Sunday November 1st Solemnity of All Saints We are in that number so happy Feast to you and yours.

THEY ARE THE ONES WHOSE LIVES REFLECTED THE PERFECTION AND HUMILITY OF THE BEATITUDES by achristianpilgrim THEY ARE THE ONES WHOSE LIVES REFLECTED THE PERFECTION AND HUMILITY OF THE BEATITUDES (A biblical reflection on the FEAST OF ALL SAINTS – Sunday, 1 November 2015   Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12  First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4,9-14; Psalms: Psalm 24:1-6; Second Reading: 1John 3:1-3  The Scripture Text Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12 RSV)  The feast of All Saints reminds us of all the men, women, and children who now worship the Lord in heaven and pray for us on earth. They are the ones whose lives reflected the perfection and humility of the Beatitudes. They are the ones who embraced Jesus’ call to become like Him and allow His Spirit to free them from sin. They testify that anyone can become saint – anyone can become a citizen of heaven. This is a day to recognize not only the martyrs and canonized saints of our faith, but the entire host of unknown witnesses who have also lived lives of faithfulness and holiness and have received their eternal reward. Some of these saints may even include people we have known – family members, friends, and business associates: anyone with “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4). In the book of Revelation, John described a vision of the heavenly host that overwhelmed him. “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and whence have they come?” (Revelation 7:13), he asked the angel. The reply? “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 7:14-15). All God asks is that we continually keep our hearts clean before Him. All He asks is that we look to Him for the wisdom and power we need to live as His daughters and sons. He will do the rest. Jesus holds out the conditions and promises of sainthood for everyone. Let us take comfort and courage from the power of His Spirit within us. Let us also find encouragement in the prayers of the saints who have gone before us. On this day, when we celebrate our communion with all the saints of heaven, let us rejoice in Jesus’ promise that we will receive rewards for following Him – now and in the life to come. Prayer: Lord Jesus, the saints in heaven behold Your glory and know the rewards of Your life. Fill me with hope in Your promise of eternal life. May we all share the joy of Your saints in heaven. Amen. Jakarta, 31 October 2015  A Christian Pilgrim

Friday October 30 Mercy is Above Justice but the Other side of the Coin.

Daily Dig for October 30 Albert Camus What the world expects of Christians is that they should speak out, loud and clear; that they should voice their convictions in such a way that not even the slightest doubt could arise in the heart of the simplest person. And more: that they should get away from words and abstractions and confront in their deeds the bloodstained face of history. Source: Camus Daily Prayer for October 30 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117, NIV Lord our God, we thank you that we may come to you and that our spirits can reach out for your help and your comfort. May we draw strength from communion with you, our Father. May we realize more fully that we are your children, truly your children, who throughout our pilgrimage are allowed to know you as our refuge and our help. Remember our world, and grant that many hearts awaken and turn to you, looking to you in all the fear and need which sweep over many people in our time. Let your Spirit be revealed to our hearts in quiet, bringing many experiences from you, O Lord our God, and from your kingdom. Protect us every day in the many lands throughout the earth. For the nations are yours; they shall receive life and blessing from you, and at last your kingdom will be revealed in all the world, to the eternal glory of your name. Amen. www.plough.com

Thursday October 29 , 2015 "And While there is a Soul in Prison, I Am Not Free" Eugene V. Debs

Daily Dig for October 29 Eugene V. Debs Years ago I recognized my kinship with all living human beings, and I made up my mind that I was not one bit better than the meanest person on earth. I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it; while there is a criminal element, I am of it; and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free. Source: Statement to the court upon being convicted of violating the Sedition Act, September 18, 1918

Daily Prayer for October 29 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. Psalm 89:15–16, NIV Dear Father in heaven,  how lovingly you have thought of us! How much good you let us experience again and again! So our hearts are happy, and we go to rest this night full of joy and thanks because we are your children. Our thanks and joy shall be our service to you day and night. More than this you do not ask, and in this we will be faithful. We want to be joyful and to be glad for our lives. Even when we face dark hours, O Lord our God, we are filled with hope that brings us joy for the future as well as for the present, with assurance that your salvation is coming. We rejoice in what you give us already today. Amen.

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Wednesday October 28 FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE –

FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE  October 28 by achristianpilgrim All Christians today trace our faith back to those first disciples - such as Saint Simon and Saint Jude - who were willing to leave everything familiar to share the good news with strangers. Today's feast reminds us to pray for modern-day apostles who leave home and family and risk their lives to bring the love of Jesus to those still waiting to hear about Him. Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, may those who leave home and family and risk all for the Gospel be supported by Your Spirit in the difficult task of bringing Your good news to an often hostile world. Amen. Jakarta, 28 October 2015 A Christian Pilgrim

Tuesday October 27 Christ's Light Will Fill Your Life

Daily Dig for October 27 Walt Whitman This is what you shall do: Love the earth and the sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyranny, and argue not concerning God. Source: Leaves of Grass Daily Prayer for October 27 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:8–10, NIV Lord God, we thank you for your voice even when it is stern and we must go through hardship and suffering. Your voice speaks to us, and in your voice we can be glad and victorious in our life on earth. Come into our lives. May each of us realize that all we have gone through has been for the good. Be God and Lord over the nations. Be a refuge for all people. Grant that the sin and distress of this terrible time may soon pass and that we may hear your words, "Be comforted. I will come soon. All these terrors must pass by. My will is being done. My name must be honored. My kingdom and my rule are coming. So take heart and at all times look to your God and Father in heaven." Amen. www.plough.com

Monday October 26 Faith Moves Mountains

Daily Dig for October 26 Eberhard Arnold Jesus did not make new laws; his righteousness does not depend on moral intention. It can be fulfilled only through a new way of living: through a life from God that flares up like light, sears and purifies like salt, pulses like sap through a tree. It is life, life, life! Source: Eberhard Arnold: Writings Selected Daily Prayer for October 26 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11, NIV Lord Jesus Christ,  our Savior, stand at our side and protect us in all our days on earth. Grant us an understanding of the honor that belongs to God. Help us see that you are sent so that heaven and earth shall one day bow down before God's almighty will. Stand by us so that we may hear, understand, and accept your Word. Stand by us all our lives. Be with us in suffering and in our last hour when death comes to us. May your grace be with us. Help us at all times to be firmly rooted in the will of our God and Father in heaven. Amen. www.plough.com

Sunday October 25 - Gospel for Sunday Lord, That I May See

JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME! by achristianpilgrim JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME! (A biblical refection on THE 30th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME [YEAR B] – 25 October, 2015)  Gospel Reading: Mark 10:46-52  First Reading: Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalms: Psalm 126:1-6; Second Reading: Hebrews 5:1-6  The Scripture Text And they came to Jericho; and as He was leaving Jericho with His disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, He is calling you.” And throwing off his mantle he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to Him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Him on the way. (Mark 10:46-52 RSV) There is a high hill on the west side of Jericho which offers a panoramic view of the ancient city. The splendid colors of flowers, mingling with the orange blossoms and palm trees, are a delightful sight. It was in this fertile Jordan River Valley town that Bartimeus lived, smelled the fragrant blossoms and heard the leaves rustled by the gentle wind. But he never saw its beauty, for he was blind. Through the pen of Saint Mark, Bartimaeus finds his way into today’s Gospel, sitting “in the right place at the right time” – when Jesus happened to be passing by. He had heard of the famous Miracle Worker and when told He was right here in Jericho, Bartimaeus suddenly decided to make the biggest gamble of his life. He would call out for Jesus to work one more miracle in Jericho – for him. He was afraid that perhaps Jesus wouldn’t even hear his call, that people would laugh at him. Yet the thought of being able to see, capable of finding a job and being independent, strengthened his courage. When the crowd grew louder – meaning Jesus was very near – Bartimaeus out-shouted them with eight well-chosen words: “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47). It was this forceful prayer – said two times – which reached the ears of the Lord, causing Him to stop and ask the bystanders to bring to Him the man who prayed that beautiful faith-filled prayer. Bartimaeus began to tremble, causing someone to offer reassurance, “Take heart; rise, He is calling you.”(Mark 10:49), as if he was saying: “You have nothing to fear from Him”. To Jesus’ question, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) the frightened but expectant blind man cried out, “Master, let me receive my sight.” (Mark 10:51), ... “I want to see!” Bartimaeus’ world of darkness continued a few moments more as he heard the words, “Go away, your faith has made you well”  (Mark 10:52) ... “Your faith has saved you.”  Suddenly he saw the sunshine, colors danced before eyes and the most breath-taking sight of all was the celestial face of Jesus. We could make the words of Bartimaeus our own prayer for mercy, entreating the Savior to relieve our sufferings with His healing blessings. Try the prayer if you have spiritual blindness and cannot accept others or find any good in them. Pray those words if you are blind to your faults, have lost your way through life or have no hope for a glorious future. Pray with courage and shout twice if you must, even if others tell you to be quiet. You may feel helpless, sitting on some dark back road of society, but Jesus still passes by. He wants to lift you from your gloomy shadows of despair. Regardless of how far from Him you may be, trust His mercy and ask His help for He will listen to you. Someday you will behold Him face to face, like Bartimaeus. Just you wait, you’ll see! Prayer: Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Son of David, have mercy on me! Jakarta, 23 October 2015  A Christian Pilgrim

Friday October 23 All is From God and We Give Thanks!

Daily Dig for October 23 Mother Teresa Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. Nothing is small for our good God, for he is great and we are small. That is why he lowers himself and cares to do small things, in order to offer us an opportunity to show him our love. Since he does them, they are great things, they are infinite. Nothing he does can be small. Again: practice fidelity even in the least things, not for their own sake, but for the sake of what is great – that is, the will of God. Source: A Life for God Daily Prayer for October 23 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3–5, NIV Lord our God, Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who encourages and strengthens us in all distress, we thank you for turning our suffering into a pathway to life, so that we may be thankful and trusting through everything. You can change what we find hardest into what is best for us. Praise to your name that a way through sin and death is given to us. Praise to your name that you have shown us a way through all evil, a way that is blest. Amen. www.plough.com

Wednesday October 21, We belong to the Universe and Prayer rises up to the King of the Universe

Daily Dig for October 21 Dietrich Bonhoeffer Through the call of Jesus people become individuals. Willy-nilly, they are compelled to decide, and that decision can only be made by themselves. It is no choice of their own that makes them individuals: it is Christ who makes them individuals by calling them. Every person is called separately, and must follow alone. Source: The Cost of Discipleship Daily Prayer for October 21 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Then another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all God's people upon the golden altar in front of the throne. And from the angel's hand the smoke of the incense went up before God with the prayers of his people. Revelation 8:3–4, NEB Lord God, we come before you and ask you to turn our hearts and minds to you alone, to you who have power over the whole world and who can do everything in our hearts according to your will. Let there be light in our time. Hear and answer the many prayers that have already come to you, rising for centuries before your throne, prayers for your kingdom and for your will on earth. This earth has become the prey of evil. We are poor and needy, and you alone can help us. Help us, O Lord, our God and Father. After this misery let your day come, your great day over all the world and over all peoples. Amen. www.plough.com

Tuesday October 20 God Love us always

Daily Dig for October 20 Eberhard Arnold When John the Apostle had lived in Ephesus into his extreme old age, and could hardly be carried to the meetings of the church by the disciples, and when in speaking, he could no longer put together many words, he would not say anything else in the meetings but this: “Little children, love one another!” When at last the disciples and brothers present got tired of hearing the same thing again and again, they said, “Master, why do you keep saying the same thing?” John replied with a saying worthy of him: “Because it is the Lord’s command, and it is enough if it is really done.” Source: The Early Christians www.plough.com

Daily Prayer for October 20 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. Psalm 33:8–10, NIV Lord our God, we gather together in your presence and ask you to let your light shine in our hearts to strengthen us in times of need and trouble. May we come to know that through all the storms and distress of the world, you are mighty in protecting and sheltering those who trust in you. May we realize the power of your kingdom. Even if all the kingdoms of the world rise in rebellion, you are with us. You are with those who have set their hope on your kingdom and who go on hoping that even in evil days something must happen through your great and holy rule. Amen.

Monday October 19 Mercy

Daily Dig for October 19 Dorothy Day If I did not believe, if I did not make what is called an act of faith (and each act of faith increases our faith, and our capacity for faith), if I did not have faith that the works of mercy do lighten the sum total of suffering in the world, so that those who are suffering…somehow mysteriously find their pain lifted and some balm of consolation poured on their wounds, if I did not believe these things, the problem of evil would indeed be overwhelming. Source: On Pilgrimage Daily Prayer for October 19 Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt Then the peace of God, which is beyond our utmost understanding, will keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7, NEB O Lord God, grant us your Spirit, that we may comprehend your peace. As we pray, help us to recognize what must come from you alone, for you are mighty and holy and your will is peace on earth. Your will is peace beyond all understanding, your peace in heaven and on earth and under the earth, your peace that opposes all sin and death and takes away every evil that can be named. We await you, O Lord our God, and you will hear us. No matter how long the battle lasts, we hold out in patience, for we are your children. We shall never lose the faith that your name shall be honored and that all things shall come into harmony with your will of peace on earth, your peace. Amen. www.plough.com