We are called to be Jesus’ Disciples

Day 16
28th Monday in ordinary time, 16 October 2023
Feast: St. Hedwig; St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Reading: Rom. 1:1-7
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

“Among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”
(Rom. 1:6)

Who are Jesus’ disciples?

At the beginning, Jesus chose the apostles. Then under their guidance, the believers of Jesus become disciples, the herald of Good News. We, who have been baptized, including lay people, are Jesus’ disciples. To become Jesus’ disciples, no specific skill is required in carrying out our mission. The church is missionary by nature, therefore by the grace of baptism, we are all missionaries.

Pope Francis said that in responding to the call and becoming a missionary of today’s era, the disciples have to go through three paths. The first path is prayer. Some of us may neglect prayer. We pray only when we need something from God or in difficulty. Or prayer and worship are offered only when we are happy and when everything is going smoothly. Indeed, prayer is the root of all missions. Jesus is present to change our hearts when we come to meet Him in prayer and adoration. We become a new creation, enlightened and full of joy. This novelty will be a magnet, especially for the youth we encounter. They will be inspired when they see our options and way of life as Jesus’ disciples who show the joy of the Gospel. Therefore, good disciples of Jesus never neglect the life of prayer.

 The second path is preaching. Can we be disciples without preaching? In today’s culture of life, the awareness of God’s presence diminishes and faith is weakening. Such a fact can be found in the youth. Some of them seem perplexed of their direction and purpose in life.  Here is the role of Jesus’ disciples in proclaiming salvation. We are here to accompany the others in a simple yet enthusiastic way, helping those in need of spiritual affirmation, so they can find God again.

The third path is mission. The path of the mission is not always easy. Renewed spirit of a missionary is required in proclaiming the Gospel A missionary needs the power of the Holy Spirit in order to welcome anybody. The joy of the Gospel should be communicated through dialogue, either to the lost youth or those who have not known Jesus, or to those who have known Jesus, but leave Him behind due to misfortunes of their lives. However, we have to bear in mind that a dialogue is not a one-way conversation. In a conversation, listening is important.

Being Jesus’ disciples is not only about responding to Jesus’ call. This call has to be nurtured from time to time. Prayer can be our strength in burning the spirit of the mission, preventing it from being extinguished by the challenge and adversity, so we can keep on proclaiming Jesus. For the missionaries on mission, Pope Francis said, “Go forth boldly!”

Our mission today: go forth boldly in carrying out the gift and task to lead all nations to believe and obey Christ. 

(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
Joyful Mysteries

1. The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary

“Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” (Luk. 1:28b.30b-31)

Prayer is intended for the continent of Asia (yellow beads)

Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, your children from the continent of Asia come to send our gratitude and praise for your gift of diversity, as well as the diversity in religion. We realize the importance the religious harmony as the foundation to build a nation and maintain national integrity. May this year of grace, which was declared as the Year of Interfaith Harmony strengthen the tolerance, dialogue, and modernization of the interfaith in each country of our continent. As the witness for Christ, empower to us proclaim the Good News of Your inclusive love to all people. Grant us wisdom so that in our openness to diversity,  we may keep our faith in You. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.

Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!

2. The visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth

“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43)

Prayer is intended for the Continent of Australia and Oceania (blue beads)

Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for your love and mercy for the people in the continent of Australia and Oceania, especially for the children and young people trapped in the juvenile justice system.  May they have the chance for repentance, self-improvement, and growth in your Love. Guide the authorities to carry on their duty wisely and with love, avoiding violence and punishment in handling children, young people, and disabilities. May the leaders and the whole society realize their duty to protect the rights and welfare of those children and young people, by constantly developing positive intervention programs for the improvement of the character and future of the next generations of this continent. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.

Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!

3. The Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

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 continent of Europe, especially for Pope Francis. During his leading the Catholic Church, Pope Francis continuously emphasized his love and concern for the poor, as well as his commitment to the harmony of worldwide interfaith. Please grant good health and strength to Pope Francis, so that he can continue to lead all Catholics in Your entrusted path of mission. May the worldwide pontifical mission constantly support this evangelization mission of local and universal churches. Empower us to be the missionaries who bring hope and dreams for the improvement of the world. Through our Lord, JesusChrist, and Saviour. Amen.

Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!

4. The presentation of Jesus to the Temple

Simeon said unto Mary, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul.” (Luke 2:34-35)

Prayer is intended for the continent of America (red beads)

Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for fraternity and peace on the continent of America. May the people from different nations, races, and religions strive for dialogue and work together to live in harmony and peace.

Grow the concern and sense of belonging with each other so that harmony in togetherness can be created. Make each individual aware of their role as the agent of justice and positive transformation. May with the growing awareness and love of peace, war and crisis in any form can be avoided. The victims of war, may find help so that they can recover physically, mentally, and financially. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.

Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!

5. The finding of Jesus in the Temple

“How is that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spoke unto them.” (Luke 2:49-50)

Prayer is intended for the continent of Africa (green beads)

Lord Father and Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, grant justice for the continent of Africa, especially for the equality of each life. The struggle for protection for women and children to gain their rights in politics, society, economy, education, and health is still ongoing. Women and children frequently become the victim of early marriage, forced marriage, violence, and sexual harassment even rape. In their hard life struggle, may they find Your mercy that frees them from suffering and lifts their dignity in life. For You are the living God, full of mercy to Your oppressed people and those who always hope in faith to have Your help. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, and Saviour. Amen.

Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!