Daily Devotion

“It is in every way a land full of perils, and especially to be dreaded by strangers on account of the great ferocity of the natives and the many kinds of poison which it is there common to give in what is eaten and drunk. The fear of this has deterred priests from abroad from going there to help the islanders. I have considered in what great necessity they are, with no one to instruct them or give them the sacraments, and I have come to think that I ought to provide for their salvation even at the risk of my life. I have resolved to go thither as soon as possible, and to offer my life to the risk.”

Francis Xavier · Letter from Amboyna to the Society at Rome, May 1546 (H. J. Coleridge, The Life and Letters of St. Francis Xavier, vol. 1)

Scripture

Philippians 3:8 Moreover, I consider all things a loss, because I regard the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord as supreme. I have lost everything for Christ Jesus, and consider everything rubbish, in order to gain Christ.

Reflection

Francis Xavier's resolve in the Spice Islands to risk his life for islanders no one else dared to serve holds up a mirror to the absurdity of human nature: people are often willing to exhaust their lives, even risking everything, for fleeting wealth, fame, and earthly "spices," yet remain indifferent and numb to the eternal soul and heavenly treasures. Paul considered all things as rubbish because he testified to the infinite value of Christ. Reflecting on myself, do I often haggle over petty worldly gains, yet hesitate before my sacred mission? True wisdom lies in knowing how to relinquish what cannot be lost, and accept what cannot be retained. May I recalibrate the scales of my life, treasuring the Lord as my greatest treasure.