By Martin MM, CSC –
Readings: 1 Cor 9: 19-27; Jn 12: 20-32
Today I feel proud to celebrate the feast of St. John de Britto who shed his blood to spread the word of God in our country, India. St. Paul in the first reading talks about his life in various places. He was ready to adapt to any culture, people, language, etc…in order to capture the hearts of people and ‘save’ them. He was ready to face any situation to save the people and did it for the Gospel. And just like St. Paul, St. john de Britto too came to India ‘to save’ us and he did it for Jesus.
St Britto too adopted the Indian culture and won the hearts of many in India and brought them to Jesus. Both of them contributed their life and had their share in spreading the gospel. They began their journey like running the race intending to win it. They were ready to go through any circumstance and showed their love for God even to the point of sacrificing their life.
These two eminent saints are an inspiration and intercessors to many faithful people to deepen their encounter with Jesus. And it is an invitation for each of us to run the race to spread the word of God and live according to it. It is a call to live our life with a missionary zeal, learning to adopt any people ‘to save’ them. In the name of Jesus we are called to spread the Gospel through our words, thoughts and actions.
So, today let us ask ourselves a few questions and ponder upon it. Does my life resemble the life of Jesus? Am I ready to adapt to any place, culture and responsibility? And let us ask the Lord to give us strength and courage to see the needs of the people and act accordingly.