HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST.
THEME: Where are the Labourers?
BY: Rev. Fr. Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese).
Is.30:19-21,23-26; Mt. 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8
The man of God climbed the pulpit and saw the crowds. He felt great joy in his heart. Not because he really cared about what ailed them, but because he knew a large turnout meant more seed sowing, more tithes, and more offering. He perfected ways in which he would make sure they paid for every single prayer he prayed over them. He had no idea what pastoral care meant. He was more of a businessman than God’s labourer. In contrast, in today’s gospel reading, Jesus saw the crowds and how they needed someone to guard, guide and lead them. He had pity on them. But He wished there were more genuine labourers.
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Friends, the thing about saints is that they are willing to give everything for the sake of God’s Kingdom, like Jesus himself did. Francis Xavier was not different. Francis Xavier recounts his experiences to St Ignatius in today’s office of the readings. He talks eagerly about how he conscientiously made rounds of the villages of new converts, how many people he converted, how many he baptised, how many elderly people he had to teach the Catechism and prayers. Francis Xavier died in India due to ill health and exhaustion. He had poured his life out completely for others, and there was nothing left to give. We also are called to go out to the whole world, proclaiming the good news of salvation for the Harvest if rich. We have been assured that nothing can harm us. Are our engines revving to go?
Good morning dear. God bless your weekend. St Francis Xavier, pray for us.
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