Today Jesus describes a rich harvest (Mt. 9:37). However, there is a difficulty, there is a great need for harvesters. In the very next verse Jesus sends out disciples to become those much-needed workers. The disciples will continue his mission after Jesus has ascended to the Father.

This same mission - Christ's mission - has been passed on from generation to generation. Today the Church celebrates a person who was a passionate worker on this mission. Francis Xavier baptized literally thousands of people in various nations. He faced many challenges - physical, political, financial and linguistic. However, Francis had a deep concern that people be eternally united to God. He had experienced Christ's love as a reality in his own life...and he wanted others to discover this love as well.

We are invited to continue this same mission. It may be lived out in foreign lands or in our own local communities. We can use words, presence and actions. The same Christ who sent the first disciples and accompanied Xavier, also sends us and is with us. We have each been given gifts to witness to Christ in some way.

Have I ever experienced Christ as a real and loving presence in my life? Through what words, presence or deeds is Christ inviting me to share this love with someone else?