3 Dec
Sat
St Francis Xavier
Patron of Missions
1 Cor. 9:16-19,22-23
Ps. 116(117):1-2
Mk. 16:15-20 OR Is. 30:19-21,23-26
Mt. 9:35-10:1,6-8
(Psalter proper)
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Today Jesus describes a rich harvest (Mt. 9:37). However, there is a difficulty, there is a great need for harvesters. In the very next verse Jesus sends out disciples to become those much-needed workers. The disciples will continue his mission after Jesus has ascended to the Father.

This same mission - Christ's mission - has been passed on from generation to generation. Today the Church celebrates a person who was a passionate worker on this mission. Francis Xavier baptized literally thousands of people in various nations. He faced many challenges - physical, political, financial and linguistic. However, Francis had a deep concern that people be eternally united to God. He had experienced Christ's love as a reality in his own life...and he wanted others to discover this love as well.

We are invited to continue this same mission. It may be lived out in foreign lands or in our own local communities. We can use words, presence and actions. The same Christ who sent the first disciples and accompanied Xavier, also sends us and is with us. We have each been given gifts to witness to Christ in some way.

Have I ever experienced Christ as a real and loving presence in my life? Through what words, presence or deeds is Christ inviting me to share this love with someone else?



Lord, send labourers into Your harvest. Send me.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That all peoples may grow in harmony and peace through mutual understanding and respect.
Elaboration

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