August 4: Saint John Vianney (the Curé of Ars), Priest—Memorial

Read entire reflection online >>>August 4: Saint John Vianney (the Curé of Ars), Priest—Memorial1786–1859Patron Saint of parish priests, all priests, and confessorsCanonized by Pope Pius XI in 1925Liturgical Color: WhiteQuote: …I think, brethren, that you would like to know what is the state of the lukewarm soul. Well, this is it. A lukewarm soul is not yet quite dead in the eyes of God because the faith, the hope, and the charity that are its spiritual life are not altogether extinct. But it is a faith without zeal, a hope without resolution, a charity without ardor. Nothing touches this soul: it hears the word of God, yes, that is true; but often it just bores it…Who can dare assure himself that he is neither a great sinner nor a tepid soul but that he is one of the elect? Alas, my brethren, how many seem to be good Christians in the eyes of the world who are really tepid souls in the eyes of God, Who knows our inmost hearts. Let us ask God with all our hearts, if we are in this state, to give us the grace to get out of it, so that we may take the route that all the saints have taken and arrive at the happiness that they are enjoying. That is what I desire for you.  ~Homily, Saint John VianneyPrayer:Saint John Mary Vianney, you loved God with all your heart and introduced God to your people. Through you, Ars and much of France were converted. Please pray for me, that I will be open to the ministry of priests, receiving God’s Word and grace through them, offering them the love, support and respect due to them. I especially pray for the priests in my life, that they become holy shepherds in imitation of Christ. Saint John Vianney, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: mycatholic.lifeCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Image: unknown source