Day 23
29th Monday in ordinary time, 23 October 2023
Feast: St. John of Capistrano
Reading: Rom. 4:20-25
Gospel: Luke 12: 13-21
Then He said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”
(Luke 12:15)
Life has to be well managed. Humans have to make a plan for their future; saving is prepared, and the extra fund is reserved. Some choose insurance, some are busy with their investment. Both are considered as the assurance of health, the future, and even our lives. How we manage our wealth and future plans often determines intelligence and wisdom.
The story in today’s Gospel of Luke, “The rich fool” says the contrary. This is only a parable, but Jesus’ parables are well-known for His teaching. The rich in this parable were gifted with a bountiful harvest. He anticipated with his abundant wealth. He would like to build a larger barn to store his harvest and properties. Jesus called him a “fool”. Why?Isn’t it wise and smart to plan and manage the wealth for the future?
It is good that the rich prepared for his future, but unfortunately, he just focused on his food and physical body. Look at what he planned. “and I shall say to myself: Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” (Luk. 12:19). He forgot the safety of his soul. Perhaps we are like that rich too. After working hard, or without working hard yet blessed with abundant wealth, we think of: why can’t I enjoy this wealth?
This story has a tragic ending. The rich who thought had successfully secured his wealth and life was then approached by God, and his life was taken. So unfortunate. Before he could enjoy his wealth, he died. Then, to whom will his wealth belong? (cf. Luk. 12:20).
Abundant wealth is a gift from God. So it is not appropriate to claim it as our own property and the result of our hard work. The rich just thought of himself: his food and life pleasure. Whereas human possessions come from God, they should be used for solidarity and sharing. The rich man didn’t care for his neighbors. Even when he prepared for his future, he just thought about himself. He didn’t involve God in his planning.
The story of the rich tells the temptation of greed. Wealth can be proof that God blesses us. However, what is the meaning of our lives if we can only count our gifts without being able to be a gift to others? When God gives us more, don’t be busy building a larger barn for ourselves and our family. But use the wealth to build the lives of others and help them.
Don’t be busy with securing our lives, but “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions” (Luk. 12:15). Remember, God is the source of life. Our lives are granted by Him and shall end in Him.
Our mission today: contributing to the mission not only in prayer but also in material offering.
(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) 