Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Dominic, P., (08th August, 2018) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
Num 20:1-13;
Ps 94:1-2.6-9. (R. v. 8);
Matt 16:13-23.
Saint Dominic (1170 – 6th August, 1221) was
son of Felix Guzman and Blessed Joan of Aza. He was born in Caleruega, Spain. Dominic
sold everything he had to feed the poor dying of famine in 1191 and also tried
twice to sell himself into slavery to free the captives. Dominic joined
Benedictine order in 1194 and became the superior in 1201. Pope Innocent III
charged Dominic and Diego de Acebo with the task of converting the Albigensians
in the southern France back to the Catholic faith. According to a legend, he
received the Rosary during an apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1214. He became
famous for his mercy and his work. Dominic refused at least three attempts to make
him a bishop. In July 1215, he was granted permission to form a religious order
dedicated to promoting morality and the expulsion of heresy. His order was
confirmed on December 22, 1216, and in 1217, Pope Honorius III dubbed Dominic
and his followers “The Order of Preachers.” Pope Honorarius III elevated
Dominic to the rank of “Master of the Sacred Palace.” He also assigned Dominic
with the task of restoring the discipline of religious orders for women in
Rome. Pope Gregory IX canonized him on July 13, 1234 and is the patron of
astronomers, the Dominican Republic, and the innocent who are falsely accused
of crimes.[1]
Topic: The road to success.
Peter declared about Jesus in today’s gospel, “You are the
Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to Peter in part, “Blessed are
you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but
my Father in heaven.”
Probably, the apostles would be expecting the sharing of
positions when He began to tell them what awaited Him; “great suffering at the
hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the
third day be raised.” Hence, Peter took Him aside and rebuked Him, “God forbid
it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” Surprisingly Jesus replied to Peter,
“Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting
your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
The road that leads to success is hard and its gate narrow
and those who find it are few, cf. Matt
7:14. Saint Paul writes about Jesus,
...though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality
with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of slave
... he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death.... Therefore
God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name (Phil 2:6-9).
The road to success is not an easy one. Whoever wants success
must certainly work towards that, cf. Rom
8:17.
Bible Reading: Matt 7:13-14; Phil 2:1-11.
Thought for today: Walk towards success.
Let us pray: Lord, give us the fortitude to
overcome all the trials on the road to success – Amen.
Saint Dominic – Pray for us.
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