His deep sense of mission shows us the way.
Today’s Gospel: Mt 7:21, 24-27
“…Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven….”
Reflection: (This first Thursday in Advent, 2020, is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, S.J., patron of missioners.)
St. Francis Xavier, one of the Jesuit founders, traveled to lands unknown to Christianity, mostly in Asia, from India all the way to Japan. Most people where he lived certainly were religious already, but St. Francis Xavier invited them to the fullness of God’s revelation in Christ. He left a trail of Churches in some countries where he lived—he is reputed to have baptized the most people since St. Paul. Yet in others he was stifled. That’s the reality of mission.
A deep spirituality, nurtured by his fellow Jesuits and his encounter with the people of Asia, was at the heart of his passion to spread the Good News. That openness to God left a legacy for all Christians.
Let us pray: Lord, enkindle in us a desire to follow your will. This Advent, give us the faith to spread your Good News, in word and deed, to everyone we meet.