Monday of the 18th week in ordinary time

Numbers 11: 4b-15 Mathew 14: 13-21

Theme: The mercy and love of God

Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney a priest. Going through his journey as a catholic and eventually to the priesthood, one thing that was very clear was his desire to follow God closely. This stems from the fact that he went through his preparation to receive the sacraments in secrecy. It was at a time when the church was going through difficult times because of the French revolution.

He did not allow all these difficulties and challenges to make him lose sight of his desire to serve God. He remained persistent in faith and was later ordained a Catholic priest. His feast day used to be celebrated on the 9^th of August but was later shifted to the 4^th of August. As a priest, he was popularly known as a great confessor and people travelled long distance to him for confession. It is also believed that people receive healing when they go to him for confession. He is the patron saint of parish priests.

The persistence of St. John Mary Vianney is a great challenge to all of us as Christians in our own time. He did not allow the difficulties on his way to discourage him or make him lose focus from his initial plan to serve God. In the same way we are all encouraged today to remain focused in our quest to serve and worship God, amidst the difficulties and challenges that we encounter on our way. An example that readily comes to mind right now is when some of us fail to come to mass because there were showers of rain. While some others will make effort and attend mass. We are all encouraged today to emulate the saint we celebrate today at such moments in our life.

We serve a God that is filled with love and mercy for his people. We see that in the call to discipleship in the life of St. John Mary Vianney, we also see it in the Gospel reading of today. After receiving the news of the death of John the Baptist, he wanted some time alone, but the people would not allow him, so he had to attend to the needs of the people. He also went a step further by providing food for the people, instead of sending them into the village to get some food for themselves. He has not changed; He is still the same God we serve in our own time. Trust in Him and go to Him with faith. As you take this bold step of faith, may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen.