St. John Vianney was a 19th century French priest who was instrumental in relieving the burdens of sinners and those who would come to him for guidance and counsel. It could be said of him: The Lord sent [him] to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.
One of the most, if not the most captivating aspects of human life is the slavery to and subsequent inability to free oneself from sin and its consequences. Divine intervention and help is needed.
That is why Jesus was sent to us! To free us from our enslavement to sin – if we want it; to give us the possibility of a life of joy and happiness both here and hereafter – if we want it!
The first reading tells us that there are those who simply don't want it. They choose instead not to take God's own warning nor the warnings of those whom he sends in his name to help them see "the true Light" – people like John Vianney, people like you and me when we act as his instruments. All we can do is our part. When we see someone straying we can try to help them, because that is the obligation of Christian fraternal correction. But once a humble, gentle and sincere warning is sent – then our conscience is clear, and the spiritual life and death of that person is no longer our responsibility.
The second reading tells us that Jesus himself went around releasing people from their sins and restoring them to health – the two always seem to go hand in hand – fraternal correction and rehabilitation were important for him. He asked that helpers for him be sent by God his Father to bring the message of hope and reconciliation and health and peace to all who so desperately need it!
Again, if today we feel God the Father enlisting us to help in this regard, may our response be YES, may it be generous – so that as many as possible can be set free from what ails them but spiritually and physically!
Let us remember: the Lord is sending US to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives who have various enslavements!
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