Aug 4 – Memorial for St. John Mary Vianney, priest
In his youth, John Mary Vianney (1786-1859) taught other children their prayers and catechism. As a priest, was assigned to a parish which suffered from very lax attendance. He began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor, spent days in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, did penance for his parishioners, and led his people by example. Crowds came to hear him preach, and to make their reconciliation because of his reputation with penitents.
He has been declared patron saint for all priests.
– Patron Saint Index
Lev 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37
Mt 13:54-58
I am the Lord your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
Many years ago, I attended a bible study session on Exodus. One of the phrases that resonated with me was that God was taking Egypt out of the Israelites. The priest said that it was easy to get the Israelites out of Egypt, but it was more difficult to get the practices and beliefs of Egypt out of the Israelites. That was what God was trying to accomplish through the miracles and the entire journey of the Israelites to the promised land.
When I initially read the verse from today’s Psalm, I thought of the blessings God will pour onto me once I accept him into my life. Upon further reflection, I thought that God could also be saying that he means to fill us until there is no more space for other ‘gods’ in our lives.
Even with us today, I think there are many beliefs and priorities that exist inside of us which conflict with what God wants for us. Knowing this, what do we do? Following God’s lead is definitely what we should do. Following God’s lead doesn’t only mean we follow what must be done. We have to trust him on when things should be done. We should neither rush things nor be slow when we need to move. It may have been easy for the Israelites then because they literally saw pillars of cloud and fire. For us, I think that means we should be patient with ourselves when we do not see ourselves becoming holier than what we think we should be at that point. It took years for God to work on the Israelites.
Once we are comfortable with the fact that we are works in progress, perhaps we should take some time to ask God what are the other gods of our lives. And ask his help to get these removed from our lives. Let us remember that God did not just send a magic carpet to fetch the Israelites to the promised land. He had them walk and wander for 40 years. Each of those steps was a step taken in free will. Those steps, which cover small distances that bring them closer to God, were an act of choice. We also have to make those choices, as we let God remove the other gods in our lives.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)
Prayer: Lord, please come into my life and be the sole Lord of my life.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for giving me the grace to choose you.
OXYGEN 
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