Gospel: John 17:20-26
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.
And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.
Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Patrick Marley RIP.
Reflection:
St Bernardine of Siena was an Italian Franciscan who was known for attacking superstitions and criticizing usury. What stood out in his ministry was his promotion of the devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. His “preaching aid” was a self-made wooden tablet with the letters “IHS” (the monogram of Jesus Christ in Greek). Those envious of him accused him of idolatry, but Pope Martin V, after hearing his defence, was impressed of him and invited him to preach in Rome.
St Bernardine’s staunch devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus echoes what Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel: “I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” Jesus zealously proclaimed and worked in God’s Name. Some believed Him, but the Jewish leaders accused Him of blasphemy and had Him killed. His Resurrection and Ascension proved Jesus’ enemies wrong. By sending His Son into the world, God had a human face and a human name – Jesus. This is the only Name where we can find salvation (Acts 4:12). We bear His Name when we were baptized that is why we are called Christians. Inspired by St Bernardine’s example, let us be a force for good by making Jesus’ Name known to everyone we meet today.
- “If you would be loved by Him (God), love Him, and if you shall love, you will be loved.” (St Bernardine of Siena). How do you welcome God’s love for you?
- “Amend yourself of your faults, and He will free you from sorrows and tribulations.” (St Bernardine of Siena). How do superstitious beliefs and usury prevent you from being one with Jesus?
- “Moreover, be mindful of the Name of Jesus. I have told you how you should reverence this Name when you hear it spoken, the devotion springing always from your heart.” (St Bernardine of Siena). How do you reverence Jesus’ Name?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Through the prayers and example of St Bernardine of Siena, grant us hearts that will treasure Your Name, lips that will proclaim Your Name, ears that will be attentive to Your Name, and lives that will be dedicated to Your Name. Amen.
(Pietro)
