Day 28
30th Monday in ordinary time, 28 October 2024
Feast : St. Simon and Jude, Apostles
Reading : Eph. 2:19-22
Gospel : Luk. 6:12-19
“…He called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles.”
(Luke 6:13)
Jesus appointed His twelve closest followers, including Judas Iscariot, and sent them to continue His work, preaching the Gospel and casting out demons. The power of healing and exorcism performed by Jesus came from the Spirit of God who was always with Him since Baptism (cf. Mk.1:9-11). Why must humans be healed and freed from the power of evil? Because humans are God’s precious beloved. That is the essence of the call of Jesus’ followers; turning the humans to their dignity and nature as God’s precious treasure!
This is the mission that we carry out to this day as God’s disciples. In the context of healing done by Jesus, a missionary disciple is like Jesus Himself, bringing virtue and deliverance to anyone, to those who accept it or do not accept it in certain cases. A disciple of Christ is a bringer of goodness and truth, healing and deliverance “without limits.”
Our mission to bring about the Kingdom of God is rooted in the mission and experience of Jesus Himself. The Holy Spirit, who had worked since His baptism, also worked in us since our baptism. With God’s power, we are truly ready to present God in the world to expel any kind of satanic power and influence. Jesus’ experience in this mission is also a reflection of the Church’s experience, our experience, and His followers who continue the work and mission of Jesus. In performing our missions, we will also be rejected. Our service in mission and preaching will certainly face various kinds of challenges, such as suspicion and assumption, and perhaps accusations and slander. Just as Jesus had undergone before the accusation of the scribes, his family also came to protect him because they thought Jesus was acting “out of his mind.”
Challenges and resistance to Gospel proclamation can come from our environment and the people close to us, but on some occasions, they also come from those opposing us, both in belief and opinion. So how do we respond to this “group”? People who oppose and disagree with us not only disbelieve in Jesus and the Gospel, but they might also try to thwart our mission. We can act like Jesus did. When appointing His twelve Apostles closest to Him, Jesus should have known that Judas would betray and sell Him. But did Jesus then refuse to choose him or secretly remove him so that His mission would run smoothly and perfectly succeed? It didn’t happen like that. On the other hand, Jesus treated Judas well, continued to teach him, and took him together on His missionary journey. For us, Judas was not a good person, and he would harm Jesus. For God, Judas had a role and part in God’s mission. That’s what we have to believe. Everyone has a role and part in God’s mission, regardless of their character and behavior. The most important is to maintain our resilience and never give up on our mission.
In his message for the 98th World Mission Day, Pope Francis stressed that Christ’s missionary disciples always have a sincere concern for all people, regardless of their social or even moral status.
The parable of the banquet tells us that, at the king’s command, the servants gathered “everyone they found, good and bad alike” (Matt. 22:10).
Today’s mission: be resilient and tenacious missionaries wherever we are sent to.
(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 Annunciation of the Angel to Mary
“Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” (Luk. 1:28b.30b-31)
Prayer is intended for the continent of Asia (yellow beads)
Lord Father and Mary, Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for Your blessing to the continent of Asia. Today’s high level of mental health on our continent is very worrying. Grant peace to those who are struggling and worrying about serious problems in life. Clear every mind, touch, and heal the hurt. We pray that mental health workers, namely social workers, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and everybody involved in the effort to improve mental health, will be granted patience and sincerity and be enabled to be witnesses of your love. With Mother Mary, our mother and prayer, and Joseph, her loyal guard, we give ourselves into Your power for Your protection and care. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Intercessor. Amen.
Mary, mother of evangelization, mother of all nations, pray for and protect us, your children.
- The visitation of Mary to Saint Elizabeth
“Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42-43)
Prayer is intended for the Continent of Australia and Oceania (blue beads)
Lord Father and Mary, Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we come to give thanks to the richness of culture and ethnicity on the continent of Australia and Oceania. From the beginning, You created humans different from one another, yet You love them equally. In the light of Your boundless love, we pray that the multi-cultural society on this continent respects and loves each other to reach justice and peace for everybody. Embrace the leaders and every individual so they can walk together in solidarity and strive the life together in the brotherhood free from hatred and discrimination. May they grow in the beauty of each culture, tribe, ethnicity, and religion and remain united in diversity. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Intercessor. Amen.
Mary, mother of evangelization, mother of all nations, pray for and protect us, your children.
- The Nativity of Jesus in Bethlehem
“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Prayer is intended for the Continent of Europe (white beads)
Lord Father and Mary, Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray for your blessings for the continent of Europe. We pray that the migrants and refugees living on this continent can be welcomed and given the chance and assistance in order to live in a better condition. Open the eye of everybody’s heart so they can be called to be the guardians and protectors for those who have lost their home and life support, beyond national, religion, ethnic, and regional barriers. Remind us that we are created in diversities, but we are one family in Your love. We pray that those refugees and migrants regain their dignity as Your precious and beloved creatures. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Intercessor. Amen.
Mary, mother of evangelization, mother of all nations, pray for and protect us, your children.
- The presentation of Jesus to the Temple
Simeon said unto Mary, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul.” (Luke 2:34-35)
Prayer is intended for the continent of America (red beads)
Lord Father and Mary, Mother of Evangelization, Mother of all nations, we pray that the continent of America will always be blessed with Your merciful grace. May those people, especially the former prisoners who have difficulty finding decent jobs, find a solution to survive. Open the door of opportunity for them in order to regain the trust of society for a better future. May Your power grant them strength to move forward in the path of repentance, not losing hope and faith, despite the challenges and difficulties ahead. Bring the joy of the Gospel to the people on this continent so that they can walk together in solidarity and build life together in equality, regardless of their background and past. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Intercessor. Amen
Mary, mother of evangelization, mother of all nations, pray for and protect us, your children.
- The finding of Jesus in the Temple
“How is that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spoke unto them.” (Luke 2:49-50)
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 children on the continent of Africa. Many of them are recruited by armed groups and gangs forced to take part in wars, causing them to lose the right and opportunity to grow properly during their development age. Free them from adult’s trap of exploitation and protect them from bad influences that may ruin their future. Bless the effort of the humanitarian organizations and the people around the world who fight for the protection, freedom, and welfare of these children. Repent every heart that still insults the greatness of Your love by exploiting the children. We pray that the children of the world get their peaceful lives and praise the greatness of Your name. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Intercessor. Amen.
Mary, mother of evangelization, mother of all nations, pray for 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) 