Day 20
28th Friday in ordinary time, 20 October 2023
Feast : St. Irene of Tomar and St. Maria Bertilla Boscardin
Reading : Rom. 4:1-8
Gospel : Luke 12:1-7
“Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.”
(Rom. 4:8)
Truly innocent and looking innocent are definitely different. There are many people who just look good and kind-hearted. But some people truly live in virtue. The issue of norm, right, and wrong in our social lives, including the church life, sometimes becomes a snare or stumbling block. People are afraid of making mistakes not because they are really aware and do not want to sin, but because they don’t want to be rebuked and judged by society. In order to keep their good fame and status, they choose to pretend, to cover their sins, as if they are living in noble life.
After Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, He called them hypocrites! Hypocrisy is the practice of pretending. Normally a hypocrite has something to conceal or has no courage to confess or reveal the truth.
In his letter to the Romans, Apostle Paul said that wage is the right of the worker, but for those who don’t work, God justifies their faith as righteousness. Action is not the basis of justification, rather faith in God is. This point has to be understood well so that humans do not become foolish and slow-hearted. We have to realize that as long as humans live, they can not betray their nature where lies the desire of the flesh, which will always lead the humans to bad things (cf. Rom. 7:18).
Everybody can sin. What Jesus wants from us is that we don’t become hypocrites like the Pharisees. We have to boldly confess our sins. Confessing our sins can be done in humility. When we humble ourselves, we allow God to lift us from our sins. That is what the missionaries of God proclaim: repentance, forgiveness, and salvation. God hides the sins of those who repent. Yet God will not tolerate the humans who try to hide their sins before their neighbors, or God.
Hypocrisy appears because one is afraid of the judgment of society. There is a demand for perfection and a fear of failure in oneself. Instead of accepting that: I have weakness, I can fail, humans can fall into sin due to the demand for perfection. Whereas God never rejects us. He always accepts and accompanies us, in any situation, especially when we are in need of His help
In his message to the 97th World Mission Sunday, Pope Francis said in His great mercy, God never tires of being with us, despite all our failings, doubts, weaknesses, and dismay and pessimism that make us become “foolish and slow of heart”. Therefore, let’s take off our mask of hypocrisy, learn to accept ourselves, and confess our weaknesses and sins. Fully realize that perfection belongs to God only. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (cf. 2Cor. 12:9)
Our mission today: to realize and surrender our weakness, mistake, and dismay only to the Lord.
(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) 