Day 21
28th Saturday in ordinary time, 21 October 2023
Feast: St. Hilarion the Great; St. Ursula, et all
Reading: Rom. 4:13,16-18
Gospel: Luke 12:8-12
“For the holy spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
(Luke 12:12)
The Evangelist Luke places great emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and work, and also in the ministry of the Church (cf. Acts). The Holy Spirit has played her role since Jesus was conceived by His mother until His baptism. With the power of the Holy Spirit too, Jesus defeated the evil in the wilderness. The guidance and inclusion of the Holy Spirit in the wilderness is the key to Jesus’ success in defeating evil.
Jesus began His ministry; teaching, preaching, and giving testimony with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Church also has this gift. With the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus and the Church continue the work of God’s Spirit given to the prophets in the Old Testament. From ancient times till now, the Holy Spirit ensures the continuity of Good News preaching, which was proclaimed by the prophets and presented by Jesus, then continued by us, the preacher in the Church.
Before leaving His disciples, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit’s guidance who is called “The Helper”. Holy Spirit or Parakeltos in Greek means Helper, Comforter, Advocate. It is the Holy Spirit who continues Jesus’ teaching to the church, by enabling them to remember and do Jesus’ teaching in this changing and challenging world. Church is always taught and reminded by the Holy Spirit to convey Jesus’ messages in any real circumstances. The Holy Spirit assists us in comprehending the mystery of Jesus as the revelation of the Father so we can understand the true truth.
The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father through Jesus (cf. John 14:26). She comes to bring the love of the Father and Son among the people. The Apostle Paul says that through the Holy Spirit, the Father constantly renews and confirms our hope, for He keeps on filling and empowering us with His love (cf. Rom. 5:5).
A missionary can not walk on his strength. It is the Holy Spirit who guides and teaches him so that the missionary can have the same mission as God. Same as Jesus in the wilderness, a missionary will also encounter temptations in the field of mission. He needs guidance and inclusion of the Holy Spirit, to conquer any challenges. God’s power is the source of our lives and strength in carrying out the mission, passing through, and defeating any temptations.
Being a missionary does not require a specialty or degree. Three things are required; first, readiness to respond to God’s call. Second, determination to do the task of the mission. And third, humility to ask for the guidance and inclusion of the Holy Spirit. This is not my or your mission, this is God’s mission. To do God’s mission, we need the power and help from the Spirit of God Himself, not our power.
“… do not worry, about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12).
Our mission today: allow the Holy Spirit to guide and support us in our mission.
(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!
Situs Resmi Karya Misi Kepausan Indonesia (KMKI) 