Mission is the theme in many Gospel stories. Jesus tours towns and villages, proclaiming God’s heavenly reign. There, he recognizes how great the need was among the people. So he sends out his twelve disciples and empowers them to drive out demons, cure sickness, and announce the reign of God. Generations of Christians have been moved by that same missionary impulse. St. Francis Xavier, in the sixteenth century, heard the gospel challenge from his friend, Ignatius of Loyola. Francis was resistant at first, but the persistent Ignatius finally prevailed, and Francis joined his fledgling “Society of Jesus” in 1534. Francis embarked on a missionary journey after his ordination in 1537. It took him to the East Indies, where he preached to Indians, Malayans, and the Japanese. He lived with the poor, embracing their lot. His letters attest to his joy in the midst of hardship. Francis spent ten years in mission work, until death intervened before he could realize his dream of preaching in China.
Francis Xavier lived out the command of Jesus: “The gift you have received, give as a gift.”
—adapted from the book Advent with the Saints: Daily Reflections
by Greg Friedman, OFM
1 thought on “Advent with the Saints: Francis Xavier”
When Francis Xavier came to south india he had difficulty in locating the Thomas Christians at Malabar coast. He enquired among the Muslim merchants. But they were non-cooperative. Atlast one agreed in the condition that he runs alongside with his horse with loads of marchandice on his head. In this way he most labouriously reached the marthoma Christians.