God’s Will “Priority One” in our Life

Weekly Missionary Reflection
2nd week of Lent, 25 February 2024
Gen. 22:1-2,9a,10-13,15-18; Ps. 116:10,15,16-17,18-19; Rom. 8:31b-34; Mark 9:2-10.

For some of us, choosing between the good and the bad could be not a big deal. But when we have to choose two equally good options, then it becomes a matter of priority. Sometimes determining the priority among equally good and important options is not easy.

Through the first reading, we are invited to listen to the story of Abraham facing a difficult option. God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, his most beloved son. Despite it was hard, Abraham was firm in his decision to believe in God. For his firm belief, God blessed Abraham. We are also invited to reflect on the same thing in today’s Gospel reading. On the mountain, Jesus revealed His identity to Pete, James, and John. That was a great encounter for those three disciples. Peter even wanted to “prevent” Jesus from leaving Jerusalem. Despite it being difficult for them to understand Jesus’ ministry, they realized that Jesus would face a bad experience if He departed to Jerusalem. Yet Jesus reminded them to put God’s wish on top of everything, that’s to continue His mission by leaving for Jerusalem. 

In Lent, we are invited to ponder the options of our lives and to realize the priority of our lives. Let’s reflect on God’s word, ”This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.” Abraham listened to God’s commandment and was willing to surrender his beloved son. Jesus consciously chose to obey His Father’s wish by heading towards Jerusalem. So as we are invited to keep our faith in Jesus Christ.

Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to enable us to consider love above everything. Let’s ask for a sensitive heart and clear mind so we may walk together with Jesus who is loyal to His Father despite the adversity and difficulty. God bless. 

(Br. Kornelius Glossanto, SX – Xaverian Missionary)

DAILY DEDICATED PRAYER

Lord, our Father, I present my today prayer, thought, word, work, joy, and sorrow in 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 Mary, Mother of Jesus, and the Church, in particular, I present my prayer for our Pope and apostle prayer of the Indonesian Church this month:

Universal Church Intent: For the terminally ill
We pray that those with a terminal illness and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.

Indonesian Church Intent: General election
We pray that Indonesian citizens with the right to vote are granted wisdom and a clear heart to elect people’s representatives and national leaders who prioritize public interest.

Amen.