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Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the first week of Advent, December 3, 2025, Feast of Saint Francis Xavier, Priest and Patron of Mission
Delivered by Evelyn from the Parish of Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Singapore. 1 Corinthians 9: 22-23; Rs psalm 117: 1.2; Mark 16: 15-20.
WEDON'T BUY HEAVEN
Ourmeditation today is entitled: We Don't Buy Heaven. Many countries in Asia arevery special in the heart of Saint Francis Xavier, and vice versa, SaintFrancis Xavier is so special to them. However, there are few Catholics in Asiacompared to other religions. The reason for this, apart from only few infantbaptisms in the Church, is the difficulty to have new catechumens from youthand adults. Secularism is strong enough to shape the view that embracing areligion is not an important choice in this present world.
However,we cannot deny the historical evidences in the Church about the existence andgrowth of the Catholic Church in Asia because of Catholic missionaries who camefrom the West, especially Europe. This is the fruit of the work of the HolySpirit. Therefore, we know today that the Catholic Church is present and activein all parts of the continents of this earth. Saint Francis Xavier, a Jesuitpriest from Europe in the 15th century, became the pioneer of theChurch's Mission in the Eastern region of the earth. He evangelized India,China, Japan, Southeast Asia including Indonesia. He who was filled with theHoly Spirit, made people from other nations also filled with the same Spirit ofGod.
Thestruggle and hard work of missionaries like that of Saint Francis Xavier reallysignifies God's will to bring salvation to all people and this world and toenter the kingdom of heaven. But this is not something that automatic to happento everybody. Original sin and all worldly weaknesses prevent us fromautomatically achieving what we desire, which is salvation and perfection. Thatis the basic reason why we need all preparations to enter heaven.
Oneof the strong indications that we do not buy heaven is that the Kingdom ofHeaven must stand on this world, namely Jesus Christ and His missionary workthat sanctify and bring us to heaven. The task of God's kingdom is to heal thesick, restore the suffering, uphold the dignity of truth and justice, andconvert sinners. It is clear that there is no element of buying with any goodsor materials. Instead, we are defended, benefited, given privilege, andprepared so that when we enter heaven, we will be worthy and in good condition.
Everytime we attend the Holy Mass, the moment before receiving Holy Communion, weall make a way of preparation, namely our expression of joy and gratitude thatsays: O Lord, I am not worthy to receive under my roof, but only say a word andI will be healed. This short exclamation confirms that we do not buy heaven. Weneed sincere and great faith in God's providence. We show it by willinglyaccepting the presence of God's kingdom which always renews us.
Everytime before the holy communion you say these words, remember and also mentionall the difficulties, weaknesses, sufferings and troubles in yourself and yourfamily. Let the kingdom of God restore all.
Let'spray. In the name of the Father... O Lord, may your kingdom come and restoreevery weakness of our life. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of theFather ...
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By Media La PortaDelivered by Evelyn from the Parish of Holy Spirit in the Archdiocese of Singapore. 1 Corinthians 9: 22-23; Rs psalm 117: 1.2; Mark 16: 15-20.
WEDON'T BUY HEAVEN
Ourmeditation today is entitled: We Don't Buy Heaven. Many countries in Asia arevery special in the heart of Saint Francis Xavier, and vice versa, SaintFrancis Xavier is so special to them. However, there are few Catholics in Asiacompared to other religions. The reason for this, apart from only few infantbaptisms in the Church, is the difficulty to have new catechumens from youthand adults. Secularism is strong enough to shape the view that embracing areligion is not an important choice in this present world.
However,we cannot deny the historical evidences in the Church about the existence andgrowth of the Catholic Church in Asia because of Catholic missionaries who camefrom the West, especially Europe. This is the fruit of the work of the HolySpirit. Therefore, we know today that the Catholic Church is present and activein all parts of the continents of this earth. Saint Francis Xavier, a Jesuitpriest from Europe in the 15th century, became the pioneer of theChurch's Mission in the Eastern region of the earth. He evangelized India,China, Japan, Southeast Asia including Indonesia. He who was filled with theHoly Spirit, made people from other nations also filled with the same Spirit ofGod.
Thestruggle and hard work of missionaries like that of Saint Francis Xavier reallysignifies God's will to bring salvation to all people and this world and toenter the kingdom of heaven. But this is not something that automatic to happento everybody. Original sin and all worldly weaknesses prevent us fromautomatically achieving what we desire, which is salvation and perfection. Thatis the basic reason why we need all preparations to enter heaven.
Oneof the strong indications that we do not buy heaven is that the Kingdom ofHeaven must stand on this world, namely Jesus Christ and His missionary workthat sanctify and bring us to heaven. The task of God's kingdom is to heal thesick, restore the suffering, uphold the dignity of truth and justice, andconvert sinners. It is clear that there is no element of buying with any goodsor materials. Instead, we are defended, benefited, given privilege, andprepared so that when we enter heaven, we will be worthy and in good condition.
Everytime we attend the Holy Mass, the moment before receiving Holy Communion, weall make a way of preparation, namely our expression of joy and gratitude thatsays: O Lord, I am not worthy to receive under my roof, but only say a word andI will be healed. This short exclamation confirms that we do not buy heaven. Weneed sincere and great faith in God's providence. We show it by willinglyaccepting the presence of God's kingdom which always renews us.
Everytime before the holy communion you say these words, remember and also mentionall the difficulties, weaknesses, sufferings and troubles in yourself and yourfamily. Let the kingdom of God restore all.
Let'spray. In the name of the Father... O Lord, may your kingdom come and restoreevery weakness of our life. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of theFather ...
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