Day 24
29th Tuesday in ordinary time, 24 October 2023
Feast: St. Antony Mary Claret, Bishop
Reading: Rom. 5:12,15b,17-19,20b-21
Gospel: Luke 12:35-38
“But, where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.”
(Romans 5:20b)
The skeptics often ask the question: “for what?” when they see someone do good in this evil-filled world, or when they know someone persistently prays and hopes in God, despite their difficult lives and sufferings. Skeptic means lack of belief, doubtful – of the truth of teachings, and so on. Sufferings and experiences make people cynical.
Bad experiences, adversity, and suffering could cause people to lack trust, and be doubtful and cynical. Hope vanishes and is gone. Our heart is barren and no more faith. Barren land can’t grow good seed, yet bad seed can grow fruitfully there. People easily hate each other, get cynical, hard to believe, and easily get hurt and jealous.
There are many bad things that happen in our surroundings. Morning news begins with bad news and crime news; slandering, war, terrorism, religious conflict, hunger, natural disaster, human trafficking, sexual abuse, corruption, and so on. The good value of life seems unclear. Loss of respect for human dignity has made humans hurt each other. Crime is everywhere, destroying life, and even murdering. As written in the Scripture, death comes to all, inasmuch as all sinned(cf. Rom. 5:12).
If we just focus on bad events and crime around us, we might be gradually skeptical too. Our heart is drained of hope and our faith wavers and even dies. The Apostle Paul reminded us in his letter to the Romans, “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom. 5:20b). When we see bad things or events undergo those sufferings, we may not allow ourselves to fall into despair and bitterness in life. In those moments Good News is required. We are the preachers of Good News. We address the Good News not only to the victims but also to the criminals. Because the Good News contains repentance, forgiveness, and salvation for everybody.
We must always remember to turn to Jesus. Encountering Jesus will heal the hurt heart and revive the extinguished spirit. Just like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who was worried and perplexed for their crucified Teacher. Eventually, their heart burnt inside them when they encountered Jesus. They set out at once and returned to Jerusalem to proclaim the Good News. So we have to come to Jesus too in our concern, dismay, and anxiety. So as to have our heart risen, that we are able to set out to proclaim the Good news to those hurt families.
Our mission today: striving to proclaim the Good News of peace and salvation in Jesus Christ to all mankind.
(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) 