Day 17
28th Tuesday in ordinary time, 17 October 2023
Feast: St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Reading: Rom. 1:16-25
Gospel: Luke 11:37-41
“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek.”
(Romans 1:16)
In the 3rd National Meeting of T-SoM II (Teens School of Mission), the teens of SEKAMI (Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood) from 14 dioceses were invited to focus on the Scripture. When they were asked if they routinely read the Scripture and why they were happy or difficult to read it, some admitted that they seldom read the Scripture. There are many reasons, such as the letters in the Scripture are too small, lack of time for they spend most of their time with their gadget, and sometimes they don’t understand the Scripture. Another question was how they felt when they heard the Scripture reading or the homily during the Mass. Some replied: if the content is too long or the priest’s homily is unexciting, they would be bored and sleepy.
The 3rd National Meeting of T-SoM II which carried the theme of “God’s Word Burns in My My Heart” tried to invite the members of T-SoM to understand the importance of Scripture in their lives. Scripture is not only the reading in the Eucharist, but it can be used as the book of prayer and reflection. One of the facilitator priests reminded the teenagers that Scripture is the basis of faith and the foundation of Church life. Apart from being used individually, as the material of prayer, reflection, and preaching, Scripture can also be used in a group, such as retreat and sharing. Referring to the honest comment of the teens on the homily of the mass, the facilitator priest said they would pay attention to that comment so as to make their homily clearer and more concise.
In his message for the 97th World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis reminded us of the role of Scripture for missionaries and the importance of understanding the Scripture in depth. If we, the preachers of Good News, don’t understand the Scripture containing the mysteries of Jesus and His Church’s mission, what can we pass on to others? Perhaps, we pass on our ideas and projects to others. Referring to the story of the two disciples to Emmaus, the Pope said that Jesus is the Living Word. After listening to Jesus explain the Scripture, the hearts of the two disciples burnt within them. The Word burnt and enlightened their heart. That is what will happen to us if we read the Scripture. It is impossible for us to understand the Scripture in depth if God does not enlighten and transform us.
The Scripture can not be treated just like an ordinary book; we can’t choose to read the interesting parts we like. Scripture must be read entirely, as it is the source of the history of the Church and Jesus’ mission. The Old Testament is not a series of old stories, rather it is the root of Christian life. Without the Old Testament, we will not be able to understand the New Testament completely. Following the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, let’s allow God to accompany and explain the meaning of Scripture so we can proclaim His mystery of salvation to the world with the power and wisdom that come from His Spirit.
Our mission today: make the Scripture the source for understanding the history of the Church and the missionary work of Jesus.
(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) 