Daily Catholic Lectio
Tuesday, 3 December 2024
First Week of Advent, Tuesday
Saint Francis Xavier, Solemnity for India
Isaiah 61:1-3. 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23. Mark 16:15-20
All for the Gospel
Today, we in India celebrate the solemnity of Saint Francis Xavier, our beloved Father in faith, who brought the light of Christ to our forefathers. In the Office of the Day, the second reading presents a letter written by Saint Francis Xavier to Saint Ignatius, his Superior General. Through this letter, we glimpse the context of our country during his time—the deep poverty, illiteracy, and the many challenges the Saint faced in his mission.
The world in which Saint Francis Xavier lived was very different from ours. At that time, the Church taught that salvation was possible only within its fold, making evangelization its primary mission. The focus was on expanding the Church through baptism and teaching the basics of faith: the Creed, the Our Father, and the Hail Mary. Today, the Church has a broader understanding, recognizing God’s presence and revelation in different ways and faith traditions. Evangelization now emphasizes living as witnesses to Christ, reflecting the teaching that “time is greater than space” (cf. Evangelii Gaudium).
In Saint Francis Xavier’s time, the mission was about baptizing thousands. Today, such methods are neither feasible nor appropriate. Religious fundamentalism dominates many spheres, making public proclamation of Jesus difficult, even dangerous. Conversion is viewed with suspicion, and legal challenges can arise if we disrupt societal harmony.
Even within Christianity, divisions abound. Sometimes, we focus on proving which denomination or tradition is the “true” Church of Christ. Sadly, even within the Catholic Church, conflicts arise over differences in worship styles and priorities.
So, we cannot simply conclude that we must be missionaries like Saint Francis Xavier. Times have changed. Today, Christianity faces challenges of relevance and survival. Through initiatives like the Synod and the call to journey together as brothers and sisters, the Church seeks new ways to engage with the world and remain faithful to the Gospel.
All three readings for today’s liturgy emphasize the word “Gospel” or “Good News.” The prophet Isaiah speaks of the Messiah’s mission to proclaim the Good News. Saint Paul describes his own ministry as centred on proclaiming this message. Finally, the Gospel presents Jesus’ command to share His message with all nations.
The Gospel can be understood on three levels: (a) Jesus Himself is the Good News. (b) The Good News is about Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection. (c) The Good News is the message Jesus preached: love, mercy, and salvation.
Saint Francis Xavier embraced and proclaimed the Gospel on all these levels. His life offers us three key challenges: (a) To recognize our anointing as disciples of Christ and fulfil our duty to proclaim the Good News. (b) To overcome barriers, becoming “all things to all people” for the sake of the Gospel. (c) To seek God’s approval above worldly recognition, avoiding the temptation to be merely liked by society.
In addition to these challenges, Saint Francis Xavier’s life gives us 12 lessons for personal and pastoral growth:
(a) Fortitude – He followed Jesus unwaveringly after his decision to serve Him.
(b) Healing – He was a person of wholeness, bringing healing to others.
(c) Spiritual Exercises – He nurtured his soul through prayer and reflection.
(d) Obedience – To God, his Superior, and the Church.
(e) Love for Poverty – Embracing simplicity as a virtue.
(f) Love for People – Reaching out to all with compassion.
(g) Apostolic Creativity – Adapting to challenges with innovative approaches.
(h) Baptism as a Beginning – Seeing it as the start of the faith journey.
(i) Empowering Catechists – Involving laypeople in the mission.
(j) Inculturation – Respecting and embracing local cultures.
(k) Prayer and Penance – Drawing strength from God through sacrifice.
(l) Apostolic Zeal – An unwavering passion for the mission.
As we honour Saint Francis Xavier and flock to see his sacred relics, let us seek his intercession. May his example inspire us to live as joyful witnesses of Christ in our own time.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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