I can be an “ass”

John Vianney Heart Relic

Group travel takes a toll on my patience. Sometimes. The attitude of please-stop-telling-me-what-to-do or stop-crowding-me shows up. I can be an ass in an uncivilized situation. Once we reach a specified destination, some pilgrims want to be the first to enter the establishment and take pictures. It’s all good. What can be annoying is that they want to be in the picture. I don’t. Therefore, I end up taking photos of them. In this situation, I escaped the group and followed my heart’s longing for some quietude.

Away from the crowd, walking further inside the pilgrim site, a chapel tucked away, made of marble,  It’s such a tiny place, A few steps in, here I am standing at the foot of John Vianney’s relic, his heart. It was a moment of grace.

I don’t know how long I was there enjoying a one-on-one with him.

Devoid of people, it was a chance for me to have a photo without anybody in the background. I didn’t tell the whole group of my discovery. I was an ass. Then, a change of heart. I told a few and let them spread the news.

THE SAINT WHO WAS A TOTAL ASS

The 4th of August marks the feast of one of my favourite saints: John Vianney, also known as the Curé d’Ars. Here’s an anecdotal story told about the saint. Enjoy and remember that no matter what names and labels are thrown at you, deep down within you reside the seeds of unimaginable potential.

Once upon a time, John Vianney was called by the rector of the Major Seminary where he was studying for the priesthood, to inform him of the negative report he received from his professors. The rector, with fear and trembling, said: “John, your teachers don’t think you have what it takes to be ordained a priest, and they cannot in good conscience present you for ordination. One professor, in particular, went on record saying that you are a total ass!”

John was not perplexed at all. After a moment of silence, he replied: “Father Rector, do you remember the story in chapter 15 of the book of Judges where God uses Samson to kill a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of an ass, thus saving the people of Israel?”

“Of course I do” answered the rector.

“Now tell me,” continued John, “If God could work such a wonderful deed with the jawbone of an ass can you imagine what God can accomplish with a total ass?”

CONSIDER THIS

Ability is important but availability comes first. Make yourself available first, and you will discover abilities, gifts and talents you never knew you had.

Be available and watch yourself stepping into a larger version of yourself.

Source: Wisdom Stories to Live By via A-Mused