A Well-Trained Tongue

Weekly Missionary Reflection
Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, 24 March 2024
Isa. 50:4-7; Ps. 22:8-9,17-18a,19-20,23-24; Phil. 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15,47 (long) or Mark 15:1-39 (short)

“The Lord God has given a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to answer the weary a word that will waken them.”
(Isa. 50:4)

One week before Easter the Christians of worldwide will celebrate the Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion. On this Palm Sunday, we will remember the events of the last few days leading up to Jesus’ death, and ultimately His resurrection.

Palm Sunday celebration begins with the euphoria of Jesus entering Jerusalem. The procession with palm leaves makes a clear reminder that Jesus is welcomed with joy. However in today’s Gospel (Mark 14:1-15, 47) we see some scenes of the conspiracy against Jesus, the anointing of Jesus, the betrayal by Judas, and the preparation for the Passover.

During the Last Supper, Jesus showed His courage and willingness to carry out God’s plan. Jesus knew what would happen, yet He stayed faithful till the end. The betrayal of Judas is our reminder of the importance of royalty and honesty in life. We are invited to do good, not trading our faith with the words of satan. 

In the first reading, we are reminded of the obedience and patience of a servant. We are granted with a well-trained tongue. Granted a “well-trained tongue” means “we are taught to say the Lord’s words”. What we say should confirm what God has said to us. Our entire lives should be surrendered as God’s instrument in sharing His words with anybody we meet. Do not misuse the gift of a “well-trained tongue”. Do not make our “tongue” uncontrolled which leads to sins. 

In church life, we often find that a “well-trained tongue” is no different from the “tongue of satan”. We talk badly of our neighborhood, spread hoaxes, and trigger conflict. Through today’s reading of Isaiah’s book, we are expected to strive to make our tongue a “well-trained tongue”, bringing welfare to people. 

Let us hail in welcoming Jesus in our hearts and boldly share the truth of the Gospel in our daily lives. 

Our mission today: Boldly say the truth and avoid saying hoaxes or gossip. 

(Ignasius Lede – Commission for Mission of The Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia)

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 of this month:

Universal Church Intent: For the new martyrs 
We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

Indonesian Church Intent: Family with disabled kids
We pray that parents and families with disabled kids can interpret the presence of their children as a gift and a means to realize God’s love in a special way.

Amen.