Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of
Saint John Mary Vianney, P., (04th August, 2017) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
(Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary
Time (I))
Lev 23:1.4-11.15-16.27.34-37;
Ps 80:3-6.10-11. (R. v. 2);
Matt 13:54-58.
Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, John Mary Vianney (May 8,
1786 – August 4, 1859) was born in Dardilly, France. He was raised in a
Catholic home and the family often helped the poor and housed St. Benedict
Joseph Labre when he made his pilgrimage to Rome. It was very difficult for him
to comprehend Latin lectures. He was eventually ordained a deacon in June 1815
and a priest on August 12, 1815. Fr. Vianney was appointed parish priest of the
Ars parish in 1818. He spent 11 to 12 hours at confession during winter and about
16 hours during summer. He refused to retire. By 1853, Fr. Vianney had
attempted to run away from Ars four times to become a monk. He was the champion
of the poor. On October 3, 1873, Pope Pius IX proclaimed him “Venerable” and on
January 8, 1905, Pope Pius X beatified him. St. John Vianney was canonized on
May 31, 1925.[1]
Topic: What is the difference?
Today’s gospel records Jesus’ visit to His hometown. He
taught in their synagogue. Although they were astounded, but they had a problem,
Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power?
Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his
brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with
us? Where then did this man get all this?
Wait a minute. Assuming all these were true, did any prevent Jesus’
townsmen from accepting Him? However, they did not really know Him, cf. Jn 8:14. They only deprived themselves
and others of the miracles Jesus would have performed among them. Hence, the
concluding verse reads, “And he did not do many deeds of power there, because
of their unbelief.”
What the people thought they knew about Jesus neither made His
power original nor fake. We must be careful lest we suffer the same or even
worse fate. Saint John Mary Vianney had very difficult seminary training yet the
authorities saw beyond his inability to comprehend Latin lectures. He turned out
to be a veritable instrument in the hand of the Lord of the vineyard. We must be
careful how we condemn other people and things lest we destroy what we cannot build.
Again, do not be discouraged because you are not appreciated but always focus on
God lest you slip away.
Bible Reading: Lk 9:1-9.
Thought for today: Never reject before confirming it to be a curse.
Let us pray: Lord, help us see your blessings packaged
in others – Amen.
Saint John Mary Vianney – Pray for us.
You are free to share this reflection
with others if you consider it worthy.
For more homilies (reflections):
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810
298 6313
To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
+234 905
655 4466
May God bless you all+
Post a Comment
Post a Comment