THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2020
MEMORIAL OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER
1ST WEEK OF ADVENT
Isaiah 26:1-6
Matthew 7:21,24-27
LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St Francis Xavier. He is a model and reference point for the Missionary activities of the church. He was born in Spain in 1506, and he was privileged to meet with St Ignatius of Loyala while he was in school. He joined the Jesuits and was ordained a priest in 1537. When there was a call for Jesuit missionaries to be sent to the East Indies to evangelise India, Japan and the middle East, Xavier was one of those chosen for the mission. These areas are till date not fully receptive of missionaries and the word of God. It took Xavier and his colleagues 13 months to arrive at India.
One can only imagine how tough and difficult it was for Xavier as it is for many missionaries today. He struggled with the language weather, food, and culture. He lived among the people and was able to teach them the faith through catechesis. He baptized many of them, and trained local priests to continue the work among the people. He went round the middle East; some believe that he went as far as the Philippines. His preaching and miracles were surely a special gift from God. He was ready to suffer for the sake of the gospel. He did not mind what will happen to him, provided the gospel is preached. We ask God for the grace and zeal to do his will and work for the spread of the gospel. God help us. Amen.
Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie MSP
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