Thursday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Saint: Saint Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, Cure of Ars, Principal Patron Saint of Parish Priests (1786-1859)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:1-15 The Reception of Guests

Mass: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Resp Ps 51; Mt 16:13-23

Cast me not from Your presence.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice; your holy ones shall ring out their joy.

(Entrance Antiphon, Mass)

This is another wonderful day with a powerful saint to intercede for all of us, but especially for all parish priests. A great inspiration, Saint John Baptist Mary Vianney gave of his entire self to serve the Lord. A devout man of prayer, zealous for the salvation of souls, John Vianney led others to God through catechesis, service to the poor, and spending sixteen to eighteen hours a day in the confessional! Thousands flocked to Ars to receive his pastoral care and guidance. John Vianney certainly knew Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, and helped the faithful to know Him too. And an awesome fun fact is that John Vianney's breviary is located in northern Minnesota. No kidding! I read this: "It will be on display August 19-21 - along with the largest collection of Vatican artifacts outside of Rome" (The Loop). The exhibit is called "Vatican Unveiled: An Exploration of Legacies," in Duluth, MN, the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Google it. 😊

My little children, reflect on these words: the Christian's treasure is not on earth but in heaven. Our thoughts, then, ought to be directed to where our treasure is.

This is the glorious duty of man: to pray and to love. If you pray and love, that is where a man's happiness lies.

(From the catechetical instructions by Saint John Mary, Vianney, priest, in Office of Readings, August 4)

SAINT JEAN-BAPTISTE-MARIE VIANNEY,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This one is a good companion for our Responsorial Psalm. A view from Cannon Beach, Oregon, sent by a longtime and faithful friend, also an occasional photo contributor to our daily reflections. Your Holy Spirit take not from me.

© Gertrude Feick 2022