Memorial of Saint Dominic, P., (08th August, 2020)

Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Dominic, P., (08th August, 2020) on the Gospel and the Memorial Hab 1:12–2:4; Ps 9:8-13. (R. v. 11); Matt 17:14-20. 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. Topic: Trust in the Lord. A man came to Jesus in today’s gospel, kneeling he prayed, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; he often falls into the fire and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him” (Matt 17:15-16). Jesus replied, “You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you?” Jesus rebuked the demon, it came out of the boy and he was cured instantly. Had it being that the man did not run to Jesus, the situation of the boy would either remain or might even worsen. He would have gone home disappointed and dejected. In our own case, where do we put our trust? Often it is either in this or that man or woman of God, both real and fake. Hence, a good number go home disappointed. The Psalmist rightly noted, “Surely everyone stands as a mere breath. Surely everyone goes about like a shadow. Surely for nothing they are in turmoil” (Ps 39:5-8). Note that those men and women of God are inclusive. Nevertheless “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Ps 125:1). The Psalmist also exhorts, “Trust in the LORD, and do good; so you will dwell in the land, and enjoy security” (Ps 37:3). And in the book of Proverbs we also read, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight” (Prov 3:5). Our Lord is an everlasting rock, cf. Is 26:4. Bible Reading: Ps 125:1-5. Thought for today: Where is your trust? Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to remain always faithful to you – Amen. Saint Dominic – Pray for us. You are free to share this reflection with others if you consider it worthy. For more homilies (reflections): Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/thepulpitonline Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810 298 6313 Send us Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com To Contact and/or to support this ministry: Tel: +234 813 305 0302 Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com May God bless you all+