Memorial of Saint
John Vianney, priest
(Jeremiah 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Matthew 14:22-36)
St. Matthew shapes
the story of Jesus walking on water as a lesson in courage. First, he locates the disciples in a boat as
a way of symbolizing the Church. Then, he
speaks of night falling to indicate the presence of evil lurking around them. Likewise, he mentions waves tossing about the
boat to tell how death threatens the community.
He also pictures Jesus coming to save the Church. Jesus tells the fearful disciples to “take
courage.” He adds, “’It is I,” in Greek,
“I AM” -- the name God gave to Moses when He reveals the plan to rescue Israel. Finally, Jesus invites Peter to join him walking
on the water. Peter succeeds in this
endeavor until he loses courage and begins to sink.
The Church has been challenged throughout its existence. In the first few centuries persecution
threatened the lives of Christians. Publicly
adhering to the faith was like walking on water. Today the trouble is more existential. Catholics wonder if all they believe and all
they are asked to do for the faith is worthwhile. They ask if science offers more hope for a
better life. As always, the Church needs
to take courage from its faith that Jesus remains ready to assist it. Both undaunted and humble, the Church must everywhere
present examples of the fulfillment he brings.
Today the Church remembers St. John Vianney, a simple priest
renowned for both holiness and wisdom.
He spent most of his life in a rural French town, where he offered
pastoral care to the people. He
exemplified courage in fulfilling the assignment. His bishop told him that as he would find “’little
love of God in that parish.’” The
challenge invited the priest to pray to God, “’…grant me the conversion of my
parish. I am willing to suffer whatever you
wish for the rest of my life.’” John
Vianney’s success in the endeavor has made him the patron of parish priests.
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