"How many souls are missing heaven and going to hell through your negligence?" In a letter to Ignatius Loyola, General of the newly-founded Society of Jesus, Francis Xavier wrote that he would desire to go to the Universities of Europe and call on their students and scholars to assume responsibility for preaching the Gospel. We would not nowadays express the call to preach the Gospel exactly as Francis Xavier did in these words. Some may even dismiss his words as arrogant. Yet there is nothing arrogant in desiring to share with others the great liberating joy of sharing with others what one has discovered about the infinite love of God and the corresponding infinite value of each human person.

In the parable of the talents Jesus urges us to use our talents properly, productively and fruitfully. Both Pope Benedict in his writings and Pope Francis in his homilies teach us that the gift of faith must be shared with others, for only in that way can it be received, appreciated and enjoyed responsibly.