4 August 2020 – Tuesday of 18th week in ordinary time – Psalm 102

     I remember how we Americans felt during the devastation of 9-11 and what an impact that has had on our country.  Thinking of that context for us here in the United States, I cannot imagine how traumatic the destruction of the Temple was for the people of Ancient Israel.  The destruction of the Temple is addressed today in Psalm 102.  They placed their hope in their belief that the Lord would help them rebuild their Temple and their nation. 

I looked back at some homilies I wrote eight ago where I talk about how many Catholics see our country as moving away from Christianity toward a secular agenda. Little did I know then where we would be today, we people attacking statues and the reputations of our saints.  

In Psalm 102, the psalmist pictures God from on high, listening to the groaning of the prisoners, releasing those who are sentenced to die.  There are times when many of the faithful feel that our cries are not heard, when it feels like God is not in control.  We are called to walk by faith, to place our trust in the Lord, to work for the establishment of his kingdom.  It is hard sometimes, especially in light of the injustices we see and the frustrations we have, but the Lord will give us the strength to endure.  

Today, I want to mention the great saint we celebrate today - John Vianney, known by the faithful as the Cure of Ars.  John Vianney has very little schooling and just barely got through his seminary studies.  He was put in a parish in a rural area of France, where it was thought by the Bishop that he would do the least harm.  At his parish, he found a congregation that was very indifferent to the faith.   Through fasts and prayer he endured.  He became well-known for his preaching, for his compassion and zeal as a confessor, and for his spiritual direction.  As his reputation grew, it is said that he had more than 300 people visiting him each day from all over France to hear him preach and to go to the sacrament of reconciliation with him.   John Vianney is the patron saint of diocesan priests.  He is certainly a great example for us, of someone who defied the expectation people had of him.