Homily Eighteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Feast of John Vianney)
Homily Eighteenth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Feast of John Vianney)
This is a special day for all parish priests because John Vianney. John Vianney lived in 19th century France. Like so many of the “priest” saints he was told while he was in seminary that he was not smart enough or talented enough to be a priest. By his persistence he managed to get ordained.
I remember a priest friend who would often tell me that the problem in the church is that we have too many intellectuals in the church. What we need is some more holy people and everything would be fine. John Vianney certainly proved that.
When he was ordained, he was sent to the little village of Ars. The parish was run down, and the membership was small, but John Vianney gained a reputation for holiness. He would spend hours in the confessional, and he was such a good confessor that people came from all over France to talk to him. Special trains had to be scheduled so that penitents could travel to Ars.
John Vianney became so overwhelmed by those who sought his guidance that he ran away from the parish on a couple of occasions. His parishioners tracked him down and brought him back. I think every parish priest would relate to John’s feelings. Some days we would all like to escape.
John Vianney would spend hours praying in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Once someone asked him what he said to the Lord. Vianney said simply, “I just look at the Lord and the Lord looks back at me.” Truly he had a deep friendship with Christ. When we are in the presence of a good friend no words are necessary. Being together is reassurance enough.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have I ever just wanted to run away from my responsibilities in life? Who talked me out of this course of action?
2. In my prayer do I always have to use words? Is resting with the Lord ever enough?
Dear Parishioners:
Remember that tomorrow we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction after our 8 a.m. Mass. I am sorry that currently the access to the church and chapel is so limited. But as we see cases climb, we need to play it safe.
I have a friend in one of my former parishes that just came down with COVID. He is in his 70’s and I am worried for him. It seems like he is in a great deal of distress. A few days before he was diagnosed, he was the reader at Masses. Of course, he took his mask off when he read. He did that not knowing he was infected. He is the most generous guy in the world. But now people who were around him need to get tested, quarantine, etc. I am sure he is beside himself with worry for all his friends.
We cannot let our guard down. We have done a good job following protocols so far. Let’s all do our part.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark