I often think of myself as a huge failure in God’s eyes. The above quote would seem to reinforce that.
Then you need to read more of what the Saint says!
He goes on:
“Oh, my children, how sad it is! Three-quarters of those who are Christians labor for nothing but to satisfy this body, which will soon be buried and corrupted, while they do not give a thought to their poor soul, which must be happy or miserable for all eternity. They have neither sense nor reason: it makes one tremble.”
Do you never give a thought to your soul? Are you utterly worldly in the way you look at things, never caring for God? Do you not even care whether your actions are sinful or not, whether you offend God or not? I doubt that! But that is the sort of person St. John Vianney addresses in your quote.
The Saint says:
“Worldly people say, it is too difficult to save one’s soul. Yet nothing is easier. To observe the Commandments of God and the Church, and to avoid the seven capital sins; or if you like to put it so, to do good and avoid evil: that is all. Good Christians, who labor to save their souls and to work out their salvation, are always happy and contented; they enjoy beforehand the happiness of Heaven: they will be happy for all eternity. While bad Christians, who lose their souls, are always to be pitied; they murmur, they are sad, they are as miserable as stones; and they will be so for all eternity. See what a difference!”
And a little later:
“See, my children, we must reflect that we have a soul to save, and an eternity that awaits us. The world, its riches, pleasures, and honours will pass away. Let us take care, then. The saints did not all begin well; but they all ended well. We have begun badly; let us end well, and we shall go one day and meet them in Heaven.”
Be of good cheer, and trust in God. St. John Vianney was not remotely “doom and gloom” in his perception of God. He was full of optimism and love, while yet maintaining that even the smallest thing done out of love for God can make a massive difference in eternity, and that we should always strive to meet that level of holiness that God has for us. But he is not at all communicating that we should all feel hopeless! It’s exactly the opposite.
People misuse quotes all the time! Especially if they have an agenda. Always search out the context.
