One friend wrote of Francis Xavier “I have never met anyone more
filled with faith and hope, more open-minded than Francis. He never seems to
lose his great joy and enthusiasm. And anything he is asked to do, he does
willingly, simply because he loves everyone.” And so, when St. Ignatius asked
his dear friend Francis Xavier to go on mission to the Far East he was
"overjoyed." He is said to have "walked with a joyful, calm
face" and easy laughter. What we now know is that this vitality was not
without its cost, for while on mission Xavier very often suffered from
depression, loneliness, and a gnawing insecurity.
Nonetheless, like Jesus in this morning’s Gospel, Francis Xavier’s heart was ever moved with pity for the crowds of people whom he evangelized, and his only desire was to bring them to Christ.
As we continue our Advent journey, let us pray that the steadfast joy and zeal of Francis Xavier may be ours. And for any traces of half-heartedness let beg Christ’s mercy.
