August 4: Saint John Vianney / San Juan Vianney

The things that marked the public life of Jesus seem to us, sometimes, so obvious. But it never hurts to remind ourselves of His “style,” so to speak: He was never in a rush, never preoccupied with “bigger problems.” He looked at everyone with compassion and longed to offer His healing and restoration. He welcomed the prayers of others, and He delighted in answering them according to God's perfect will, His boundless wisdom, and His patient timing. He cherished every moment that people spent with Him!

So, let’s be sure to praise Him for the love and compassion that surely still well up in His heart when He looks at us. No matter what changes or upheaval we may go through on a given day, Jesus hasn’t changed and He never will. The abundance of time and attention that He offered people (Matthew 14, 13-21) and His power to heal and provide for them—these are still available to us, too. 

The Church celebrates today the feastday of St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. He followed closely the example of the Master by working tirelessly, sharing great humility, and treating others with deep compassion. His preaching and pastoral care were filled with simple language, images taken from daily life, and a keen sensitivity to his hearers (his parishioners). May God grant us leaders who will willing follow the lead of the Master and St. John Vianney.

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¡Jesús se compadece de nosotros! El Señor nunca está apresurado, nunca está preocupado con “problemas más grandes.” Él nos mira con compasión y desea ofrecernos su curación y restauración. Jesús recibe nuestras oraciones, se deleita en responderlas según su perfecta voluntad, su ilimitada sabiduría, y su tiempo paciente. Así que alábalo por el amor y la compasión que brotan de su corazón cuando nos mira. No importan los cambios o dificultades que estemos enfrentado, Jesús no ha cambiado. La abundancia del tiempo y la atención que le ofreció a la muchedumbre (Mateo 14, 13-21), su poder para sanar y para proveer para ellos también están disponibles para nosotros.

La Iglesia celebra hoy el memorial de San Juan Maria Vianney, santo patrón de sacerdotes. Siguiendo el ejemplo del Maestro, trabajaba incesantemente, con inagotable humildad, amabilidad, paciencia, y buen humor. Sus predicaciones desde el pulpito en su parroquia se daban en lenguaje sencillo, lleno de imágenes sacadas de la vida diaria y de escenas campestres, pero que respiraban fe y ese amor de Dios que era su principio vital y que infundía en su audiencia tanto por su modo de comportarse y apariencia como por sus palabras.