Word to the Wise
Monday, August 8, 2016 - Monday in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
[Ezek 1:2-5, 24-28c and Matt 17:22-27]MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2016. ST. DOMINIC - FOUNDER OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS (DOMINICANS) [Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28 and Matthew 17:22-27. Scriptures will vary at Dominican locations.] "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men, and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were overcome with grief. [Matthew] This year the Order of Preachers (popularly known as the Dominicans) will celebrate the 800th anniversary of its formal approval by Pope Honorius III on Dec. 22, 1216. The celebration of this jubilee happens to coincide with Pope Francis' special Jubilee of Mercy. Testimony at St. Dominic's process of canonization tells us that he spent much of his nights praying for the sinners to whom he sent his brothers to preach. Tradition tells us that he carried a copy of the Gospel of Matthew with him. Our gospel scripture today is taken from Matthew. (Although we Dominicans use special scriptures today, I try to stay with the ones assigned in the lectionary generally since this is not a big feast day everywhere!) Although scripture scholars and theologians debate how much Jesus was aware of his coming fate in Jerusalem, it seems clear that he knew his preaching would cause opposition that would be lethal. However, he continued to preach the truth about himself and the plan of salvation. We Dominicans take inspiration from this "unflinching regard for the truth" (as Fr. Yes Congar OP said). Even though the disciples found it difficult to comprehend, he continued on his journey to Jerusalem. His fidelity to his mission is a grace for which we pray in this 800th year of our existence. AMEN
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