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

STORM

August 5, 2025 Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome Tuesday within the 18th week in Ordinary Time Year C Matthew 14:22–36 Life is full of storms—uncertainties, failures, grief, and fear. Like the disciples in the boat, we often feel tossed by waves beyond our control. In today’s gospel, the sea is rough, the night is dark, and the disciples are afraid. And then, in the midst of their fear, Jesus comes—not in calm weather, but walking on the waves of their chaos. His presence doesn’t remove the storm immediately, but it redefines how they are to face it. “Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Jesus reveals that courage is not the absence of storms, but the presence of God in the middle of them. Peter’s boldness is inspiring. He dares to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus—until he takes his eyes off the Lord. The moment he looks at the wind and waves, fear overwhelms him and he begins to sink. This mirrors our spiritual life: we walk in faith when our gaze is fixed on Christ, but we falter when we focus on the storm. Peter’s failure wasn’t stepping out—it was losing sight of who was in front of him. Yet even then, Jesus reaches out immediately. This is the Gospel: even when our faith wavers, His grace does not. This passage invites us to live with “eyes on Jesus, not the storm.” Faith doesn’t mean the waves will stop crashing. It means we have Someone greater than the waves to hold onto. Real courage comes not from self-confidence but from Christ-confidence—trusting that Jesus is with us in every chaos, and that His hand is always extended when we cry, “Lord, save me!” We do not walk alone. We walk with the One who treads on storms. Blessings Fr. Jhack