Dec 03 2018 - St. Francis Xavier - The Advent Mission

This first weekday of Advent this year, we wear not Advent purple, but white, because we celebrate the obligatory memorial of a saint of the Church, St. Francis Xavier: a reminder, certainly, that the purpose of the season of Advent is to make us saints. The purpose of the Advent solemnity, Advent prayer and quiet reflection, Advent charitable-giving, is to make us saints, to curb and convert our selfishness and self-absorption, into Christ-like selflessness and concern for the Other.

St. Francis Xavier is an ideal exemplar of Advent faith, one who helped others prepare their hearts to receive Christ. Known for his great zeal and great learning, Francis Xavier used that zeal and learning to bring souls to Christ. Because of his competency and holiness, he was sent by the founder of his Order, St. Ignatius of Loyola, to evangelize pagan India. There he worked in hospitals, taught the catechism, and preached the Gospel. .  He also traveled to the many islands around India, and as far as Japan and the Philippines, and is called the first apostle to the Philippines.

In the course of only 10 years of missionary work, he baptized over 80,000 people. The Church of the Gesu in Rome, contains the incorrupt relic of Francis Xavier’s right arm, with which he blessed and baptized so many.

Advent reminds us that Jesus was sent as a missionary by the Father for the work of salvation. As Patron Saint of Missionaries, St. Francis Xavier no doubt prays that all of us will cooperate with the grace of conversion in our own lives and seek to be instruments of that grace in the world.

In the Gospel, we heard how centurion became an instrument of healing for his servant when the centurion humbled himself before the Lord Jesus. What acts of humility is God calling us to make this Advent, that we may be instruments of healing? What acts of courage and trust is God calling us to make, to make us more effective missionaries of the Gospel, of God’s love? What areas of spiritual paralysis in ourselves does the Lord want to bring healing to this Advent?

May we respond generously to the Lord’s call today and throughout this Advent season, to herald and be instruments of Christ’s Advent into souls, that we may become the saints we were made to be, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For Pope Francis, Bishop Perez, and all ordained ministers, that their ministry may be effective in leading the Church in Christian faith, hope, and charity.

That world leaders may look upon the Son of God, believe in him, and seek the peace and justice that only he can bring.

That our young people will turn away from the evils of our culture to spread the good news of Christ’s eternal kingdom.

For an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life, for the Jesuit Order’s faithfulness to the mission of Christ, and through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier, for the sanctity and safety of all missionaries.

For all whose lives are marked by suffering, disease or sorrow, may they come to know the healing and peace of Christ.

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased clergy and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.

Almighty ever-living God, who bring salvation to all and desire that no one should perish, hear the prayers of your people and grant that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and your Church rejoice in tranquility and devotion. Through Christ our Lord.