“Jesus went around to all the towns and villages … proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. … Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, ‘As you go, make this proclamation: The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 9:35,10:5,7)
Reflections on the readings for the Memorial of St. Francis Xavier (December 3, 2022): IS 30:19-21,23-26; PS 147:1-2,3-4,5-6; MT 9:35-10:1,5,6-8
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
We can join with this heroic missionary saint in treasuring our Lord’s love for us and responding with our own love and service for Him and His children.
In 1506, St. Francis Xavier was born to a noble family in Navarre, Spain. When he was about 18 years old he went to the University of Paris to pursue his studies. While there, he met St. Ignatius of Loyola who became his roommate, mentor, and friend. Within a few years Francis had joined with Ignatius and several others to form the Society of Jesus. After his ordination, the Jesuit sailed for Asia in 1541 in order to begin his missionary activities. He spent several years in India, and then moved on to Malaysia before heading to Japan. He made a point of making sure other missionaries would stay to continue to teach and assist the many people he had baptized as he continued his own travels. He also encouraged the education and preparation of native clergy. In time, Francis Xavier set his sights on China. However, before he could reach the mainland, he died of a fever on an island off that coast on this date in 1552. He was canonized in 1622 along with St. Ignatius of Loyola. In 1927, St. Francis Xavier and St. Therese of the Child Jesus were declared the patrons of Catholic missions.
Known throughout his missionary years for his dedication and respect for the people he served, St. Francis Xavier left a legacy that has reached to this day. It was always his intense devotion to Christ that guided his life, despite the various difficulties that confronted him. He prayed: “O my powerful God and merciful Father of my soul, Creator of all the things of the earth! Since you are my only good, I firmly believe without the possibility of doubt that I am to be saved through the infinite merits of the Passion and death of my Lord Jesus Christ. … You, Lord, created me and gave me my body and soul and all that I have. … O Christians, let us give thanks and praise to God, three and one, who has given us to know the faith and true law of His Son Jesus Christ!” We can join with this heroic missionary saint in treasuring our Lord’s love for us and responding with our own love and service for Him and His children.
