Those truly gentle will find the goodness in nature and amongst their peers. 
                 “This ordinary virtue, if universally practiced, would bring an end to all war, 
                 racism, and hate.  It would put an end to boasting, greed, and pride.”  
                 (Charles Murphy)

               Those who love one another as Christ has loved them.

              They give their time to others:  visiting those in prison, feeding the poor, and 
                 sheltering the homeless.  “The earth can be inherited only by those who work to 
                 make it a better place.”  (Charles Murphy)

          They are those that will go out and remake the earth with a true respect for the 
                 world in the wonder and awe of God.  The new earth will be formed by those 
                 honest and true, and those who will share it with all the world.

 

 

            You can live out this beatitude by being honest with everyone.

           You can be gentle as Jesus was, giving your time and material possessions to 
                 the poor.   

           This beatitude involves prayer.  You can pray for others to follow God.

           Be willing to give your time freely.

            Be patient with others.  

 

             St. John Vianney (Cure of Ars) is an excellent role model for this beatitude.  He was born in Dardilly, France, on May 8, 1786. As a boy John Vianney watched over the cattle and sheep on the family farm.  He had a strong interest in becoming a priest, however his father needed help on the farm and the seminary education was too expensive.  At the age of 20 John left to a nearby village to begin his seminary years.  School, however, was a struggle for John.  He left for three months to be tutored privately.  On returning back he still didn’t make it.  A friend of his asked that John be given one more chance.  He had an interview and was approved for ordination.

            On August 12, 1815, he was ordained a priest.  In 1818 Father Vianney was transferred to a parish in Ars.  At the time Ars was a neglected village of people who were distracted from God.  He figured that if they wouldn’t pray for themselves he would have to pray for them.  The citizens gradually began to join the church.  At the same time Father Vianney was being daunted by evil spirits. 

There are many miracles attributed to Father Vianney.  He was given the gifts of common sense, remarkable insight, and extraordinary knowledge.  People came from hundreds of miles away to receive the renewal of sanctifying grace through his words of gentleness and God's blessing in reconciliation. 

St. John Vianney’s life is a reminder to everyone that we are all capable of doing extraordinary wonders in God’s name.  The gentleness he expressed is an example for everyone to follow.  He used the gifts God gave him to be salt and light for the world.  Father Vianney was canonized a saint in 1925.  In the year 1929 he was made the patron saint of clergy throughout the world.  His feast day is celebrated on August 4th.  

1.    Are you patient with those around you?                              yes no

2.    Do you go out of your way to help others?                         yes no

3.     Do you ask yourself WWJD?                                           yes no

4.    Do you put others first?                                                     yes no

5.    Can others around you sense that you are a Christian?         yes no

 

Click here to check yourself

"Who is St. John Vianney?". http://www.sjvianney.org/stjohnvianney.html.  5 Feb. 2003.

"The Man Who Hungered for God".  http://www.vianney.net/whowas.html.  5 Feb. 2003.

Murphy, Charles.  Blessed Are You:  Beatitudes for Modern Man.  New York:  Herder   and Herder, Inc., 1971.

http://www.bellsnwhistles.com/page17.html.

http://www.bellsnwhistles.com/page9.html.

http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/animate.html.

http://www.feebleminds-gifs.com/ani-bubbles.gif.

http://www.bellsnwhistles.com/page35.html.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/peace/prayer-peace_index.html.

http://www.bellsnwhistles.com/page30.html.

 

Created by:  Amanda Ciccocioppo