“Never being bogged down by melancholic and debasing tones; instead, like St John Maria Vianney, ‘pursuing our dreams and mission’ to fulfil the plans that God envisions for our life!”

(Based on Lev 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 and Mt 13:54-58 – Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time – Feast of St John Maria Vianney)

“What, sir?

You would make a ship sail against the wind and currents by lighting a bonfire under her decks?
>> I pray you excuse me.
>> I have no time to listen to such nonsense.”


These are, reportedly, the infamous words of Napoléon Bonaparte, the emperor of France…
… as he reacted to Robert Fulton’s proposal for a steamboat, in the 18th century.

[Robert Fulton was an American engineer and inventor who is widely credited with developing the world’s first commercially successful steamboat (named as the ‘North River Steamboat’ or ‘Clermont’)

The success of his steamboat transformed the transportation and travel industries, and speeded up the Industrial Revolution.]


The initial proposal by Robert Fulton to Napoleon, however, had failed to create an impression on the powerful emperor…
… and it led to his rejection and rebuff, with the words: “What, sir?”


Life so often rings in such clatters of rejection and negativity.

Do we get bogged down by such melancholic and debasing tones?
>> Or can we continue to “pursue our dreams and mission” and fulfil the plans that God envisions for our life?


Undoubtedly, rejection is a sure companion in the life of a Christian, who is uncompromising and unwavering in one’s faith.
>> Despite this, are we ready to do the Will of God, and be His Faithful Followers?


The Gospel of the Day narrates a painful incident of “rejection” that our Blessed Lord encountered in His life, at the hands of His own country people (Mt 13: 54-58)


It is interesting to note, how the people of the hometown sought to justify their rejection of Jesus, by rationalizing their attitude…
>> Using 6 questions (6= A Biblical symbolic number which often stands for imperfection!)…
… the people of the hometown, revealed their clogged minds and closed hearts.


When one’s heart is rooted in unbelief and is closed to the truth…
… things of the Divine appear to be hostile!

And so the Lord declares a naked truth: “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country or his own house!” (Mt 13: 57)


Jesus, indeed became the “Sign of Contradiction!”
… the Prince of Peace, begins to be seen as a cause of division and despise
… the Healer of Souls, begins to be seen as a cause of disagreement and discord!
… the Comforter of Hearts, begins to be seen as a cause of disturbance and distress


Anyone who seeks to follow Jesus – the “Sign of Contradiction” – the Epitome of Truth and Honesty…
… is sure to face the same experience!

Every true Christian, because of one’s convictions in the Eternal Values of Uncompromising Truth and with the Desire to do the Will of God, is sure to face…
… rejection from the people, because one’s ways challenge the lethargic lifestyle of others!
… dejection from the society, because one’s way of living poses a threat the corruption around!

But despite this “rejection,” can we still continue to hold on the Lord, the “Sign of Contradiction?”


Life so often rings in clatters of rejection and negativity.

We can either be disturbed and feel downcast by them…
… or be ready to buckle ourselves up with greater courage!

We can either blame all those situations and curse life…
… or we can be thankful for those moments, which provides us a chance for “more blessings!”


Yes, we need to remember always:
Rejection isn’t what happens to us…
… but how we interpret what happens to us!”


Situations and people around us may often question our dreams, aspirations and hopes with the question: “What, Sir?”

Let us, however, never allow ourselves to be bogged down by such melancholic and debasing tones
… instead, let us “pursue our dreams and mission” and fulfil the plans that God envisions in our life!


Let us re-dedicate our love and commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus…
… as we pray for greater dedication to the Will of God!


Today we celebrate the Feast of St John Maria Vianney, the patron saint of all the priests!

May the words of the Saintly Priest motivate us: “You cannot please both God and the world at the same time…
… they are utterly opposed to each other in their thoughts, their desires, and their actions.”

“I tell you that you have less to suffer in following the cross than in serving the world and its pleasures.”


Let us also pray specially for Priests all over the world, that their Patron Saint – St John Maria Vianney – may intercede, to help all priests…
… to be more holy and faithful to their Noble Vocation
… to be more zealous in administering the Sacraments and giving His Word
… to be more passionate in Loving the Lord and bringing many more to His Love!


Happy Feast to all the Priests!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON – MAN: THE IMAGE OF GOD
>> Man, enticed by the Evil One, abused his freedom at the very beginning of history.”
>> He succumbed to temptation and did what was evil.
>> He still desires the good, but his nature bears the wound of original sin. (CCC # 1707)
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