Homily – 08-08-2008 – St. Dominic

St. Dominic was born in Spain around the year 1170. He studied theology at Palencia and was made canon of the church of Osma. He worked effectively, through preaching and good example, against the Albigensian heresy (which stated an inescapable dualism in man which caused him to do evil things: that he was made up of both a good and an evil principle). To carry on this work he gathered together companions and founded the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans or Black Friars. He died on August 6, 1221.

In the first reading today we see that the true essence of a preacher – in the tradition of St. Dominic is to be an instrument for God to use to deliver words of instruction, encouragement and comfort! The good preacher does not have to be eloquent in mind, as a political orator would be; but rather, convincing to the heart, and therefore able to communicate God's word to even the simple, the humble and the lowly – in simple, plain and even unadorned terms! To these the message is meant to be preached! To these the message is to be entrusted! Among these the message is to be celebrated!

Since Jesus is the light of the world, his gospel is then light – and the proclaimers and preachers of his gospel are lamplighters in the darkness of the world! Though we do not have Albigensiansianism in our midst today: we have other much more serious kinds of heresies and errors attacking the vine which is Christ. The insistence of the political machine in our country to de-spiritualize, de-religionize, de-moralize our country – and the desire to make it into a hedonistic, secular carnival of wreckless, tantalizing delights, is frightening, to say the least.

But the Church – the Preaching – the Proclamation – the Gospel – the true Light of the World is still here for those who want it to be their "morning star," their guiding light, their "word of Life!"

St. Dominic pray for us, that we might continue to preach the Word of God's freedom and Light, as you did – and then live out what we hear proclaimed.

The world will be transformed – in spite of itself – this God the Father promised! Christ is the victor – and all his opponents and enemies shall be placed beneath his feet! May we not be among them – but rather among the faithful ones who BELIEVE in him and his transforming gifts even now – and who now live as though we truly do believe!

Proclaim God's marvelous deed to all the nations!