THE MEMORIAL OF A GREAT MISSIONARY PRIEST: ST FRANCIS XAVIER, SJ.
ST FRANCIS XAVIER, SJ. PRIEST & MISSIONARY.
Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit.
"Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.
"Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Luke 10: 21 - 24).
Tuesday 3rd December 2024 in the the First Week in Advent is the feast of St Francis Xavier of the Society of Jesus (1506 - 1552).
Priest and Missionary. Francis was Spanish.
Francis Xavier was one of the seven men along with leader St Ignatius Loyola who founded the Society of Jesus, which is popularly known as Jesuits.
Francis Xavier will rank as one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Church. We know who has the title #1: St Paul.
Francis is said to have baptized over 30,000 souls in his 10 years of missionary endeavors. He is called the Apostle of the East. He worked in India and Japan and died facing the coast of China in 1552 at the age of 46. St Francis Xavier is the co-patron saint of Missions.
Great quote from St Francis Xavier:
"It is impossible to find a Saint who did not take the 'two P's' seriously, Prayer and Penance."
In the Gospel of today (Luke 10: 21 - 24), Jesus rejoices! Jesus laughs! Jesus is full of joy as He thinks of the Holy Spirit.
What in your experience makes you full of joy? For me it used to be memories of answered prayers. The joy of answered prayer is very sweet indeed. Now as I get to know the ever present Holy Spirit, the thought of His delightful inspirations and power fills me with joy.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the Lord and Giver of life: Spiritual life and abundant life. He is our ever present and near Helper. He is our Advocate, Friend and the Voice that speaks in Court for us.
How do we receive and enjoy the Holy Spirit? Nothing can be easier:
#1 Desire! Desire! Desire!
#2. Confess our sins.
#3. Ask the Holy Spirit in bold and confident prayer to come and reside in you.
#4. After asking, Believe that you have received Him.
#5. Then start giving thanks immediately and acting joyful. Remember we walk by faith and not by sight or feeling.
Happy Advent!
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