Monday 3 December

St Francis Xavier, Priest

Isaiah 2:1-5, Ps 122, Matthew 8:5-11

Spreading the Good News

Jesus ministered mainly to the Jews, but here he is amazed at the faith of this gentile centurion who begs healing for his servant. Jesus declares that “many will come from east and west…” These words are appropriate today on the feast of St Francis Xavier, a missionary from the west who journeyed to the east. A founding member of the Jesuits, Francis Xavier went to India, Malaysia and Japan. He died within sight of mainland China on December 3rd 1552 aged 46. Francis was known as a cheerful and good humoured man. Witnesses reported that he did everything with great joy and cheerfulness, with a smile on his face. A good example for me?