The saint we celebrate today on Tuesday of the first week of Advent is St Francis Xavier. He is one of our Church’s great missionaries. He also was a founding members of the Society of Jesus – the Jesuits. Francis Xavier came out of 16th century Spain, a time of great exuberance in Catholic spirituality that still influences our faith to this day, producing such great saints as John of Avila, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and Ignatius of Loyola. Francis Xavier came from a very wealthy family from the Spanish kingdom of Navarre. After his ordination, he traveled to Asia, being a missionary to India and Japan, as well as current day Malaysia and Indonesia. Many of the places that he visited had not been exposed to Christianity before his visits. He died in 1552 before he was able to travel to China, which was his ultimate goal. In 1927, along with Therese of Lisieux, Francis Xavier was named one of the co-patron saints of the foreign missions by Pope Pius XI. Francis Xavier is a great example of faith for us and his missionary spirit makes him a great saint for the Advent season.
Today’s first reading from Isaiah changes the expectation for the coming of the Messiah. He is not to be a warrior, but rather a man of wisdom, counsel, and understanding. He will come not to destroy his foes with his power, but rather to reconcile them with wisdom. He will not be limited to the nation of Israel, but rather to the whole world.
Today’s Gospel gives a glimpse to the fulfillment of Isaiah’s vision. He shows himself as the Messiah, the Son of God. He is a Messiah who heals and forgives, rather than a Messiah of power and military might. Jesus as the Messiah enlightens his disciples and will confer salvation on those who trust in him.
No comments:
Post a Comment