Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest
Intention: That the start of this Advent will herald for us a time of prayer and conversion as we return our hearts and our lives to the work of building God’s Kingdom of peace, justice, and love.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 9:35b-10:1, 5a, 6-8
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
Reflection for Saturday of the First Week of Advent
The Nativity of Jesus was a moment of grace for all people, especially in what it revealed to us about what it means to be his disciples. Even in birth, the Lord journeyed to be closest to those who most needed him. As disciples, we are called to join in this creative and selfless activity of a radical response to those who are most in need. To do God’s will is to strive to be his presence – touching, working, accompanying – as it fills emptiness and restores dignity in the lives of the downtrodden. One of the meanings of the Incarnation is that true care always takes the form of action. The time of Advent is a time for realizing that Jesus came to fill a hunger, and it is up to us to continue to set the table and offer the banquet.
Prayer
Eternal Father, you sent your Son that we might know the fullness of your love. Help us to always seek your direction in our lives and the life of your church. Teach us to be faithful to your will for us in what you would have us do to build your Kingdom. In this time of Advent, may we be instruments of your good news wherever we go, especially where your peace and justice are needed most. We ask this of you who lives and reigns you’re your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.