July 02, 2021
Sts. Bernardino Realino, SJ, John Francis Regis, SJ, and Francis Jerome, SJ
Jn 3: 29-36
He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things.
The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted his testimony has certified this, that God is true. He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has placed all things in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but must endure God’s wrath.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Reorienting ourselves toward Christ
Today, the Jesuits celebrate the Memorial of Jesuit Sts. Bernardino Realino, John Francis Regis, and Francis Jerome. In the Gospel for today’s Mass, we hear the humble cry of John the Baptist pointing to Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is holiness, plain and simple: continually orienting ourselves and others towards Christ, rather than seeking our own glory and selfish expectations. The Jesuit priests we remember today sought holiness in this manner, as did all the saints the Church has seen throughout the ages.
In what areas of your life is Christ asking you to reorient yourself towards him? How can we use our gifts for the greater glory of God, rather than for our own gain?
—Audrey Merck is a Theology teacher and Summer Bridge Principal at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Florida.
Prayer
Lord God, orient me toward you, so that I may recognize your will and serve you and your people. Amen.
—The Jesuit Prayer team
Please share the Good Word with your friends!