A Pure Heart, A Radiant Life

Katedral Pontianak 15 Mei 2025

Reflection on God’s Word Today: A Pure Heart, A Radiant Life

Readings: Matthew 5:27–32, 2 Corinthians 4:7–15, Psalm 116:10–18

Jesus teaches that sin is not just about external actions, but about the heart. To look with lust already defiles one’s purity. The Lord calls us to guard our hearts, for from the heart flows the course of life.

But who can truly keep their heart pure in a world full of temptations? We are merely jars of clay—fragile and limited. And yet, it is in this fragility that the power of God is revealed. As the Apostle Paul says:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Cor 4:8)

The psalmist also testifies: “I kept my faith, even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.’”
This is true faith—faith that endures even when the body is weak, and that holds firm when the path is dark.

When we strive to keep our hearts pure and rely on God's grace, our lives will reflect the light of His love. From a heart that is guarded, comes a life that shines for the world.

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Prayer:
Lord Jesus, guard my heart to remain clean and sincere before You.
In my weakness, strengthen me.
In temptation, guide me.
Let my simple life reflect the light of Your love.
Amen.

God bless us all ❤️, Manuntun Sitinjak
#reflection #theWord

Hati yang Murni, Hidup yang Bersinar

Katedral Pontianak 15 May 2025

Renungan Firman Tuhan Hari Ini: Hati yang Murni, Hidup yang Bersinar

Bacaan: Matius 5:27–32, 2 Korintus 4:7–15, Mazmur 116:10–18

Yesus mengajarkan bahwa dosa bukan hanya soal perbuatan lahiriah, tapi juga soal hati. Memandang dengan nafsu saja sudah mencemari kemurnian. Tuhan memanggil kita untuk menjaga hati, sebab dari sanalah terpancar hidup.

Namun siapa yang sanggup menjaga hati tetap murni di tengah dunia penuh godaan? Kita ini hanya bejana tanah liat, rapuh dan terbatas. Tapi justru dalam kerapuhan itu, kuasa Allah dinyatakan. Seperti kata Rasul Paulus:
“Kami ditindas, namun tidak terjepit; kami habis akal, namun tidak putus asa.” (2 Kor 4:8)

Pemazmur pun bersaksi: “Aku percaya, sekalipun aku berkata: aku sangat menderita.”
Inilah iman yang sejati—iman yang bertahan walau tubuh lemah, iman yang tetap percaya saat jalan terasa gelap.

Ketika kita menjaga hati tetap murni dan bersandar pada rahmat Tuhan, hidup kita akan memantulkan cahaya kasih-Nya. Dari hati yang dijaga, lahirlah hidup yang bersinar bagi dunia.

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Doa:
Tuhan Yesus, jagalah hatiku tetap bersih dan jujur di hadapan-Mu.
Dalam kelemahanku, kuatkan aku.
Dalam pencobaan, tuntun aku.
Biarlah hidupku yang sederhana ini memancarkan cahaya kasih-Mu.
Amin.

Tuhan memberkati kita semua ❤️, Manuntun Sitinjak
#renungan #sabda

Eve and Mary – From the Fall to Redemption

Katedral Pontianak, 15 Mei 2025

Reflection on God's Word Today: Eve and Mary – From the Fall to Redemption

First Reading: Genesis 3:9–15, 20
Psalm: Psalm 87:1-2,3,5-7
Gospel: John 19:25–34

In the Book of Genesis, Eve appears in the aftermath of humanity’s fall. She is called "the mother of all the living" — a sign of hope amid failure. Yet, through her, sin entered the world. At the foot of the cross, we see Mary, the mother of Jesus, standing in sorrow. Her presence represents obedience, unwavering love, and deep faith. From Eve came the fall; from Mary came the Redeemer.

In Adam’s fear and shame, God asks, “Where are you?” — a question that echoes in our hearts today. Even in our brokenness, God keeps seeking us. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are not only forgiven but reborn as citizens of a new Sion, as the Psalm declares: “All shall be born in her.”

Mary becomes the figure of restoration — from Eve’s disobedience to Mary’s surrender. We are called to live as God’s beloved children, wrapped in the love and comfort of our heavenly Mother.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for never giving up on us. Through Mary, teach us to stand faithfully with You, even in suffering. Restore and reshape us in Your love. Amen.

God bless us all ❤️,
Manuntun Sitinjak

#reflection #ekatolik #mothermary

Hawa dan Maria – Dari Jatuh ke Penebusan

Plaza Maria, Katedral Pontianak, 15 May 2025

Renungan Firman Tuhan Hari Ini: Hawa dan Maria – Dari Jatuh ke Penebusan

Bacaan Pertama: Kejadian 3:9–15, 20
Mazmur: Mzm 87:1-2,3,5-7
Injil: Yohanes 19:25–34

Dalam Kejadian, Hawa muncul setelah kejatuhan manusia. Ia disebut sebagai "ibu semua yang hidup" — sebuah harapan baru di tengah dosa. Namun kejatuhan itu membawa luka besar dalam sejarah umat manusia. Di salib, kita melihat sosok Maria, ibu Yesus, yang berdiri teguh dalam duka, menjadi lambang ketaatan dan kasih yang setia. Dari Hawa lahir manusia yang jatuh, dari Maria lahir Sang Penebus.

Di tengah kegagalan dan ketelanjangan Adam, Tuhan tetap bertanya, “Di manakah engkau?” — pertanyaan yang terus menggema dalam hati kita hari ini. Tuhan tidak pernah menyerah. Dia mencari kita. Dan lewat salib Kristus, kita tidak hanya ditebus, tapi juga dilahirkan kembali menjadi warga Sion yang baru — seperti dikatakan dalam Mazmur: “Semua orang dilahirkan di sana.”

Maria menjadi simbol pemulihan: dari kejatuhan Hawa menuju kemenangan kasih di salib. Kita semua diundang untuk hidup sebagai anak-anak Allah, dalam kasih dan penghiburan Bunda Maria.

Doa:
Tuhan, terima kasih atas kasih-Mu yang tak pernah berhenti mencari kami. Lewat Maria, ajar kami setia seperti dia, bahkan saat duka. Pulihkan hati kami dari dosa dan bentuk kami kembali dalam cinta-Mu. Amin.

Tuhan memberkati kita semua ❤️,
Manuntun Sitinjak

#renungan #ekatolik #bundamaria

Loving God Through Faithfulness and Service

Pyramid, Giza, Egypt, Feb 2019

Reflection on God’s Word Today: Loving God Through Faithfulness and Service

📖 Readings: Acts 25:13–21, Psalm 103:1–2,11–12,19–20ab, John 21:15–19

Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love Me?" And each time, He responded, "Feed My sheep."
God doesn't just seek words of love—He wants love proven through faithfulness and service. Peter, once fallen, was restored and entrusted with great responsibility. God’s love heals and sends.

In the first reading, Paul remains steadfast in witnessing to Jesus, even when falsely accused. He knows his mission comes from God, not from man.
Psalm 103 declares that the Lord is merciful, forgiving, and sovereign—His throne is in heaven, and He rules with steadfast love.

Today, Jesus asks you the same question: "Do you love Me?"
The true answer lies not in what we say, but in how we live each day—with love, commitment, and service.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me to love You not just with my lips, but with my life. Restore me like Peter, and strengthen me like Paul. Amen.

May God bless us all ❤️
Manuntun Sitinjak

#reflection #scripture

Mengasihi Tuhan Lewat Kesetiaan dan Pelayanan

Pyramid, Giza, Egypt, Feb 2019

Renungan Firman Tuhan Hari Ini: Mengasihi Tuhan Lewat Kesetiaan dan Pelayanan

📖 Bacaan: Kis 25:13–21, Mzm 103:1–2.11–12.19–20ab, Yoh 21:15–19

Yesus bertanya tiga kali kepada Petrus: "Apakah engkau mengasihi Aku?" dan setiap kali dijawab dengan tugas: "Gembalakanlah domba-domba-Ku."
Tuhan tidak hanya menuntut kata-kata cinta, tapi bukti nyata dalam kesetiaan dan pelayanan. Petrus yang pernah jatuh justru dipakai untuk memimpin dan melayani. Kasih Tuhan memulihkan dan mengutus.

Dalam bacaan pertama, Paulus tetap setia bersaksi meski difitnah. Ia tahu bahwa tugas perutusan berasal dari Tuhan, bukan manusia. Sementara Mazmur menegaskan bahwa Tuhan penuh belas kasih dan menempatkan takhta-Nya di surga—Ia berdaulat dan menyertai hamba-hamba-Nya.

Hari ini, Tuhan bertanya hal yang sama: “Apakah engkau mengasihi Aku?”
Jawaban sejati bukan di lisan, tapi dalam kesetiaan kita menjalani tugas dan pelayanan setiap hari.

Doa:
Tuhan, ajarku mengasihi-Mu bukan hanya lewat kata-kata, tapi lewat hidup yang setia dan melayani. Pulihkan aku seperti Petrus, dan kuatkan aku seperti Paulus. Amin.

Tuhan memberkati kita semua ❤️
Manuntun Sitinjak

#renungan #sabda

United and Strengthened in God’s Love

Reflection on God’s Word Today: United and Strengthened in God’s Love

First Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11
Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2a,5,7-8,9-10,11
Gospel: John 17:20-26

Jesus prays that all His followers may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This prayer is not only for His disciples at that time, but also for all who believe in Him today. Unity here is not about uniformity, but about love that flows from God Himself.

In the first reading, Paul stands before a divided council. In the midst of that tension, God tells him: “Take courage!”—a divine encouragement born of deep relationship with God.

The psalmist declares, “You are my inheritance, O Lord.” He believes true joy and protection come from trusting in the Lord.

Today, we are invited not to widen divisions but to become bridges of love. The same God who prayed for our unity is also the One who strengthens us to walk joyfully in His ways.

Prayer:
Lord, unite our hearts in Your love and strengthen us to be lights of peace for others. Amen.

God bless us all ❤️
Manuntun Sitinjak