MEMORIAL OF ST FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST
REFLECTION BY FR COLLINS AKHIGBE, OP
SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES: 1ST READING. 1 COR 9:16-19,22-23. PSALM 117. GOSPEL. MK 16:15-20
THEME: PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL
Today, the Church celebrates one of her illustrious sons, St Francis Xavier (1506 – 1552). He was born in the Basque country of Spain in 1506. He met Ignatius Loyola when he was a student in Paris, and he was ordained priest in 1537. In 1541 the Pope sent him as part of a mission to India, and he spent the rest of his life in the East, preaching the Gospel in Goa and Malacca. He made many converts and fought against the exploitation of the native population by the Europeans. He spent two years on a successful mission to Japan, laying the foundations of many Christian communities; and in 1552, after entering China secretly to preach the Gospel there, he died of fever and exhaustion on the Chinese island of Shangchwan (taken from the Universalis).
In this reflection, our focus is on our mission to preach the Gospel of Christ. In the first reading, the apostle Paul has this to say: “if I preach the Gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me of I do not preach it (1 Cor 9:16). While in the Gospel, the Lord said to his disciples, Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mk 16:15-16). This is a great task before us today. The duty of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. We shall examine why we should proclaim the Gospel and how to proclaim the Gospel.
WHY WE SHOULD PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL
First, it is the means through which souls are saved. St Paul brought this point to the fore when he said, but how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? (Rom 10:14-15).
Second, the Gospel is the light of the world. We should therefore proclaim the Gospel because it enlightens humanity. This is why the scripture tells us that the word of God is a lamp for our feet (Psalm 119:105).
Third, another reason why we should proclaim the Gospel is because the word of God is Spirit and life (Jn 6:63). Without the Proclamation of the Gospel, there will be no life.
Fourth, the word of God is inspired, useful for teaching, for correction, for refutation, for training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16-17). This is why we ought to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
Fifth, this is the will of God. The Lord called us to bear witness to him through the Proclamation of the kingdom (Mk 16:15-16).
Sixth, we ought to proclaim the kingdom of Christ because it is capable of dispelling the darkness sin and rebelliousness. Through the Gospel, understanding and wisdom is achieved (Hos 4:6).
Seventh, we should proclaim the Gospel because of the four last things, namely, death, judgment, heaven and hell (Heb 9:27).
HOW TO PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
First, we can proclaim the kingdom of heaven through physical ministration. This involves going from one house to another telling them about Jesus Christ.
Second, another means of proclaiming the kingdom of heaven is through a life of virtue and holiness (Phil 4:8).
Third, we can also share in the ministry of Christ through financial support. Some people go on mission through materials and financial resources.
Fourth, we also participate in the ministry of Christ through writing and publication. Some people got their conversion through good books.
Fifth, we can also proclaim the Gospel through positive and active involvement in the social media.
These are some of the ways we can proclaim the Gospel.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL
First, sin and darkness will multiply.
Second, there will be high level of Ignorance and stubbornness.
Third, there will be all forms of debauchery.
Fourth, there will be hopelessness and faithlessness
The Means for effective proclamation of the Gospel.
First, a life of prayer and study.
Second, a life of virtue and holiness.
Third, a life study and meditation on the word of God.
Fourth, a life of mortification and penance.
Fifth, a life of detachment and selflessness.
Sixth, a life of dedication, discipline and commitment.
These are some of the means for effective Proclamation of the Gospel.
PRAYERS
Lord, help us to proclaim your kingdom in truth and in Spirit. Lord, fill us with your presence. Lord, Please, help us to remain faithful till the very end. Amen. Wishing you a awesome day.
With lots of prayers and love.
