Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

July 31, 2026

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

A prophet is without honor except in his native place and in his own house.

One of the advantages of living in the Information Society is that there are so many opportunities to access knowledge, events, ideologies, religious and spiritual teachings, and much more. One of the disadvantages is discerning meaning and truth in all that we encounter. So, we become selective in choosing the message and the messenger.

Jeremiah followed what the Lord had called him to do and was faithful in bringing the Lord’s message to the people. However, it was not a message the priests, prophets, and all the people wanted to hear. Instead of listening to and heeding his words, they chose to attack the messenger. The response was simply to get rid of the messenger, and maybe the message would go away as well.

Jesus astonishes the people in his hometown with his message. They recognize his wisdom and mighty deeds. And instead of accepting the message, they attack the messenger. We know him. Where did he get all of this? Why should we listen to someone who is one of us? And so, they refuse to listen.

How often do we do the same? Refuse to listen to members of our own family or parish community. How often do we refuse to accept a message that is contrary to what we believe to be the truth without trying to discern if this message is the Lord moving us to a deeper experience of what our faith calls us to be and do?

The saint we remember today, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, gifted the Church with a religious order dedicated to education. He also gave us the Spiritual Exercises, which present us a way of allowing God’s word in Scripture to enable us to discern the truth. Before dismissing others, may we allow prayer and Scripture to inform our response.

Today, we commemorate the foundation of the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. The first group made private, perpetual vows in the presence of Saint Peter Julian Eymard in Paris in 1859.

Let Us Pray:

Spirit of Truth, may you open our minds and hearts to embrace your word even from unexpected people and in surprising places. Amen.