Bible Reflections I 03.12.2022 - SATURDAY I INDRAYA MANNA I

Advent Week 1

Readings 

           I - Jer. 1: 4-9

          II - 2 Cor. 4: 7-15 

         III - Lk. 10: 1-16

                

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER (Solemnity for India)

                  

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis Xavier, a legendary missionary from Spain. He was an ardent follower of Christ and a daring missionary with great zeal and commitment for the proclamation of the Gospel. Francis Xavier, in his younger days had various ambitions and plans for his future. Disturbed by the Word of God, “For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?” (Mt. 16:26), Francis Xavier, gave away all his dreams and desires; and determined to follow Christ leaving his country and people behind. He dared to be a missionary to set the light of Christ thereby infusing hope and faith in the Lord Jesus. He preached along the coastal areas of Goa, various parts of South India, Malaya and Japan and turned many hearts towards Christ. 

Today’s Gospel passage is about the extension of the mission of Jesus entrusted to seventy two summoning them with authority to preach, proclaim, heal and cure as the sign of the Kingdom of God amidst them as was done by Jesus himself. In order to be focused and not to give much importance to material things and relationship, Jesus conditions them not to take the money bag, knapsack, sandals and never to greet anyone on the road. Jesus wished that this ministry be carried on and on until the Kingdom of God is established with utmost focus and determination. St. Francis Xavier whose feast we celebrate today is a typical model of Christian Discipleship. May the saint intercede for us that we may become effective heralds of hope, wherever we are. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “St. Francis Xavier, Pray for us”.