Sharing God’s Love Today
Entrance Antiphon
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
I will tell of your name to my kin.
*Ps 18 (17):50
22 (21):23*
Collect
O God, who through the preaching of Saint Francis Xavier
won many peoples to yourself,
grant that the hearts of the faithful
may burn with the same zeal for the…
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Living Isaiah’s Prophecy Today
Engaging with a Beautiful Promise
Think about the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:9). What comes to mind when you hear this powerful message? The Israelites hearing this prophecy must have wondered if such a beautiful scene was even possible. Maybe you imagine heaven, where people are no longer judged superficially. Maybe you see the poor and mistreated finally healed and justice served. Perhaps you envision a world where peace reigns so completely that a baby could play fearlessly, even “by the cobra’s den” (Isaiah 11:8).
Our human experience doesn’t quite match that ideal. But believing God wants us to persevere through the disappointments until we get to heaven would be a mistake. Isaiah might be foretelling a future reality, but many of your blessings are for now.
We don’t have to wait to begin experiencing it. We, too, can fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord, and have our lives reflect His love and goodness.
Let Prayer Transform Your World
But how do we begin? It all starts with prayer. Prayer puts us in touch with Godotus, opening a key to change from the inside out. We listen to God’s voice in the quiet moments.
As we spend truly *present* with Him — opening ourselves to his presence, contemplating his word – our hearts begin to change. We start seeing people through Jesus’ eyes. Instead of judging them by appearances or envious hearts, bitterness gives way to compassion and forgiveness – even towards ourselves!
Sometimes, even when we stumble and fall – making mistakes – understanding that we don’t have to be perfect
gives us freedom. God’s mercy strengthens us. It’s not just acknowledging our weaknesses – it’s divinely intertwined with our transformation.
That’s when true transformation occurs – reaching outwards!
As we transform, our environments shift alongside us.
Because love and kindness are contagious, our peace becomes contagious.
The joy we discover multiples as we Live out our belief, not just in words but in every action.
The depths of our relationships deepen. It becomes clearer to share our faith genuinely, inviting others to walk alongside. Recognizing
that
the Lord worked mightily through Saint Francis Xavier to bring about conversion, it’s a path we’re encouraged to take! We don’t need to wait for heaven to experience this fullness; it starts today.
Let us pray together:
“Jesus, help me spread the ‘knowledge of the Lord’ wherever I go today!”
*Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Luke 10:21-24
How does Father William suggest we reconcile the hope for a world filled with God’s knowledge (as prophesied) with the reality of suffering and injustice?
## Sharing God’s Love Today: An Interview with Father William
**Interviewer:** Father William, today’s liturgy focuses on the spreading of God’s love, mentioning St. Francis Xavier and his missionary work. How does his example inspire us today to live out this call to share God’s love?
**Father William:** St. Francis Xavier’s life is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. Born into privilege, he chose to dedicate his life to spreading the Gospel, traveling to distant lands like India and Japan. His zeal and compassion resonated with people from diverse cultures, leading many to embrace Christianity. His story reminds us that sharing God’s love is not limited to grandiose gestures, but can be expressed through simple acts of kindness, compassion, and service. [[1](https://www.simplycatholic.com/st-francis-xavier-a-missionary-to-asia/)]
**Interviewer:** Many people feel overwhelmed by the state of the world. How can we reconcile the vision of a world filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as prophesied by Isaiah, with the suffering and injustice we see around us?
**Father William:** It’s true, the world often seems far removed from the harmonious vision Isaiah paints. However, we must remember that prophecy unfolds gradually. Just as St. Francis Xavier planted seeds of faith that took root and bloomed over time, so too can our individual actions contribute to a brighter future. Every act of love, every instance of standing up for justice, every seed of hope we plant, helps to nurture God’s kingdom on earth.
**Interviewer:** What advice would you offer someone who wants to contribute to this vision but feels uncertain about where to start?
**Father William:** Start small. Look for opportunities to express God’s love in your everyday life. Be kind to your neighbor. Offer a helping hand to those in need. Speak out against injustice. These seemingly small acts can have a ripple effect, inspiring others and spreading hope in a world that desperately needs it. Remember, even the smallest spark can ignite a fire.
