A reading from 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23 (from Memorial of St Francis Xavier, Priest)
Brothers and sisters: 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 if I do not preach it! If I do so willingly, I have a recompense, but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the Gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel. Although I am free in regard to all, I have made myself a slave to all so as to win over as many as possible. To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the Gospel, so that I too may have a share in it.
REFLECTION: ..."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 if I do not preach it!"
Day 3 Advent
Today's society is trying to make us keep our religion "to ourselves".
It tells us we are free to worship... but only within the confines of our homes, church or a Temple...
Being a witness nowadays in this highly secularized society presents very interesting challenges.
Having said this, both St. Paul and St. Francis Xavier lived in times and places that were also very hostile to the Catholic faith. Yet they both persevered. Each one in their unique style. St. Paul traveled and had discourses and wrote epistles. St. Francis Xavier also traveled extensively, learning about the people he met, so he could teach them better about Jesus.
How do we bear witness of our faith? What are some ways we can use to introduce PAPA to others?
Let us pray for the intercession of St. Francis Xavier for the wisdom on how to talk to others about PAPA, and to have the courage to do so.
