TODAY'S WORD

By


Fr. Aloysius Santiago sdb
Rector and Parish Priest
Don Bosco Shrine
Lingarajapuram, Bangalore


What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (MATHEW 16: 26)

REFLECTION
1st reading,  St. Paul says that  he made himself as a slave to everyone so as to win as many for God as he could.

In the Gospel of Matthew, the same passage begins with the statement, "Preach, as you go..." (Mt 10:7)

This is such wonderfully practical, and yet at the same time, a phrase that is often overlooked: "Preach, as you go...."

Preaching or Proclamation in our times, is often picturised with a limited understanding.

Preaching or proclamation is often understood as that which takes place...
only from the pulpit or during a service in Church
only in the form of speaking and explaining the Word of God

But the words of the Lord are worth noting:
"Preach, as you go...."

Preach, as you go about doing your daily duties and activities
As you go about your responsibilities and works, make a proclamation

Preach as you go around meeting different people by sharing His love and joy to all.  As you go about engaging in numerous actions, make a proclamation by sharing His presence

The act of preaching and proclamation of the Kingdom of God is to be reflected in our every action and movement...
Whatever we do, may it become an act of proclaiming God's abundant blessings!
Whatever work we take up, may it become a moment of preaching God's amazing providence!

*SAINT OF THE DAY*
*St. Francis Xavier, Patron of Missions and Missionaries*

St. Francis Xavier was a student of St. Ignatius of Loyola, and he was the co-founder of the Society of Jesus and one of the first seven Jesuits who were formed in 1534.

He led an extensive mission into Asia and he was influential in the spreading of the faith especially in India.

He even ventured as far as China but he was only able to reach what is now Hong Kong. In fact, he died there on the 3rd December 1552.

Along the way, he also converted many people in India, especially Goa,  and also in Indonesia and Japan. He is said to have converted more people than anyone else has done since St. Paul.

For this reason he is the patron saint of the missions, together with St. Therese of the Child Jesus.

And like St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier also considered preaching the Good News not just as a duty but also as a blessing.

Like St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier also made himself all things to all men in order to save some at any cost.

Like St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier left behind a legacy of missionary work and spirit that formed the blueprint and foundations of the Catholic faith in the countries.

As the Lord Jesus promised, He worked with St. Francis Xavier and confirmed with His word with signs.

We have seen these signs, and may we continue to see these signs so that we in turn will  proclaim the Good News, like St. Francis Xavier did.

St Francis Xavier – displayed such an immensity of Faith and Zeal for the Lord and the Kingdom
His mission endeavor and evangelical efforts would make him to be known as the “Patron Saint of Missions!”

Let his life of Faith and Zeal be an inspiration for all of us “to set the world on fire”…
the fire of Faith, the fire of Love and the Fire of Hope!

May we realize that that the way to Glorify God would be to Glorify Him in the place where we are and in the situation we are in…
Glorify God - with Deep Faith and Trust – wherever we live, work and move about!

Happy Feast of St Francis Xavier!

Let's pray for all our missionaries working in difficult situations that they be strengthened in order to defend their faith