Memorial of Saint John Vianney, priest
(Jeremiah 30:1-2.12-15.18-22; Matthew 14:22-26)
During his long ministry St. John Vianney developed a
reputation as a prescient confessor and a strict preacher. Coming of age during
the French revolutionary years, he discerned the contours of the Christian life
in a landscape of unbelief. Although he mostly
lived in a rural parish, he attracted tens of thousands of people whom he
assisted to grow closer to Christ.
Pope St. John XXIII named St. John Vianney the patron of parish
priests. Like all priests, he took a
risk something like that of Peter in today’s gospel. Walking on water seeking the Lord can describe
the priestly vocation. The candidate must realize that there will be no wife to
give consolation on the journey and no children to provide meaning and
assistance. Rather he must continually look
in faith for the Lord’s support.
In truth, Jesus leads all of us who make a conscientious
effort to follow him onto water. We will
at times have to spurn the world’s wisdom and companionship. We may come to feel like we are sinking. However, we know that if we trust in him Jesus
will not allow us to perish.
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