On this Advent day we celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier. Francis was born in Spain in 1506. While studying the liberal arts at Paris, he became friends of Ignatius of Loyola. Soon thereafter Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus of which Francis was one of the original seven members. Ordained a priest at Rome in 1537, he then became one of the greatest missionaries the church has ever known - going to India, Japan and China. He died in 1552 near the China coast on the island of Sancian.
What motivated men like Francis and Ignatius was a clear understanding of the command of Jesus to go forth and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world. This, after they had been thoroughly convinced of its value, by the movement of their own faith! Faith is a response to God’s invitation to believe what he is proposing! He gives the invitation to all - but not all are interested in responding. Francis and Ignatius were very responsive - and their faith was translated into many and great works of charity and love!
Unless our faith shows itself in deeds, then it is lifeless! Francis and Ignatius had faith that was on fire with the love of the Holy Spirit.
It was said that - like in the first reading today when Paul became all things to all men - so did Francis. He, though wealthy, became poor in order to be able to bring the hope of the Gospel to the poor. He would sleep on the cold ground with the poor, in order to bring them the warmth of God’s love!
It is in this way - in lives of faithful, dedicated service - that Jesus can be present - even to the poorest person on earth - until the end of time! We thank God for giving us men like Francis Xavier and Ignatius of Loyola and their 5 original Jesuit confreres. May we imitate their example - asking their intercession - so that all who come into contact with us this day may have a sense that God is present and God cares!
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