ST DOMINIC, P (Memorial) White

Dominic founded the Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans) in 1215, a group who lived a simple, austere life, and an order of nuns dedicated to the care of young girls. When Dominic’s mother was pregnant with him, she had a dream that her unborn son was a dog carrying a torch in its mouth lighting up the world. A dog bearing a torch in its mouth became the symbol of the Dominicans. When Dominic had some challenges in his pastoral work, our Lady in a vision asked him to pray the rosary. With the prayers of the rosary, he thrived as a pastor.

First Reading: Nm 12:1-13; Psalm: 51 R. v. 3a; Gospel: Mt 14:22-36

SEE THE BIGNESS OF OUR GOD

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

One obvious truth in the gospel of today is that the apostles were still growing in their knowledge of Jesus. They were yet to understand what the insurmountable presence of Jesus meant. When they wrongly perceived Jesus as a ghost; Jesus cleared their fears and assured them that it was him and not a ghost – “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” If these words of Jesus were not reassuring enough, at least when Peter began to walk on the sea towards Jesus, his faith ought to have increased to the level of trusting on Jesus no matter what happens.

But then this was not the case. It was just the wind current of the sea that challenged Peter’s faith in Jesus and he began to sink. Jesus obviously disappointed said to him; “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And he reached out his hand and saved him. Why should a common wind current take away Peter’s trust in Jesus? Needless to say, Peter did not completely understand who Jesus truly is. He had an undervalued knowledge of Jesus.

Maybe it is time we began we weigh the things that challenges our faith in God to know if they are big enough to pose that challenge. Obviously, there is nothing under the heavens, above the heavens and beneath the sea that is big enough to snatch away our faith in God. The problem is that due to our human imperfections we are often overwhelmed by our troubles that we fail to raise our heads to see the insurmountable presence of God. Jesus is inviting us today to always see the bigness of God in every situation; for when we do, our problems will not sink us. St Dominic saw the bigness of God over his pastoral challenges. And with the prayers of the rosary he conquered them all.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, increase our faith in you. Amen.