A Simple Instrument

Friday night I saw the production Vianney, a one-man rendition of the life of St. John Vianney. What a compelling experience! I’ve never yearned for the grace of the sacraments in such a way and I found myself disappointed that confession wasn’t offered immediately afterward. It was such a fantastic show, moving with frightful scenes of Satan and beautifully hopeful messages from St. Philomena, both in the midst of the life of the simplest of souls doing his best to serve God.

I couldn’t wait to go because it had been ages since I last saw a show. As a high schooler and college student, my life was wrapped up in performance and though I’m no longer active on stage, I hear it beckoning whenever an interesting production is in town. It’s such a little thing, but I thank God for my attraction to theater because in this particular instance, it did me so much good.

I knew nothing of the Curé of Ars before Vianney, but had previously wondered about the story (don’t miss an opportunity to check it out!). As the life of the saint unfolded before me, I was surprised to learn not only that he was an older seminarian, having joined later than his peers, but also that he toiled through his education because he had very little intelligence. A HUGE emphasis was placed on how ignorant and incapable of learning he was: there was absolutely no greatness of mind in this man – zero – yet the greatness of soul and love were abundant. He had remarkably constant confidence in God and because of this, God used him to convert tens of thousands of souls in his day, and much more so since. He was determined to conquer the sinfulness of Ars and draw the town to Christ, practically chasing down any who resisted and weeping for them from the pulpit during Mass. He was attacked and beaten physically by Satan and through it all, simply repeated “I love you Lord, I love you Lord.” What fortitude! I can’t help feeling humbled after having seen Vianney – God used an  ignorant peasant to form into a priest with passionate love for souls and implemented this instrument of His to convert so many. Knowing that God uses me, uses us all, as His instrument compels me to strive for heavenly perfection – what a task! and to consider it is overwhelming and almost hopeless; but then, that’s what draws me closer to Christ and the sacraments because I know certainly that without them, I have nothing.

On a related note, I don’t know much about Mother Teresa other than her profound love for souls, and this much she had in common with St. John Vianney. The two of their simple lives echo over and over what it is to be Christian – to love God with your entire being eagerly and readily. Heavenly Father, let us be encouraged to imitate the perfect life of Christ and others who have imitated him as well. When faced with fearful opposition, I hope I recall my love for Christ and his Church – and in doing so, how could I be conquered? Even now, a couple days after seeing the play, I am left wondering what my purpose is in life. What is it that I was put here to do? I know God is using me as a wife and mother, daughter, friend, etc – but to what end? Though uncertain of the exact details, I know that I am to love.

Weekly Snapshot:

• My friend Erin recently posted about true hospitality and how striving to have a wealth of decorations is NOT the key – a great post!
• Our parish moms group, Chaplet & Chat, is having its second official meeting this Wednesday and I’m so looking forward to it! I’m hopeful that this effort will bear good fruit.
• We got Toy Story 3 on Netflix – SO good. We saw it on our 2nd anniversary in 3D and it was EPIC, as Andrew puts it. A great wrap-up to the trilogy.
• We’re headed back to Omaha my Home-aha in just a week! The little size of our family allows us to spend alternating holidays with my parents and sister in Nebraska. I’m psyched because my sister is expecting (Baby #6!) and the last time I saw her, she wasn’t very far along at all, but now she’s showing. Also, my dad’s stuffing is to die for.  
• I write all this waiting for Liam to fall asleep after a midnight teething extravaganza. He was sound asleep and woke up in pain so after a little medicine and a little rocking, he’s soothed and I hope down for the rest of the night.

My little man before lunchtime –