Word to the Wise
Monday, August 8, 2022 - Aug. 8 - St. Dominic, priest
[Isaiah 52:7-10; 2 Tim 4:1-8; Matt. 28:16-20]How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, "Your God is King!" [Isaiah] [P]roclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. [2 Timothy] "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." [Matthew]
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022 ST. DOMINIC GUZMAN, FOUNDER OF THE ORDER OF PREACHERS (DOMINICANS)
[Isaiah 52:7-10; 2 Timothy 4:1-8 and Matthew 5:13-19 or 28:16-20. These are the scriptures assigned for us Dominicans to celebrate our founder's feast.]
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, "Your God is King!" [Isaiah]
[P]roclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. [2 Timothy]
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." [Matthew]
I entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in August of 1964. The novitiate (spiritual boot camp) was a time to become acquainted not just with the way Dominicans live but also with the founder of our Order. He combined in his person two elements that can easily be at odds with one another but, in him, they came together with great results. The two elements were vision and practical sense. He responded to the need for mobile and educated preachers in Southern France in the early 13th century by establishing the Order of Preachers (a title given by Pope Honorius III, who officially approved.) HIs vision of a world-wide order has lasted 800+ years.
The constitutions of our Order are designed to accommodate itinerancy rather than monastic stability, and are based on the four "pillars" of prayer, study, community life and the ministry of "preaching for the salvation of souls." He knew this would encounter resistance from local bishops and clergy, so he worked with Vatican offices to obtain "licenses" for the friars to preach anywhere. Good visions require good sense!
Dominic's vision has given the church such figures as Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Martin De Porres, Catherine of Siena, Rose of Lima, Fra Angelico and many others. In human terms, the Dominican family now comprises priests, cloistered nuns, apostolic sisters and laity! His vision is now being realized in preaching on the internet!! I hope my small efforts can contribute to that vision! AMEN