“Allowing the Grace of God to strengthen us with joy, in our response to the call of ‘I want missions!'”

(Based on Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 and Lk 10:17-24 – Wednesday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2 – Founder’s Day of the MSFS Congregation)

The year 1821.

The Parish of Le Chatelard, in the Archdiocese of Chambery, France.

Two fervent and austere priests, spent a week in praying, preaching and inviting people for a Mission Service.

But the parishioners remained indifferent.
There was an air of unwelcome apathy.

The two priests, however, had to make a choice: of either continuing preaching joyfully or of returning back in dejection!

The priests – who were hopeful, zealous and committed – set out, in imitation of Jesus, their Master…
… to the foot of the mountains to pray for the conversion of people.

“They have gone to pray & fast for your conversion”
… was the reply the curious parishioners received on enquiry of their whereabouts.

Grace worked…
Intercession proved powerful!

The two saintly priests were called back by the people…
… and the mission in the Parish resumed with much deep fervour and enthusiasm!

One of the two missionaries was Fr Peter Marie Mermier.

(The other was his companion, Fr Joseph Favre)

Servant of God, Fr Peter Marie Mermier is the founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)…
… known as the Fransalians!

This daring founder – a dynamic missionary, who gave the clarion call of “I want missions” – had many incidents in his life, which made him to experience the power and presence of the Spirit in the missions.

As it is said, “When the world says, ‘Give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘Try it one more time!’”

Yes, a Missionary who is firmly grounded on Jesus, the Rock and has his eyes fixed on Jesus, the Crucified…
… is able to rejoice in peace and proclaim the joy of the Lord to all!

The Gospel of the Day invites us to reflect on the theme of “Joy in the Lord”…
… with two instances of rejoicing:

The Disciples rejoicing after their successful mission experience
Jesus rejoicing in the Holy Spirit and thanking His Father for His Infinite Wisdom

One of the essential hallmarks of a Christian is a ‘Life of Joy!’

This was the experience of the Disciples, when they returned back from the mission.

They realized that it was the Power of the Lord that enabled them to taste success and relish triumph.
So they rejoiced greatly, saying: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of Your Name” (Lk 10:17)

Do we also rejoice, by seeing the hand of the Lord in the success and achievements of our lives…?
… knowing that whatever we achieve, is ultimately not just due to our hard-work and efforts; rather, was the result of our co-operation to the grace of God!
… recognizing that all our talents and opportunities are gifted by God to exhibit His Glory and Honour!

Our Blessed Lord, however also tells the disciples to go beyond the peripheral joys and happiness in life; instead to rejoice in the Spirit.

St Luke would testify this in the words: “At that very moment, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth…'” (Lk 10:21)

This then is what we too are expected to imitate from the Lord: Rejoicing in the Spirit.

St Paul would beautifully explicate this, when he says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)

. Our life is to be an inspiring exhibition of the joy in the Lord and rejoicing in the Spirit.

Do we radiate joy in our encounter with one another, and spread the cheer of life?
… knowing that we have a God Who deeply cares for us
… and thanking the Lord for His blessing, above all, for the gift of Himself in the Word and the Sacraments!

There is, without doubt, many reasons for us to be grumpy, to complain and to feel resentful in life.

But can we allow the Power of the Lord to enamour us, and realise that beyond all these, we have a reason to celebrate and to rejoice…
… knowing that ‘God is with us’, to ensure success in our journey of life, with our wholehearted co-operation

Today we specially seek the intercession of St Jerome

(St Jerome who was very well-versed in Scripture, is best known for his translation and revision of the Bible into Latin…
… the translation that became known as the Vulgate – and his extensive commentaries on the Scriptures.

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” are the famous words of exhortation of St Jerome, the doctor of the Church)

May his words, “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best”
… be an inspiration for all of us!”

Let us also be inspired by the words of Venerable Fr Peter Marie Mermier
“It is not enough to avoid evil but it is necessary to do good
… The love of God is efficacious.
There is nothing as strong and as active as love. It is a devouring fire!”

And with respect to prayer…
“The ministry of a priest without prayer, is a barren ministry, without any effect, even harmful; it is a ministry of death!
… instead of enlightening, it blinds;
… instead of healing, it kills!

But the ministry of the one who prays, is a ministry of life!”

Jesus, today, invites each one of us to “be a missionary of joy!”

History is a witness to this great saga of great people who have walked this hard path, with joy…
… including Jesus
… including St Jerome
… including Fr Peter Marie Mermier

Let us allow the Grace of God to strengthen us with joy, in our response to the call of ‘I want missions!'”

Happy Founder’s Day to all the FRANSALIANS – the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS)

God Bless! Live Jesus!