Messengers of Hope: Indian cardinal reflects on three attitudes toward Jesus at St. Francis Xavier's exposition

The Decennial Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St. Francis Xavier concluded on Sunday, January 5, 2025, coinciding with the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

The exposition culminated in a solemn Eucharistic celebration held in front of the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.

Archbishop Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which brought together prominent clergy, including Auxiliary Bishop Simião Fernandes of Goa and Daman, Bishop Lumen Monteiro of Agartala, Bishop Ignatius Mascarenhas of Simla-Chandigarh, Bishop Emeritus Alex Dias of Port Blair, and several priests, deacons, and religious leaders.

Ferrão delivered a compelling homily on the theme, “Messengers of the Joy of the Gospel, Pilgrims of Hope.”

He invited the faithful to reflect on their personal attitudes toward Jesus, drawing inspiration from the Gospel account of the Epiphany. He outlined three possible attitudes toward Jesus:

"Hostility, as shown by King Herod", Ferrão said. He highlighted Herod's anger and hostility, describing how fear of losing control led Herod to resist the message of Christ.

He cautioned against letting fear and pride hinder a relationship with Jesus.

Indifference, as seen in the Chief Priests, Ferrão noted. The cardinal criticized the Chief Priests' apathy despite their deep knowledge of scriptures and traditions.

"They were engrossed in their rituals, yet blind to the significance of Jesus in their lives," he noted, urging the faithful to avoid similar complacency.

"Adoration, exemplified by the Magi", the third attitudes, said Ferrão. The Magi represented those who seek, persevere, and ultimately surrender to Jesus. They embarked on a challenging journey of faith, culminating in worship and complete surrender.

The cardinal invited the congregation to emulate the Magi, saying, “Like them, we are called to encounter Jesus, surrender our lives, and worship Him with humility and love.”

Ferrão drew parallels between the attitude of the Magi and the life of St. Francis Xavier, whose unwavering faith and mission to spread the Gospel continue to inspire millions.

“Just as St. Francis Xavier surrendered his life to Christ, we too must seek Him daily despite life’s challenges. This surrender unites us with Jesus and deepens our faith,” he emphasized.

The archbishop urged the faithful to examine their own attitudes toward Jesus and to respond with faith and devotion.

“Are we like Herod, reacting with hostility? Like the Chief Priests, indifferent and preoccupied? Or like the Magi, who journeyed to encounter and worship Jesus?” he asked.

The Eucharistic celebration marked the spiritual and cultural significance of the Decennial Exposition, drawing pilgrims from across the globe to honor the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of the saint, whose life embodies the call to be true messengers of the Gospel and pilgrims of hope.

As the exposition concluded, the faithful left inspired to live their faith with renewed vigor, taking to heart the cardinal's message to seek, encounter, and surrender to Christ in their daily lives.