Homily: Feast of St. John Vianney (2021)
Feast of St. John Vianney (2021) “Saint with Perseverance”
I heard a priest who was celebrating his golden jubilee share how he was told repeatedly when he was in seminary that he would never make it as a priest. He had trouble with his studies. He was too unsophisticated. The people who were forming priests tried to get the priest to drop out. But the jubilarian said to his fellow priests here I am celebrating 50 years as a priest.
This was the story of John Vianney, who lived in 19th century France. As a young man he wanted to be a priest, but while he was a student, the French Revolution happened. His education continued in fits and starts. He was drafted into Napoleon’s army, but he proved to be a poor soldier. In fact, he deserted and hid for two years.
Finally, he was able to complete his education and he was ordained. He went to the village of Ars the rest of his life. When he went to the parish there, it was of little religious fervor, but when the villagers got to know their new priest, they were struck by his holiness.
His reputation as a confessor grew over the course of time throughout France, and people came to Ars to seek the counsel of John Vianney in spiritual matters. St. John lived simply, but he wanted the best items for the liturgy. He believed nothing was too good for God.
The pressure on John Vianney was so great that he ran away from his parish to hide, but his parishioners tracked him down and brought him back. They loved him that much. He is known as the Patron Saint of all Priests.
We could think of him as an example for all those who have endured discouragement and criticism but have persevered in their dreams. When asked how he prayed when he was in front of Blessed Sacrament, he said simply, “Our Lord looks at me and I look at him.”
Reflection Questions:
- Have I ever been told that I could not achieve something? How did that make me feel?
- Do I persevere when I meet obstacles? Do I trust in the Lord at such times?
Dear Parishioners,
This year the Feast of the Assumption will fall on Sunday August 15th. The Masses will be at the regular times. The Sunday Mass readings will be the readings for the feast.
We are going to make a slight change to our Mass schedule starting in September when we begin our Religious Education classes. We will be moving the 9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on Sunday. My hope is that this will give families some extra time to get ready in the morning. On Cold winter days, this may help all of us get to Mass. Watch our Sunday bulletin for more information about this.
May Our Lady and All the Angels and Saints watch over you.
Fr. Mark