WHEN WE OFFER GOD MULTIPLIES

August 4, 2025 Feast of Saint John Vianney Monday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 14:13–21 In today’s gospel, Jesus retreats to a deserted place after hearing of John the Baptist’s death, a moment of grief and sorrow. But as the crowds follow Him, His heart, moved with compassion, overrides His fatigue. He heals their sick and feeds their hunger—not only spiritually, but physically. This miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fish is not just about abundance, but about the heart of a true shepherd: one who is broken, yet still chooses to bless. This scene mirrors the priestly heart of St. John Marie Vianney, the humble Curé of Ars. Like Christ, he often sought solitude in prayer and penance, yet always found himself surrounded by people in spiritual hunger. Day after day, hour after hour, he heard confessions, preached, taught, and interceded for souls—feeding them not with bread and fish, but with the Bread of Life and the word of mercy. Just as Jesus told His disciples, “You give them something to eat,” so too did the Lord whisper this same call into the heart of John Vianney. With nothing but a weak body, little education, and great humility, he gave the Church everything he had: his time, his penance, his prayers, his presence. And like the five loaves and two fish, God multiplied his offering. This Gospel reminds us that in the hands of Christ, even our littleness becomes more than enough. St. John Vianney had nothing extraordinary—except a heart completely given to God. And that was enough to feed thousands of souls. Blessings Fr. Jhack