Word to the Wise
Monday, November 7, 2016 - Monday in the 32th Week in Ordinary Time
[Titus 1:1-9 and Luke 17:1-6]"For a bishop as God's steward must be blameless, not arrogant, not irritable, not a drunkard, not aggressive, not greedy for sordid gain, but hispitable, a lover of goodness temperate, just, holy, and self-controlled, olding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents." [Luke]
NOVEMBER 7, 2016 ALL SAINTS OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS [32nd Monday in Ordinary Time]
[OP Scriptures:Sirach 44:1-15 or 2 Corinthians6:4-10 and Mark 10:28-30. Ordinary: Titus 1:1-9 and Luke 17:1-8]
Many of my Beloved Congregation may be aware that the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) is celebrating its 800th anniversary of its official approval by Pope Honorius III on December 22, 1216. While there are many celebrations all over the world to mark this milestone, it is also an occasion for self-examination. Today we celebrate the many holy men and women who have found a path of life in the Order of Preachers. Are we following their example? Are we truly preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ? How can we do this more effectively and in more places. Are we "resting on our laurels" and getting fearful of doing bold new initiatives? These questions and others are the subects of all kinds of conferences and seminars this year.
To be part of the company of Dominic, Martin de Porres, Catherine of Siena, Rose of Lima, Thomas Aquinas, Albert the Great and Vicent Ferrer and so many others is an amazing thought - an intimidating thought as well. Pope St. John Paul II added a bunch during his time whose names may not be familiar to us, as well. When I entered the Order in 1964, I could easily name the canonized saints of the Order. Now I'd have to go find a list.
The description of qualifications for bishop from the Letter to Titus from the ordinary scriptures of this day is a good one for preachers as well! I pray our beloved Order - friars, nuns, sisters and laity - will continue to carry on the mission of preaching for at least another 800 years! AMEN
config
view
logs
3840.0 KB
108 ms
4
