MY daily reflection and prayer:
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to St. Luke 11: 42-46
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God; it is these you ought to have practiced, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love to have the seat of honor in the synagogues and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it.” One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you lawyers! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not lift a finger to ease them.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
BASUKI “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama is a phenomenon in Indonesian politics because of his combative and outspoken style. He has drawn many supporters as well as detractors. He represents a new milestone for inclusiveness in Indonesia. He is the first ethnic-Chinese and Christian governor of Jakarta.
In my reflection, his life can help us to understand Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel. Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees, saying “Woe to you Pharisees! … Woe also to you lawyers!”
Ahok used hard words against injustice and corruption not because of hatred but for the sake of justice and common good. I belive, Jesus Christ also used hard words against the scribes and Pharisees not because of hatred but for their salvation. He even would lay down his life for them too.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist we adore Jesus Christ who purifies our souls and hearts. There we are called to have a closer relationship with God and to have a brave heart to witness the truth.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, grant us a brave heart to say the truth against injustice and corruption. Free our hearts from selfish desires. May we only have room for kindness and mercy toward others now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
