around preparing food for the guests, an example of hospitality. Jesus and His disciples are making trips from one village to another. They might be exhausted. The hospitality of Martha is worth it. Jesus and His disciples need a place to rest and be served with food. Why does Jesus rebuke her? Actually, Jesus does not disagree with Martha’s hospitality. What Jesus wants to tell is that a woman is not just a servant who takes care of the household and guests.
It may imply that Jesus loves Mary more, or Mary has the more ideal character. However, Mary’s presence will not be complete without Martha. Yes, they are like a coin that stands on different sides, yet inseparable. Each of them has a different character, attitude, and role. Jesus makes them the role models of His disciples.
Martha might look more active, busy moving, but monotonous. She is an example of a hard-working worker, who totally dedicates herself. She always consistently does what she believes is important and necessary, especially in the nature of women at her time, she should serve the table, Teacher, or guests.
Different from the busy Martha, Mary seems inactive and just sits still at the feet of Jesus. But in her stillness, she is not idle! She courageously takes a different action and role. At that time, learning the law was only the obligation of the men. Women had no right to be a disciple. Yet Mary is brave to break the discrimination and old habits, she shows up as an example of a female disciple. She sits with the posture of a true disciple: to be a listener and doer of the Word.
Providing service and accommodation for Gospel preachers is an important thing to do. However, the essence of all is the identity as a listener and doer of the Word, focusing on Jesus, the Living Word. Regardless of gender, woman or man, all disciples of Jesus must have the same identity. In today’s time, despite the occurred changes, we still find some barriers in the role and position that women can take in the Church. Jesus not only rebukes Martha but all of us. Do not allow ourselves to have such mentality and sense of discrimination. Each disciple of Jesus, man or woman, has the right to choose the best position and role: sitting at the feet of the Lord, listening to the word, and making it the base of our ministry.
Our mission today: be close to Jesus, constantly reading and listening to His words through the Scripture.
(Budi Ingelina – National Bureau of Pontifical Mission Society)
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) 