December 3 

Saint Francis Xavier


     Jesus asked, “What profit is there if one gains the whole world and forfeits his life?”  The words were repeated to a young teacher of philosophy who had a highly promising career in academics, with a life of success and prestige before him.


     Francis Xavier, 24 at the time, and living and teaching in Paris, did not heed Jesus’ words at once. They came from a good friend, Ignatius of Loyola, whose tireless persuasion finally won the young man to Christ.  Francis then joined Ignatius’ small community, the infant Society of Jesus (the Jesuits).


     Xavier was ordained a priest in 1537 in Vienna, went to Lisbon, and from there sailed to the west coast of India, landing at Goa.  For the next 10 years he worked to bring the faith to such widely scattered peoples as the Hindus, the Malayans, and the Japanese. 


     Wherever he went, Xavier lived with the poorest people, sharing their food and rough accommodations. He spent countless hours ministering to the sick, particularly to lepers.  Often he was exhausted had no time to sleep.  But, as we know from his letters, he was deeply filled with joy.


     Xavier ministered in the islands of Malaysia, then in Japan.  The Japanese language was hard for him, but he successfully preached, instructed, and baptized.  He founded many churches.  


     From Japan he departed for China.  But before reaching the mainland, he died. 


     He and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux are now co-patrons of missions.



Reflection

     Francis Xavier loved Christ enough to increasingly leave his comforts for the good of prayer, the good of helping someone in need, the good of just listening.  He gave himself to others.  May none of us so gain the world that he forfeits his life.

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