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Tuesday, August 4, 1998

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St. John Vianney


Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Psalm 102
Matthew 14:22-36

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confi-dented?

"When he perceived how strong the wind was, becoming frightened, he began to sink." —Matthew 14:30

Peter had some confidence in Jesus because he got out of the boat and walked on the water. However, Peter ultimately had more confidence in the power of the wind than he had in Jesus, the Creator of the wind.

Let's test our own confidence level:

  • Do you have more confidence in the stubbornness of your spouse, child, parent, coworker, pastor, or parish council than you have in the power of Jesus to change their hearts?
  • Are you more confident in the tendency of people to reject your witness to Jesus than you are in the ability of the Holy Spirit to spur them to respond to the Lord?
  • Do you have more confidence that you won't have the energy and finances necessary to have a large family than you have in the ability of God the Father to supply the grace, love, and resources you need day by day?
  • Do you have more confidence in the staying power of your compulsions, addictions, sins, and personal shortcomings than you have in the ability of Jesus to overcome them and give you a risen, victorious, and pure life?

Fix your eyes on the power of the Lord Jesus (Heb 12:2) instead of on your problems. "Do not, then, surrender your confidence; it will have great reward" (Heb 10:35).

Prayer:  "God indeed is my Savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord" (Is 12:2).

Promise:  "See! I will restore the tents of Jacob, his dwellings I will pity." —Jer 30:18

Praise:  St. John was the least intelligent priest in his diocese. He was not permitted to hear confessions after his ordination until he learned enough to satisfy his bishop. Yet he eventually heard confessions for twelve to sixteen hours a day for nearly thirty years. Praise Jesus, Who forgives our sins through His priests!

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert J. Buschmiller, February 17, 1998


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 25, 1998