Today we honor Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers. My own college was Dominican, Hello Guzman Hall, and I cannot help but think of how deeply the Dominican tradition, marked by a devotion to truth, study, and holiness, has shaped my faith. St. Thomas Aquinas, the giant of our church himself was a Dominican, and he once said, “Contemplate, and then share with others the fruits of your contemplation.” That is exactly what the readings today invite us to do: to remember, to contemplate, and to bear witness. Now you know why I like to share.
In (Deuteronomy 4:32–40), Moses calls the people to look back and recognize the mighty acts of God:
“Ask now of the days of old, before your time… Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of? Did people ever hear the voice of God speaking from the midst of fire, as you did, and live?”
Moses reminds them that God’s work in their lives was not by accident, He chose them, delivered them, and gave them His statutes “that you and your children after you may prosper, and that you may have long life on the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you forever.” This call to remember is also a call to faithfulness.
The psalm today echoes this remembrance as well:
“I remember the deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 77:12a).
In moments of struggle or uncertainty, recalling what God has done renews our trust in what He will yet do.
The Gospel from (Matthew 16:24–28) is more challenging, it takes us to the heart of discipleship:
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Saint Dominic lived these words. He embraced poverty, traveled tirelessly, preached the truth fearlessly, and was ready to endure persecution for righteousness’ sake. In doing so, he fulfilled Jesus’ promise: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Today, the life of Saint Dominic and the readings together challenge us:
To remember the greatness of God’s works in our lives.
To live not for the world’s approval but for God’s glory.
To carry our cross with the joy that comes from knowing Christ walks with us.
May we, like Saint Dominic, be preachers of truth not only with our lips but with our lives.
Reflective Prayer:
Lord, grant me the grace to remember Your deeds, to embrace my cross, and to follow You faithfully, that I may find my life in You. Amen.
Pal Ronnie
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