MY daily reflection and prayer: Monday, August 17, 2015
The Solemnity of the Indonesian Independence Day
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to Matthew 22:15-21
Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the Emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The Emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the Emperor the things that are the Emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
Today is the solemn celebration of the independence day of Republic of Indonesia. The Catholic Church in Indonesia celebrates it in liturgical moment. We celebrates the Eucharist for this event. We pray for our nation, state and country of Indonesia.
In such context, the Gospel today tells us that Jesus Christ says, “Give therefore to the Emperor the things that are the Emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What does it mean?
How do we give to the Emperor the things that are the Emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s? We first of all belong to God through Jesus Christ, we do not belong to the world.
We are free humankind and so we are to be delivered to where we will see his glory and be with him. With this awareness in mind, we then give to the emperor what is to give to it. What can we give? First of all, we have to pray for our nation, state and the government. We give what is eternal, namely our souls, over to God because we belong to him.
In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist we can speak to Jesus Christ, because He listens to us and helps us. We need to adore Him and allow our hearts to be filled with the joy and the beauty of His wisdom.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, sometimes we are attracted by the things of this world and influenced by those who try to convince us to trust only in the world’s ways. May we not be hoodwinked by this world but keep our heart set on the world that will never pass away. Everything good comes from you. You are the one source of peace and happiness. Thank you for bringing us into existence as the image of God himself. Thank you for accompanying us in every moment in social lives. We are grateful for your mercy and love. May we respond more generously to you in daily lives forever and ever. Amen.
Girli Kebon Dalem
(rmabudippr)
»̶·̵̭̌·̵̭̌✽̤̈̊•Ɓέяќǎђ•Đǎlєm•✽̤̥̈̊·̵̭̌·̵̭̌«̶
Sent from my heart of abudhenkpr
“abdi Dalem palawija”
Majalah INSPIRASI, Lentera yang Membebaskan
Komisi Hubungan Antaragama dan Kepercayaan Keuskupan Agung Semarang
