Today’s Readings:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 96:1-10
1 Timothy 4:1-8
Matthew 5:13-19
I never wanted to be a Dominican. I never wanted to be a religious or a priest. I just wanted to be a good, simple Christian like my parents. Today, I celebrate 19 years of religious life in the Order of Preachers and 14 years ago, I made this vow until death. To be truly Christian means that you will not settle for just doing the barest minimum. The Christian call is a complete, whole-hearted and sacrificial commitment to God. This is what we learn from St Dominic de Guzman, born in 1171 in Caleruega, Spain. His mother is venerated as a Blessed in the Church (Blessed Jane of Aza). She dreamt, when she was pregnant with Dominic, that a little dog was in her womb and it had a lighted torch (like that used at the Olympics) in its mouth, with which it set the world on fire. The dog is the symbol of a preacher in Spanish lore.
St Dominic (named after St Dominic of Silos) was filled with such great love for the Gospel and for people that he founded an Order of Preachers to combat false teaching and lead souls to heaven. For over 800 years, the Order of Preachers has raised saints who are friars, nuns, priests, religious sisters and lay persons who, through their lives have shaped the world by a Gospel way of life. To love God is a gift. It is God’s gift poured into our hearts that we desire to make Him known and loved. Dispose yourself to encounter God to know and love Him for yourself. If you do, your feet will be beautiful and you will bring peace, gladness, salvation and blessings into people’s lives through the gift which God has bestowed on you (Isaiah 52:7).
We live in a time when lies and falsehood are the order of the day. We lie and deceive each other knowingly. People deceive others with false teachings in the name of Jesus. As a Christian, you ought to rise and speak the truth. Convert and convict people by your good examples. Show people a better way of life by loving your family and protecting the good interests of everyone. We must confront our age and call others to repentance to escape divine condemnation. This is a mission for everyone, beginning from the family which is the basic unit of the Church and the society. Remember, you are salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-15). Let your light shine as you preach in your way.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to preach in my unique way.
Lord, help me to lead souls to You and not away from You.
Lord, bless my feet and make me a carrier of Your blessings.
May God bless your feet and the earth on which you walk and guide you to health, wealth and boundless joy. Amen.
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