Are you a watchman?

Happy Feast Day, my brothers and sisters, as we celebrate Saint John Vianney this weekend! He is the

patron Saint of parish priests, our parish, and our school. Even though his exact feast day is on Monday

of this week, we are allowed to celebrate him this weekend because he is our parish namesake (even for

Saint Mary’s Mission, as we are all one parish together).

Saint John Vianney was famous for two things in his area. He was a gifted preacher and a priest that

many sought for confession. He was not afraid to confront sin, but he always tried to lead sinners to the

healing mercy of the Sacrament of Penance. We priests are asked to be bold and compassionate like

him. All Catholics are called to share in his Faith and willingness to serve. I hope your days are filled with

joy and praise of Jesus as we celebrate this great Saint!

In our first reading this weekend, the prophet Ezekiel is told that he is a “watchman” who must share the

Word that God speaks, even when the people do not want to hear it. He is called to warn both the wicked

and the virtuous about the destruction that comes from sin. God tells the prophet that if a sinner dies in

sin, they will be judged, but so will the prophet if he fails to warn them. He also must warn the virtuous not

to turn away from what is right, or they will suffer the same judgment. The prophet must be faithful to call

people away from sin, and toward God’s salvation. In our baptism, we are also called prophets, and we

are called to also speak the Word of God to our world in these days.

If our society grows more selfish or violent, and we are not faithful to call sinners to repentance, then we

are also guilty of sin in our silence. We are called to hear the Word of God at the Mass and then share

that Word with others in love. Even if it is a difficult Word for them to hear, we are commanded to bring

the Lord’s teaching and redemption to our community, family, and all we care about. Saint John Vianney

was well known for his faithfulness in preaching. He is an example for us to also bring the message of

salvation to our broken world. Saint John Vianney, pray for us!

Rev. Matthew S. Bonk