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Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint John Mary Vianney, P. (04th August, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial Jer 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Ps 101:16-21.29.22-23. (R. v.17); Matt 15:1-2.10-14. 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. Topic: Between tradition and God. In today’s gospel, “Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, ‘Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash [their] hands when they eat a meal.’” At the face level, there is nothing bad in the complaint. No one can dispute the fact that it is a good habit to wash hands before eating. However, Jesus had a problem with them. His reply which is not part of today’s gospel reads, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matt 15:3) These men travelled all the way from Jerusalem just to defend the tradition of their elders but never noticed the true light that enlightens every man, cf. Jn 1:9. Just think of the things you can defend even with the last drop of your blood. How many of them really matter? Think of our efforts to avoid COVID-19 among other diseases. How far do we care to avoid the real killer disease, sin? No matter how much we care for and defended whatever we hold dear here on earth, if we fail to avoid sin, we shall certainly die the worst death (eternal death). We can avoid this only if God’s word lights our path, cf. Ps 119:105. Bible Reading: Heb 12:1-13. Thought for today: Thy word is a lamp to my feet ... (Ps 119:105) Let us pray: Lord, may your words give us light and understanding – Amen (cf. Ps 119:130). 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): Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313 Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com To Contact and/or to support this ministry: Tel: +234 813 305 0302 Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com May God bless you all+