THE FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.
THE FEAST OF ST JOHN EUDES, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.
THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus said to his disciples:
“Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said,
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said,
“For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply,
“We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me,
in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more,
and will inherit eternal life.
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” (Matthew 19: 23 - 30).
Tuesday August 19th 2025 in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St John Eudes, Priest and Founder.
St John Eudes lived between 1601 and 1680.
St John Eudes was a French priest and a gifted preacher.
John took a private vow of chastity at the age of 14 and was ordained a priest at 25. He became a great and talented preacher of the Gospel and an eminent evangelist. St John Eudes had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
He founded the Society of Jesus and Mary (Eudists). He later founded the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge for ex prostitutes. He was declared by Pope Leo XIII as “father, doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.”
The rich young man who wanted eternal life and at the same time clung to all his material possessions was told to get rid of them and come and follow Jesus.
That was too much for him. He walked away from the Pearl of great Price very sad.
In our Scripture for today, Jesus warns about the dangers of unbridled desire to be rich. To put it starkly, just as power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, so does wealth corrupts and extreme riches corrupt extremely.
For proof of this, James 5:1-3 warns:
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you..."
St Paul warns: "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction." (1 Timothy 6: 9).
Do not despise the wisdom of the Scriptures on the lure of money. Some play lottery to get rich quick. "Why do you play the lottery, my friend?" You may be surprised to receive an answer like this: "When I win millions of dollars, I will distribute half to the poor and use the balance to build homeless shelters." An ex taxi driver told me about some of his cabby friends who actually won millions from lottery. They all became homeless in a few years.
God knows what we need and when we need it.
This is why Jesus gave us the shortcut to the good life in this great promise:
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and the rest will be given to you."
God who is so faithful and true has never failed in his promises.
“Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26).
Sacred Scripture which is the foundation and pillar of truth in our life in Christ has a lot to say on this:
#1. For God all things are possible. (Jesus).
#2. for nothing will be impossible for God.” Angel Gabriel to Mary. (Luke 1: 37).
#3. "The Lord turned to him [Gideon] and said, “Go with the strength you have and save Israel from the power of Midian. It is I who send you.” (Judges 6: 14). Angel to Gideon. First Reading today.
What is the take away from today's Scripture?
A lesson in God's pervasive power and sovereignty. God's Divine Providence is mighty, concrete and immediate. It is always merciful but could be mysterious for those who lack the eyes of faith.
When God gives you a job to do, the one thing you want to hear is: "I am with you."
If God is with you, the mission is accomplished. Therefore look for the signs of the Presence of Emmanuel in: joy, peace, tranquility and confidence. This is the internal testimony of the Presence of God who has chosen, called and anointed you for service.
Mary responded to such a moment thus: "Be it done to me according to Your word."
St Paul responded:
"Therefore, since we do hold and engage in this ministry by the mercy of God [granting us favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation], we do not get discouraged (spiritless and despondent with fear) or become faint with weariness and exhaustion." (2 Corinthians 4: 1 AMPC)
Jesus promises:
"Give Me the first place in your heart and in your life, and I will provide for you in every circumstance. I will not allow you or those with whom you share this life to want for anything. My providence is wholly at the disposal of My merciful love. Trust then in My merciful love and you will see the wonders that I will accomplish for you." (IN SINU JESU page 100).
August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
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