Saint Francis Xavier, Priest

 Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 22(23)
Matthew 15:29-37

What do you long for?

Francis Xavier was a great friend of Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Company of Jesus (the Jesuits). Following Christ’s call, he went to evangelize nations far from his native Europe—the “ends of the earth,” as he saw it. He opened the eyes of faith in the mission. This was made possible because he believed in the words of Christ in Matthew 26:16. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? What would be your gain in life if you do not gain salvation?

In today’s first reading, Isaiah shows good things to come; Matthew highlights Jesus as healer and nourisher. In a unique scene, Jesus ascends a mountain, and the “lame, blind, deformed, mute” come to him, and “he cured them all.” The witnesses glorify the God of Israel. Matthew adds that the Lord moved by pity for the multitudes for they have been with him three days without food. Advent invites us to reflect on our lives as Christians, emphasizing our role in healing, compassion and reconciliation. Jesus gives us peace, comfort and joy.

Fr Joseph Osho