Memorial of Saint
John Vianney, priest
(Number 12:1-13; Matthew 14:22-36)
The protagonist of Georges Bernarnos’ novel Diary of a Country Priest is modelled
after St. John Vianney. At the end of
the novel the priest is dying of consumption.
He does not worry, however.
Indeed, he utters the memorable words: “All is grace.” The man is convinced that he will be all
right because he has fixed his sights on Jesus.
He never looks down on what is threatening him like Peter in today’s
gospel.
The vignette about Peter is consistent with his character
throughout the gospels. He is quick to
talk and to act and likely to blunder.
If he would concentrate on Jesus without worrying about the liquidity of
the water, he would be fine. But
distracted by worry, he begins to sink.
There is a lesson here for us. When we experience storms in life, we can
turn to Jesus. He will see us through
the rough weather. It should be said
that we may not survive as we originally hoped, but we will be well. He will make that happen.
Wednesday of the
Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Numbers 13:1-2.25-14.1.26a-29a.34-35; Matthew 15:21-28)
The movie “Chariots of Fire” features the men of brave
heart who composed the 1920 English Olympic track team. In one scene their rivals from America
demonstrate technical excellence in training.
They do warm-up calisthenics as if they were jet engines tuning up for
take-off. In the end, however, the
determined Brits better the finely-tuned Americans. Such heart seems in short supply among the
Israelites as they hear the reports of the inhabitants of the Promised Land in
the first reading.
The Israelites fail to see that they have God on their
side. He has saved them from Pharaoh’s
mighty army and provided for their needs in the desert. Still the people cower after hearing of
formidable enemies. They should know by now that God is their source of advantage
not their physical prowess.
We are aware that sometimes both sides in an armed conflict
appeal to the same God for assistance.
He will ultimately bring victory to only one opponent. We must realize, however, that winning is
neither the only thing nor the most important thing. What overshadows triumph is the combination
of fighting justly and trusting that God loves us.
