St. John Vianney

The devil burned his bed.*

Why I think the devil hated him so much.

Because he converted-reconciled so many sinners - of course.  However, I think there was something else which annoyed the devil much more:  St. John Vianney exposed the dreadful state of the lukewarm soul.  It is the state in which the devil ensnares the souls of "even the elect - if that were possible."  The false peace of the world dupes many...

Who can dare assure himself that he is neither a great sinner nor a tepid soul but that he is one of the elect? Alas, my brethren, how many seem to be good Christians in the eyes of the world who are really tepid souls in the eyes of God, Who knows our inmost hearts.... 

Let us ask God with all our hearts, if we are in this state, to give us the grace to get out of it, so that we may take the route that all the saints have taken and arrive at the happiness that they are enjoying. That is what I desire for you.... - The Dreadful State of the Lukewarm Soul

St. John Vianney pray for us to leave this dreadful state of soul!



*M. Vianney soon perceived that these displays of satanic humour were fiercest when some great conversion was about to take place, or, as he playfully put it, when he was about to "land a big fish." One morning the devil set fire to his bed. The Saint had just left his Confessional to vest for Mass when the cry, "Fire! fire!" was raised. He merely handed the key of his room to those who were to put out the flames: "The villainous !" (it was his nickname for the devil) "unable to catch the bird, he sets fire to the cage!" was the only comment he made. To this day the pilgrim may see, hard by the head of the bed, a picture with its glass splintered by the heat of the flames. It must be remembered that at no time was a fire lit in the hearth and there were no matches in the presbytery. - Source