Day 4
26th Friday in ordinary time, 4 October 2024
Feast : St. Francis of Assisi, Confessor of Faith
Reading : Job. 38:1.12-21
Gospel : Luk. 10:13-16
“Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell me, if you know it all.”
(Job. 38:18)
The story of Job is always interesting to discuss. Job, who was pious, honest, and feared God, was targeted by Satan who accused him of only obeying God because he received blessings and prosperity from God. Therefore, God allowed Satan to destroy Job’s wealth, including his children, and even make his bones and flesh sick. Job lost everything and his whole body was infected with rotten boils, from the sole of his feed to the crown of his head. At the peak of his suffering, his piety and obedience were eroded. He started to curse his birth, and then he sued and challenged God because he felt he was righteous. This situation is certainly not much different from the situation of those who feel they have followed God’s teachings and been persistent in prayer, attending the Eucharist, and reading Scriptures every day, but they still have given misfortune. Especially if the misfortune and suffering come repeatedly.
What was God’s response to Job’s complaints and demands? God challenged Job’s knowledge of Himself, did Job know who God was? He is the One who is never wrong and omnipotent. He knows all happenings in the world, He is the creator and everything on earth belongs to Him. Everything owned by humans; wealth, prosperity, health, even life, is a gift from God. So, if one day God wants to take back those gifts, do humans have the right to be angry and sue God? No! Always remember Job’s words of surrender, “Naked I came forth my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord!”
The essence of Job’s story is repentance. Job, who was initially pious, honest, and feared of God, turned into arrogant (feeling like a righteous person) and lost his faith: angry at God’s plans for his life. In line with the story of Job, in today’s Gospel reading Jesus also calls for repentance. Repentance is accomplished by sitting in mourning in the ashes, just as Job did. Sitting in mourning is a gesture or expression of sorrow and regret because we have been wrong and sinful. In ashes means to humble ourselves. Without humility, there will be no possibility of repentance.
Today we commemorate St. Francis of Assisi. Francis also carried out repentance and detached himself from worldliness. In front of the public, he renounced his father’s inheritance and worldly goods and returned them to his father. He then wore a poor cloak and declared, “From now on, I can say with al certainty: Our Father who art in heaven.” Francis’ repentance did not just stop at his personal piety. Going beyond himself, he went out to meet others. He greeted and embraced the lepers, restored and rebuilt ruined chapels and even risked his life to go to the Muslim camp to meet Sultan Malik el Kamil. Francis’ courage and determination to embrace everyone, including those of different faiths and beliefs, resulted in true brotherhood with the Sultan so that Francis could tell stories about Jesus to the Sultan, who, despite his own strong belief, respected Francis’ faith and belief.
Repentance with humility must lead us to the path of proclaiming the Kingdom of God: by meeting our neighbors no matter who they are, because God invites everyone into His Kingdom.
Today’s mission: building brotherhood in diversity.
(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 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 a shared mission
We pray that the Church continues to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion, and the mission shared among priests, religious, and lay people.
Indonesian Church Intent: Health Institution
We pray that Health Institutions, both government and private, prioritize patient recovery and safety above the medical industry’s interest, and provide wholehearted service without discriminating socio-economic status.
MISSIONARY ROSARY PRAYER
God Almighty Father,
Your Son has appointed the Bishops as the successors of the Apostles to proclaim the Kingdom of God to grant salvation to humans. In the celebration of the 100th year of The Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia, the Catholics in Indonesia are grateful for the work of Your Holy Spirit, who has guided the Bishops and the faithful to walk together in building the Church and nation. We pray that with this celebration, Catholic churches in Indonesia will be more united and become a sign of the presence of Your love for others, especially those who are small, weak, poor, marginalized, and disabled. In the light of Your love, we pray that the church will be bolder in becoming the main mover to building true brotherhood and preserving the integrity of creation and commonwealth. With Mary, mother of all nations and model of faith, we unite all prayers and hopes. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, Your Son, Lord, and our Intercessor.
Amen
- 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, we come to ask for Your mercy for the old people on the continent of Asia, those who are abandoned and have to take care of themselves and live in loneliness and impoverishment. Touch the hearts of the people around them, their families and children, social workers and volunteers, to have empathy for taking sincere care of them. Lift them from the despair of life and give them hope and faith in Your presence. In the abundance of Your boundless love, we pray that the elderly on this continent be able to live a life of dignity, security, peace, and joy with people who also love them. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
- 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 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, we ask for Your inclusion for the teenagers on the continent of Australia, especially those who are involved in crime and on the wrong path. Help them return to the right path through the guidance of parents, teachers, and community leaders. Open the opportunity for them to grow and develop healthily through quality education and coaching from various parties who care about the young generation. Instill the values of love, care, respect, responsibility, and peace so that they can repent of violent behavior. We pray that the victims who are physically and emotionally hurt get help, recover, and find joy and hope in life. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
- 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 ask for the presence of Your Holy Spirit on the continent of Europe, especially in Russia and Ukraine. Many are injured, live in misery, and suffer loss as a result of this ongoing war. Give them strength, comfort, and hope to be able to survive through this hard time. May everybody work together to figure out a peaceful solution, and the war will end soon. Protect the humanitarian fighters on the front lines who sincerely give themselves to serve the people in need. We pray that each individual in the world is moved to take part in their way and dare to fight for the rights and dignity of every human being. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
- 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 the continent of America which is currently facing various sufferings due to humanitarian crisis, political chaos, and the influence of armed groups. Especially for the people in Haiti, O Father, lighten the suffering of those who are still living in poverty and uncertainty. May in the light of Your Spirit of wisdom, world leaders and people with goodwill be able to respond to Your call to uphold justice and bring love to those who need it. We pray for Your protection so that our brothers and sisters in America are kept away from any dangers and threats. Also, bless all efforts of bringing about real change so that unity and peace can come true on this continent. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
- 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 pray for the women on the continent of Africa, especially the children and teenagers. Many of them are still undergoing violence and are prisoners of militant and terrorist groups. Give Your hand to free them from captivity, oppression, injustice, and fear. Touch the hearts of leaders on this continent so that they are willing to work together in seeking protection and providing real assistance for children and young women. May the power of Your love liberate life on this continent from fear, terror, and injustice so that security, equality, and prosperity for everyone, especially women and those vulnerable, can be reached. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all Nations, pray and protect us, your children!
Almighty God,
You have blessed Catholic churches in Indonesia with abundant grace. Through the celebration of the 100th year of The Bishop’s Conference of Indonesia, we give thanks to Your continuous grace to Catholic churches in Indonesia. In this celebration, we want to remember every mission step of the missionaries and believers in Indonesia. May Your missionary work remain alive and growing, and we can continue being witnesses of love and hope to others. Bless the missionary works of Your Church in every part of the country, so that more and more souls know, love, and be willing to come to You. Guide us to boldly become Your disciples who will faithfully proclaim the Gospel and do Your will in our daily lives. Mother Mary, Queen of Rosary and mission Protector, pray for us so that with your intercession, we can be closer to Jesus Christ, and illuminate His light of love throughout the world. With the intercession of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord and Intercession.
Amen
Situs Resmi Karya Misi Kepausan Indonesia (KMKI) 