Isaiah 25:6-10
Psalm 23:1-3.3-4.5.6
Matthew 15:29-37

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Francis Xavier, a member of St. Ignatius Loyola’s original companions in the formation of the Society of Jesus.  Francis went on to become the patron saint of the Church’s missions through his legendary accomplishments in India and Japan.

In our Gospel reading today, Jesus is engaged in missionary activity.  He had come into the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon.  He had worked wonders of healing in that area.  There was a welcoming invitation to a meal open to all.

What kind of missionary activity is present in our lives?  Will we go off to another continent?  Will we work wonders or preach on street corners?  Most likely not.  We can stay in our little corner of the world.  We can work wonders of healing through compassionately listening to others.  We can be open to all persons in our lives.  We truly can be missionary in spirit.