Day 27
29th Friday in ordinary time, 27 October 2023
Feast: St. Frumentius
Reading: Rom. 7:18-25a
Gospel: Luke 12:54-59
“You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
(Luke 12:56)
Time has changed a lot. In the past humans focused on struggling for life sustainability, such as food and housing. Now what humans matter is more complicated. Questioning and doubting could be a sign of an advance in thinking. But, if more doubts arise, isn’t that a sign of a decline in faith?
Who am I? What is the purpose of my life? What should I do in my life? How will my future be? Those questions sometimes could promote the struggle, especially from the young people. We can see that there has been an urgent shift in the important things for human beings. From food urgency to self-related matters, like identity, expression, and achievement. However, despite the advanced technology and increased knowledge, they don’t help current people overcome their life problems. On the other hand, humans are getting more perplexed and vulnerable. It even causes less sensitivity to the presence of God, the Creator. Faith becomes a rare object as if its position and role have been eroded by time.
Many churches are left empty and quiet in some countries. Where are the people? Where is her spirit? Are humans too busy with the matters of their lives, that they don’t have time for God? Or have advanced technology and science replaced God’s role in human life?
We have to be careful and sensitive. God reminds humans to be selective in this changing era. The figure of God is fading from life, He is no longer known by some people. What would this sign of the era like to convey? A man said he was baptized, yet he felt no longer a Catholic, but an agnostic. An atheist is a person who doesn’t believe in God, an agnostic is a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena. I don’t know if God exists, and I don’t care if God exists or not. There is a hidden arrogance in such indifference.
No great science can describe the existence of God. Invisible doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Isn’t love invisible? But it can be sensed. When a person falls in love, her heart blooms feels very happy whenever she meets her lover. She recognizes the love from her senses. God is present in greeting, touch, and presence of our neighbors. God’s face can be seen on the face of the poor beggars. God’s mercy can be found in the people who like to share and help others. It needs humility and sensitivity to be able to see Him. We see God with the eyes of our faith.
The key to facing the change is adapting. But being adaptive to the changing era does not mean totally transforming, that we ignore the teaching of faith and history heritage. Our identity as Catholic will never change, nor will the essence of our life mission, God. What we have to change is our attitude and way of thinking, including our way of proclaiming God’s mercy. It needs flexibility in following the era’s development and needs so that the Church’s spirit of mission will not fade and die. But our faith can not change, not even by the era change.
Our mission today: to maintain flexibility in the movement and work of mission and be ready to adapt the change for the sake of the revived spirit of the Church 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
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) 