+ Today we celebrate the feast of one who was "simply a priest" – in fact he was so "simply" a priest, so "simply" a flawless instrument in the hands of God's will, so "simply" a minister of the manifold mysteries of God's knowledge, power and grace: that he not only held up as the patron of all parish priests, but as of today, the 150th Anniversary of his death, the patron saint of all priests.
John Mary Vianney was ordained a priest (in spite of being an academically very poor student, thus proving that the sign of holiness is truly much more important than intelligence as far as a requirement for ordination) in 1815. He spent most of his entire life in a tiny little village of about 250 people (Ars, France), where he became simply known as The Cure of Ars. His reputation spread throughout the Christian world as a confessor and director of souls. At the end of his life some 20,000 people a year would find their way to Ars to make their confessions or to receive wise counsel from him. John Mary would spend from 12 to 18 hours a day in the confessional.
The first reading today is particularly suited for this feast: it is about directing the unvirtuous from their sin. As Christians we have an obligation to at least point out to others their error in perspective and judgment and words and behaviors (based strictly on Gospel values and prescriptions); once we have done that, we have done our duty, it is now up to them to decided what they will do with the true and certain knowledge of God's displeasure that we have simply delivered to them. John Mary Vianney did this with his spiritual direction. Most listened to what he had to say and changed their way; most of them right there on the spot! All God wants is our undivided, dedicated attention in life so that we can merit the abundant blessings of a virtuous life – both for life here, and for life hereafter!
Accustomed to the most severe mortifications and penances, swamped by swarms of penitents, and besieged by the devil, this great mystic saintly man demonstrated an unwavering degree of patience. He was a wonderworker loved by the crowds, but he retained a childlike simplicity and remains to this day the living image of the priest after the heart of Christ: and this is precisely why our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI has designated this year, which coincides with the 150th anniversary of his death, as "The Year of the Priest." The Divine Heart of Christ moved him to his works of charity and love; the heart of the priest residing in that very Divine Heart leads him to the exact same works: of charity, of love, of spreading hope, and peace, and joy, forgiveness, healing and abundant blessing: to a world that so desperately needs these things.
Jesus' heart is more moved than ever with pity as he gazes around the world through the eyes of his priests. He asks all of you to pray for reinforcements: for more priests to help in the great task of preparing God's people for the great Wedding Feast of the Lamb of God, Jesus, that will take place one day, when all of the invited guests have taken their place. We are invited guests: let us live all our days like we believe we are!
St. John Mary Vianney was canonized on May 31, 1925 and declared patron saint of all priests on August 4, 2009.
Go out to all the world and tell the Good News!
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