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Thursday 10 July 2014

St. John Vianney

I have started to read the Tan book which is made up of some of the sermons of the Cure of Ars.

I have read two and am happily startled at the profundity of thoughts mingled with common sense.

Two things have struck me concerning the first two sermons here. One is that this humble priest was not shy of lambasting his congregation for the real and obvious sins of Ars. He speaks of the tepid, mediocre person, who does some work on Sunday, never really repents of sin and is content not pursuing perfection.

Would that more priests had the courage to address the lack of holiness and the lukewarmness of the vast majority of Catholics.

Second, the good priest is not afraid to address all his parishioners, rich, poor, smug, struggling. The Cure of Ars makes no bones about addressing peasant farmers and businessmen, housewives and single girls alike.

Again, he addresses the real sin of the people of his vision.

Where are the holy priests today? Pray for holy priests?