The Feast of St John Mary Vianney | Friday 4 August 2023
Today is Friday the 4th of August, the feast of St John Mary Vianney, in the 17th week of Ordinary time.
The community of Taizé sing 'Dominus Spiritus est': The Lord is the Spirit; the Spirit gives life. God is the source of all life, the one in whom we live and move and have our being.
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Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 13:54-58
He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honour except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.
People often resent someone who seems to be getting above themself. Jesus’ neighbours are offended by this challenging teaching from a local lad. Is there anything in Jesus' teaching that troubles or challenges you? Have you ever spoken to him about this? Perhaps this is a good opportunity to try.
The reading makes a link between Jesus’ doing deeds of power and the faith of those around him. When healing, he often says, ‘Your faith has saved you’. What do you think he means by this? Does lack of faith prevent the power of Jesus taking hold in your life?
What words or feelings strike you as you listen to the reading once more? Allow yourself to be led in your own responses by the words themselves.
Whatever your feelings, allow yourself to speak to Jesus from your heart, expressing your thoughts and feelings, and asking for whatever you need at this time.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.