St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, possessed a gift for inspiring devotion for the sacred. His words continue to resonate with believers today. One of his most cherished teachings revolved around a simple yet profoundly meaningful gesture - the act of entering a church, taking holy water, and making the sign of the cross.
In those sacred moments, St. John Vianney implored the faithful to look at the tabernacle, the dwelling place of the Eucharist. He invited them to recognize that at that very instant, our Lord Jesus Christ opens the tabernacle to bless them personally. It's a heartwarming reminder that Christ eagerly awaits their presence and extends a loving invitation, echoing the words, "Come to me, all you that are weary and sink under your burden, and I will refresh you."
In a world where burdens and weariness often weigh heavy on our souls, this timeless teaching from St. John Vianney serves as a beacon of hope and solace. It is a reminder that within the sacred walls of a church, believers find not only refuge but a profound encounter with the source of all grace and love. The act of making the sign of the cross becomes a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a gesture that opens the door to divine solace and rejuvenation. St. John Vianney's words encourage us to approach the tabernacle with humility and gratitude, knowing that within its sacred confines, we are embraced by the unfathomable love of our Savior.
St. John Vianney: “When you enter the church and take holy water, and when you raise your hand to your forehead to make the sign of the cross, look at the tabernacle. At the same time our Lord Jesus Christ opens it to bless you, and says to you, ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and sink under your burden, and I will refresh you.’" Page 72, Praying for Priests: An Urgent Call for the Salvation of Souls by Kathleen Beckman
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