Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Dominic, P. (08th August, 2017) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Num 12:1-13;
Ps 50:3-7.12-13. (R. cf. v.3);
Matt 14:22-36.
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: When foundation trembles.
Jesus made His disciples go on ahead to the other side. After
praying, He walked on the sea towards His disciples early in the morning. When
they saw Him, they were terrified and said, “It is a ghost!” He immediately
said to them, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter with Jesus’ approval walked towards Him on the water,
“But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to
sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” Immediately, Jesus reached out His hand,
caught him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” The wind
dropped immediately they got into the boat. The occupants of the boat worshiped
Him saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Peter’s sinking resulted from lack of faith. We must always fix
our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, and keep our faith,
even when we say that we are greatly afflicted, cf. Heb 12:2; Ps 116:10. It is only through faith that one can stand,
cf. Rom 11:20. Children of God walk
by faith, not by sight, cf. 2Cor 5:7.
Through faith God’s children will overcome the world, cf. 1Jn 5:4. Faith is the shield with which
one can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one, cf. Eph 6:16. Only those who have faith will be blessed like Abraham,
cf. Gal 3:9. Let everyone examine him/herself
to see whether he/she is still holding to the faith lest one might sink without
knowing it, cf. 2Cor 13:5. Our faith
is our foundation. It is on this foundation that Saint Dominic stood firm and became
victorious.
Bible Reading: Heb 12:1-13.
Thought for today: Why are you afraid? Have you no faith? (Mk 4:40).
Let us pray: Lord, “Increase our faith” – Amen
(cf. Lk 17:5).
Saint Dominic – Pray for us.
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