Day 8
27th Tuesday in ordinary time, 8 October 2024
Feast : Simeon, St. Sergius and Bacchus
Reading : Gal. 1:13-24
Gospel : Luk. 10:38-42
“… Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
(Luke 10:41-42)
This is the famous story of Luke, about two women who are both the main characters. Usually, female characters in the Scripture are rarely given names. This is unusual because both are given names: Martha and Mary. In ancient times, women were considered second-class citizens. Then, why are they shown as the main characters in this story? Because through them, Jesus would like to show us all the strength and integrity of the roles of these two quality figures.
Some argued that Jesus praised Mary over Martha. It could be because Jesus responded to Martha’s rebuke to Him, who was displeased with Mary’s “silent” attitude and behavior when Martha was busy serving. The impression is that Marta is active and diligent, while Mary is passive and insensitive. Is that true? Let’s see together.
Martha is a moving character, busy serving guests and her Master with exemplary hospitality, following the meaning of her name (Martha means madam). She was sensitive and cared about the situation and condition of her guests, who had just arrived from a long trip. Of course, they were tired and hungry and needed to rest, eat and drink. It was urgent to serve them. Guest is king. So why did Jesus rebuke her? Jesus did not rebuke her service, but her grumbling instead, and Jesus wanted to remind her that besides service other things were no less important. This was shown by Mary in her seemingly “passive” attitude.
In her silence, Mary set an example of different discipleship. In those days, there were no female students. Studying was the obligation and right of men only. Let alone this was studying Torah with a Jewish Rabbi. However, Mary, in her silence, was sensitive to the real situation. She also dared to take unusual action against old culture and tradition. She showed up by sitting at Jesus’ feet, she took a new position and role, paying her full attention only to Jesus’ words. As if this attitude indicated that nothing was more important than the Teacher’s Word. Sensitivity is not only shown from physical closeness among humans but it is also seen from inner closeness to God. A relationship with God is important because He is the only source of strength for the disciples to continue their work. The disciples’ closeness to their Teacher will also ensure that they are still aware of carrying out God’s mission so that they will not go the wrong path, fighting for their agenda and ambitions.
From today’s Gospel reading, we try not to see the story of Martha Mary as a conflict between two sisters with different characters and behaviors. Rather, it is an example of whole discipleship. Being a follower or disciple of Jesus does not mean repeatedly serving others, but we have to remind ourselves to stay silent, sit at God’s feet, and wholeheartedly listen to Him. These two sides of discipleship are not options, but they have to be performed in parallel. There are action and contemplation. Go to work, but remember to return for praying. That is also the example shown by Jesus Himself. After going around and doing good, He would withdraw Himself from the crowd and pray to His Father in heaven.
Being a disciple of Jesus means being a listener and doer of the word. As women and men, we have to emulate Martha and Mary: rooted and persistent in prayer to continue serving our neighbors wholeheartedly.
Today’s mission: diligent in work, persistent in prayer.
(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) 