July 02, 2021

Sts. Bernardino Realino, SJ, John Francis Regis, SJ, and Francis Jerome, SJ

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