| Wed Dec 3 | am: 119:1-24 pm: 12, 13, 14 | Amos 3:12-4:5 | 2 Peter 3:1-10 | Matt 21:23-32 |
Feast of St. Francis Xavier Missionary to India and Japan, 1552
Patron Saint of Missionaries and Japan
ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR: The first Jesuit missionary and the prototype who inspired many men to enter the Society of Jesus and evangelize far-off nations. Francis was one of the original members of the group of seven men who founded the Jesuits. During the next decade, he converted tens of thousands to Christianity. He visited the Paravas at the tip of India. Near Cape Comorin, Tuticorin (1542), Malacca (1545), the Moluccas near New Guinea and Morotai near the Philippines (1546-47), and Japan (1549- 51). In 1551, India and the East were set up as a separate province, and Ignatius made Francis its first provincial. In 1552, he set out for China, landed on the island of Sancian within sight of his goal, but died before he reached the mainland. Working against great difficulties, language problems (contrary to legend, he had no proficiency in foreign tongues), inadequate funds, and lack of cooperation, often actual resistance from European officials, he left the mark of his missionary zeal and energy on areas that clung to Christianity for centuries.
BIBLICAL MEDITATION – We know well Matthew’s parable of the two sons. Those of us who have siblings know this story in real time, as we all have been in the position of saying no to a parent and then having a change of heart and acting as requested, while another sibling appeases our parents and lives life on his merry way. For us as children of parents or as children of the light, it is at times difficult for us to be obedient to the requests of those who love us, which is perhaps why Jesus concludes, “it is better to come late than never to come at all,” suggesting that genuine repentance and action are what matter most. We do not always grasp the hierarchy of values in our relationships of and so Advent is a time to consider, Are you like the first son who changed his mind and did the work, or the second son who made promises he didn’t keep in our relationship with the Lord? We should also not get too haughty if we are closer to the faithfulness desire, as Jesus identifies the “tax collectors and prostitutes”—the ones the religious leaders despised—as entering the kingdom ahead of them. This reminder should compel us to be humble and receptive, recognizing that God works in unexpected ways and with unexpected people.
PRAYER: Gracious God, in this Advent Season, keep us mindful of the impact of the choices that we make and the words that we speak. May our words and actions always reflect your great love for each one of us. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we may be courageous missionaries of the “Good News” now and all during our lives. Amen
SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE AND ACTIVITY – Read again Matthew’s Gospel selection for today and consider how often in a given day we say things to appease people. Keep a list at the end of the day, and on the next day, make the words true and worthy actions, and not just appeasements. Try to do this every day for the coming week and see if you are emboldened to let your words and actions ring true.
ANCIENT WISDOM/PRESENT GRACE: “It is not the actual physical exertion that counts towards one’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but by the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken. “– St Francis Xavier
SONGS OF THE HEART: Choose Him Again” by Shawna Edwards