Especially the Weak

We read the familiar passage in 1: Cor 27,  "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."  Another translation reads, "Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks, and exploits and abuses, chose these 'nobodies' to expose the hollow pretensions of the 'somebodies'"? (See The Message trans. Walter H. Peterson).  St. John Marie Vianney, whose Memorial we observe today was just such as man (as was St. Marcellin).  Both had difficulties with studies, especially Latin; Marcellin passed his exams, but Jean Marie, let's say, was given a pass, for the bishop believed that although learned priests were the desired norm, holy priests were even more important.  In an effort to hide Jean Marie's deficiencies,  the bishop placed Jean Marie in a remote village, but the zealous young man preached against the rampant immorality he found in the town, visited homes to persuade people to change their ways, to no avail. He began to pray and fast and continued delivering his strong sermons.  People slowly began to recognize his holiness and sincerity and began to come to confession. Jean Marie's gift was compassion and insight into the hearts of his penitents, reminding them of hidden sins and assuring them in their doubts.  The town converted  and his reputation spread throughout France and Europe.  Trains were full of penitents who had to say a week in Ars in order to have a chance to go to confession, even though Jean Marie spent 12 hours a day in the winter and 16 during the summer in the confessional!   Miracles also accompanied his ministry in the confessional.
Jean Marie Vianney, who should have been refused ordination, is now the patron of parish priests and confessors.  It's almost like God is saying, "See, I work especially through those who are thought less, as St. Paul states, and if you don't believe me, look at the life of St. John Marie Vianney."
;May we take heart and believe that even we, with our inadequacies, can do more than we ever imagined, if we allow God to use us.  St. John Marie Vianney, pray for us.
Bro. Rene