Today, December 3rd, is the Feast of St. Francis Xavier, the Patron Saint of Missions, so let’s reflect for a moment on how we can apply the success of Catholic missions abroad to our local New Evangelization efforts.
Without the work of Catholic missions, the Church would not appear as it does today. The Church would not have stretched to other countries and continents, including Africa, the furthest reaches of Asia, and the Americas. What exactly has led to their success?
I believe that it comes down to one word: love. The love of missionaries digging wells to provide clean water. The love of medical workers bringing much needed care. The love of average Catholics, like you and I, who donate their time and money to help those less fortunate.
When missionaries travel abroad, they do not bring volumes of theological textbooks; instead, they bring whatever aide is desperately needed. Whether it is food, water, medical attention, or just a caring heart, they are God’s hands at work.
In many cases, missionaries help provide the most basic needs to impoverished nations. Other times, something completely different is needed. Most First World countries have enough food and water but may be lacking in other ways.
Cities with high crime rates, small towns facing high unemployment numbers, and farms overcome by drought all need the loving hand of God – that stretches out through the work of missionaries – to help them find hope in their suffering.
From the impoverished nations of Africa and Asia to the cities and towns in the United States, the world is hurting; the world is in need of a Savior. Our job, then, is to introduce them to Him.
How do we apply this right where we are? Simple. Just think on a smaller scale.
When we reach out to our families, friends, and neighbors, what is missing in their life? In missionary work, the Gospel is applied in real, tangible ways. How can we do the same thing for the ones we love?
Through local food banks, we can help feed our neighbors. At local crisis centers, we can help those facing difficult times. With our family and friends, we can show them the love of Christ in the little things we say and do.
Remember, it’s not about the work we do; it’s about the love we show. Evangelization is not teaching about the love of Christ; it’s about sharing it.
St. Francis Xavier provided a model and framework for Catholic missions that is still followed to this day. The glue that holds this framework together is love, and the source of that love is Christ.
As we go out into the world to evangelize, whether it’s in a distant land or our own backyard, may your heart reflect the love of God, and may God continue to bless the work of Catholic missions all over the Earth.
Copyright © 2012, Chad R. Torgerson
Chad R. Torgerson
Chad R. Torgerson works as an IT Analyst for a Catholic publishing group. In his spare time, he enjoys writing and sharing his faith on his website, Waking Up Catholic, a guide to the Catholic RCIA process. and is also the Co-Founder of Assisi Media, a new Catholic publishing company focused on using new media to reach everyday Catholics. His new book, Waking Up Catholic, is available in eBook and paperback formats.
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