St Francis, the Patron of Mission

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Feast of St Francis Xavier*

*Advent Season: First Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 16:15-20*

*First Reading : 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 117:1bc, 2*

*St Francis, the Patron of Mission*

*1) Goa and St Francis*

The Name of St Francis is identified with Goa and the Christian Mission 

The Mission of Jesus started by St Francis, in Goa has become today a big tree, which is bearing witness to Jesus 

Today St Francis has been regarded as the solider of faith

*2) St Francis, The Patron of the mission*

St Francis is  considered as the patron of the Mission 

This is because if his zeal for the mission and also the spread of the Gospel in Gos and in India

It is because of His mission that faith is very alive and vibrant in our country

*3) St Francis and His body*

Today it is a miracle that His body still remains amidst us as a proof for his mission for the Lord 

It is a great miracle that His body still remains with us as a great witness for Christ

One more hand is preserved in Italy, which also shows the great miracle of his life 

*4) Exposition of the Body*

These days we are witnessing the exposition of the Body of St Francis in Goa

Once in Ten years, facility is made to view the body of this great saint 

This becomes a great spiritual experience to review our faith and to become strong in our mission  

This event itself is a great occasion to spread the Gospel of Jesus to the entire World 

*5) Jesus' Command to spread the Gospel*

Jesus gave his disciples to spread the Gospel at all times and to all creatures

Like St Francis all of us are called, to spread the Gospel through our mission

We need to take responsibility to spread the Gospel. This is our mission and this is the goal of our life 

*6) My life as missionary*

All of are missionaries in our life 

St Francis is a great model for us to spread the Gospel

Am I ready to follow the values of St Francis? 

How can I continue the mission of the Lord?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*