ST JOHN EUDES, OPTIONAL MEMORIAL, SATURDAY AUGUST 19, 2023

Stained glass window in Saint-Pierre de Dourdain

MASS READINGS:

Gospel Mt 19:13-15

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

REFLECTION

The mother had just received Communion and her 18 month old child began crying. Noise and noise all over the church. I am very blessed to belong to a young parish. Many young families with children. Daily the mothers bring their young ones to morning mass. Every day they are a witness to their hope and how to evangelize.

Aren't we all like children? Do I not cry out to the Lord when hurt, confused, lonely, in need of comfort and in pain? Am I not my own distraction when my mind wanders during the homily, going through the daily chores or events for the day, or looking at that cell phone "in case there is an important call"? What could possibly be more important than God? Can I truly blame the children as a source of my interruption with talking with God?

We are all His children. He holds us lovingly, tenderly, allowing us to hold on to His sleeve, drool over his shirt, lay our heads on His heart, and beg Him to hold and carry us.

The saint for today is St John Eudes. He was a French Roman Catholic priest, noted preacher and confessor. He is a Doctor of the Church. He preached many parish missions. He founded several seminaries because he saw the need for clerical formation. He founded two religious communities and zealously promoted the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He founded the Eudists--the Congregation of Jesus and Mary--devoted to the formation of the clergy. (Franciscan Media)

St John Eudes is best known for his writings: Jesus as the source of holiness; Mary as the model of the Christian life. May we contemplate on their beautiful family and their love for one another. Where Jesus is, you will always find Mary.

Remembering the fingerprints of my children, I thank God for being our loving Father.

God bless you