Memorial of Saint
Francis Xavier, priest
(Isaiah 26:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37)
Today’s first reading portrays the Advent hope of the
human family living in harmony. It
pictures all peoples at God’s mountain sharing a meal. The vision is not being realized by
globalization, which ignores the cultural attributes of smaller nations. Missionary activity like that of St. Francis
Xavier more deeply bonds people together as its motive is love manifested in personal sacrifice.
Francis was a university student when he met St. Ignatius
Loyola in Paris. He can be imagined as
desiring a career and becoming wealthy. Hearing
the vision of the former soldier, his dream was completely transformed. No more would he desire to accumulate wealth,
but from then on he would work to bring Christ to other lands. He was preeminently successful in the
endeavor having converted, it is said, hundreds of thousands.
We share the hope of peaceful coexistence in the world
although at times have difficulty getting along with our neighbors. Like Francis Xavier we turn to Jesus in our
need. Imitating his compassion and
composure we too can befriend all. The
world then will grow a bit closer to universal peace.
