REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN MARY VIANNEY, PRIEST

THE FIERY ZEAL OF SAINT JOHN VIANNEY: A BEACON OF LIGHT FOR ALL PRIESTS

First Reading: Leviticus 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80(81):3-6,10-11
Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58
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In the annals of Christian history, there stand towering figures whose lives serve as beacons of divine light, guiding and inspiring generations to come. Among these radiant souls, one figure stands out in the pantheon of priestly saints – St. John Mary Vianney, the Patron Saint of Priests. The life of St. John Mary Vianney unfolds like a tapestry of divine passion and selfless dedication to Christ and His Church. Born in humble surroundings, he persevered through countless obstacles, shining as a beacon of hope and faith in turbulent times. Today, as we commemorate the memorial of this venerable saint, we embark on a profound reflection on his life and examples, illuminating the sacred flame that ignited his priestly ministry. Through the lens of today’s readings which converge harmoniously with the life of this holy priest, we unveil the fiery zeal that burned within his heart.

The First Reading from Leviticus (23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37) reveals the sacredness of priestly ministry and the significance of being “set apart” for divine service. St. John Vianney, from his early years, displayed an extraordinary desire to dedicate his life to God’s service. Despite encountering difficulties in his studies, he remained steadfast, guided by an unwavering love for the Eucharist. In the same way, Leviticus calls priests to consecrate themselves to God, to be set apart as vessels of His grace.

Another beautiful dimension of his service in God`s vineyard is mirrored in the Responsorial Psalm (80(81):3-6,10-11). This psalm echoes the melody of thanksgiving, an invitation to the faithful to raise their voices in praise to the Lord. St. John Vianney embodied this symphony of thanksgiving through his life of prayer and penance. He diligently prayed for his parishioners, interceding for their needs and leading them to the fountain of God’s grace. His fervent devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and his long hours spent in the confessional exemplify a soul aflame with gratitude for God’s merciful presence.

Arriving at the Gospel (Matthew 13:54-58), we see a sparkling reflection of his challenges as a pastor of souls. In the Gospel, we encounter the paradox of Jesus as a prophet without honour in His own hometown. In a similar manner, St. John Vianney faced challenges and resistance from his own community, particularly due to the difficult circumstances of the post-revolutionary France. Yet, like Jesus, he persisted with unwavering faith, reaching out to sinners and leading them to reconciliation. His commitment to the salvation of souls and his fiery zeal for God’s presence overcame every obstacle he encountered. He became renowned for his confessional ministry, spending countless hours guiding souls to embrace God’s mercy and love.

Dear friends in Christ, St. John Vianney’s life was marked by an unquenchable flame of zeal for God and His people. His profound devotion to the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation bore witness to his deep love for Christ and the Church. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained a beacon of hope, inspiring countless souls to return to God’s loving embrace. As we commemorate this patron saint of priests, we are called to reflect on the sacredness of priestly ministry and the example set by St. John Vianney. Like him, may all priests be set apart for divine service, listening attentively to God’s call, and responding with joyful obedience. May they carry the torch of fiery zeal, leading God’s people toward eternal salvation.

Today’s feast beckons us to embrace the sacred fire of priestly ministry and to foster a love for Christ and His Church. As we commemorate the memorial of this holy priest, let us heed the call to embrace our vocations with a fiery zeal. Whether we are priests, religious, or lay faithful, we are all called to bear witness to God’s presence in the world. Let us draw inspiration from St. John Vianney’s example of unwavering devotion and fervent intercession for souls. May we, like him, become radiant beacons of God’s love and mercy, shining forth in the darkness and guiding others toward the eternal light of God’s presence. Thus, let us enter God’s holy presence, like the Levitical priests of old, and offer ourselves as living sacrifices in His service. Let our lives become a symphony of thanksgiving, echoing the praises of Psalm 80(81), and may we persevere in our mission, even in the face of challenges, just as Jesus and St. John Vianney did. May our hearts burn with a fiery zeal for God’s presence, and may we be living witnesses of His love and mercy to all we encounter. May the radiant life of St. John Vianney inspire us to be true disciples of Christ, shining His light in the world and leading others to the embrace of God’s loving heart.

Above all, as we honour this patron saint of priests, let us pray for all priests worldwide, that they may be guided by the radiant example of St. John Vianney and continue to lead God’s people toward the eternal light of His divine love.

Happy feast day to my fellow Priests!

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Shalom!
© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ
Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Loreto, Vila Medeiros, São Paulo, Brazil
nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com

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Have you prayed your rosary today?