Weekly Missionary Reflection
33rd Ordinary Sunday, 17 November 2024
Dan. 12:1-3; Ps. 16:5,8,9-10,11; Heb. 10:11-14,18; Mark 13:24-32
As time goes by, the end of the liturgical year is coming to a close. Today’s Gospel also tells about Jesus describing of the end times. What we read in today’s Gospel is part of Jesus’ teaching to his disciples when they were admiring the beauty of the Temple. As told at the beginning of the passage, Jesus seemed to foretell the future of this Temple and expressed His wish that the apostles would be prepared for the future.
Through these signs, Jesus does not mean to discourage and worry us. On the contrary, He invites us always to be aware of the signs of the times. “Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When the branch becomes tender and sprouts leave, you know that summer is near. In the same way, if you see these things happening, know that He is near, at the gates” (Mark 13 28-29). We are advised not to be indifferent and ignore what is happening around us. God never abandons us, His people, and Jesus wants His followers to understand this truly.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). And Jesus’ word is His Love. Jesus again reminds us to hold on to this faith and persevere in love and hope. The closer we are to God through our full of love lifestyle to our neighbors, the more sensitive we will be to the signs that Jesus means. And despite the trials and difficulties, those who are close to God’s love “…shall shine brightly the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever” (Dan. 12 :3).
Dear brothers and sisters, let us never forget to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that our eyes of our hearts are enabled to be sensitive to the signs of the times and we will always be strengthened in faith, hope, and love. God bless always.
(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 anyone who has lost a child
We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.
Indonesian Church Intent: Elderly priests, brothers, and nuns
We pray that elderly priests, brothers, and nuns always find the burning love of God in their lives and willingly share the inspiration and love of God to young people.
Amen.
Situs Resmi Karya Misi Kepausan Indonesia (KMKI) 