Today, October 20, 2024, marks the inauguration of Indonesia’s new president. I went to a Sunday Mass, and today’s gospel reading was from Mark 10:35-45. In the reading, two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, want to secure seats to the right and left of Jesus. They see Jesus’ position as one of supreme power and authority, and they want to ensure that they are included in the privileged group.
They had no idea that they had misunderstood what Jesus was saying. In His words, disciples who want to be great in God’s kingdom must be ‘servant’ and ‘slave of all.’ The King of the Kingdom, Jesus, came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). It is not about power, authority, or status, but Jesus calls His disciples to be the last and slave of all.
James and John acted arrogantly, stating that they do not understand Jesus’ role or the criteria for membership in God’s kingdom.
Is it a coincidence that today’s gospel reading coincides with the presidential inauguration? I do not know. When I drove out to the church at 5.30 a.m., I noticed a large number of mobile brigades preparing near Sudirman Road. I wondered at first, but then realized, “Ah, today is the presidential inauguration.” And when I sat down in church and listened to the gospel reading, I was like, “Wow!” How could it be?
The pastor’s sermon did not mention the inauguration. The sermon focused on how Catholics should support local foods and their providers, such as farmers, fishermen, and breeders, to commemorate the World Food Day on October 16, 2024.
Returning from Sunday mass, I watched the inauguration on television and heard the new president, Prabowo, say this during his speech:
“Remember that power belongs to the people. That sovereignty comes from the people. We govern with the people’s consent. We must use power for the good of the people. We must never forget, as leaders at all levels, that our work is for the people. Not working for ourselves. This isn’t for our relatives. Leaders must serve the people.”
The key messages appear to be in line: serve the people, not ourselves. I sincerely hope that most (if not all) of the government leaders under Prabowo’s leadership understand this spirit and work hard to make it a reality. It would not be easy. As Jesus said to James and John when they asked for the privilege, “Can you drink the cup that I shall drink?”
The cup that Jesus drinks represents suffering, humiliation, crucifixion, and death. He was willing to go through all of the suffering and death because of His unconditional and limitless love for His people. Only by going through this process can He save His people and atone for or pay the consequences of their sins.
The new government may have to drink a cup of resistance or suffering in order to realize its mission of serving the people. When we want to make positive changes, we often face numerous challenges. People are afraid of change, particularly when it threatens their position, status, or way of life. However, Prabowo has a strong will, as he stated, “A brave nation is one that can make the impossible possible.” We usually go above and beyond for the people we care about. I believe the president’s love for the Indonesian people will keep him moving forward despite the many challenges, because it is only by continuing to work that he will be able to make improvements for a better Indonesia. Let us pray for him and his staff. Congratulations, Mr. President!
