Homily- Memorial of Saint Dominic, Priest

Theme: “To Preach with Life and Word: Following Christ through Contemplation and Mission”


Introduction

Today we remember Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). He reminds us that the Church is nourished not only by words of wisdom but also by lives of holiness.

A young man once asked a Dominican friar, “What’s the secret to a good sermon?” The friar smiled and said, “Three things: be brief, be brilliant, and be gone.” The man laughed. The friar added, “And make sure you live it before you preach it—because your life preaches louder than your words.”

The Word of God

1. Deuteronomy 4:32–40
Moses recalls the mighty deeds of God: no other nation has heard God speak and lived. This call to remember and obey is foundational—God’s past faithfulness demands our present fidelity.

2. Psalm 77:12–13, 14–15, 16 and 21
The psalmist meditates on God’s wonders, a call to trust in divine providence. Saint Dominic did this amidst trials and heresies—grounded in God’s word.

3. Matthew 16:24–28
Jesus speaks clearly: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.” Saint Dominic did not chase comfort but chose poverty, preaching, and prayer—he truly “lost his life to find it.”

Connection of the Readings

All three readings speak to a life rooted in God’s truth, sacrifice, and presence. Moses invites remembrance, the psalm calls for trust, and Jesus outlines the cost of discipleship. Saint Dominic’s life integrated all three: remembering God’s word, trusting in divine guidance, and carrying the cross of mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways am I called to “lose my life” for the sake of the Gospel today?

  2. How am I letting God’s word shape not only my beliefs but my daily actions?

  3. Do I live in a way that “preaches” Christ without speaking?

Implications for Daily Living (Jubilee Year & Synod on Synodality)

  • Like Dominic, we are called to listen, discern, and walk together. His life encourages a Church that is contemplative and apostolic, rooted in study, prayer, and community.

  • As we journey in the Synod on Synodality, we are reminded to speak truth in charity, to engage others with wisdom, and to live out our baptismal calling to be “preachers” through our lives.

  • In this Jubilee Year, may we return to the essentials: the Gospel, community, and mission.

Inspiration / Motivation

Saint Dominic walked barefoot, lived in poverty, prayed constantly, and preached fearlessly. He didn’t argue people into faith—he loved them into truth. He reminds us that holiness is persuasive.

Quote for the Day

“We must sow the seed, not hoard it.” – Saint Dominic

Final Thoughts

Saint Dominic shows us that truth without love is cold, but love without truth is empty. He offers the Church a model of gentle courage, doctrinal clarity, and deep compassion.

In a world starving for meaning, let us become living sermons—embodying the Gospel with joy.

Conclusion

Let us celebrate Saint Dominic not just in word, but in action: by dedicating ourselves to truth, preaching with integrity, and loving with the fire of Christ. May his life challenge us to live for something greater than comfort: the kingdom of God.

Concluding Prayer

Lord God,
You raised up Saint Dominic as a preacher of Your truth and a shepherd of souls.
May his example inspire us to love Scripture, seek justice, live simply, and preach with joy.
Help us to carry our cross daily and follow Your Son with courage and humility.
In this time of synod and jubilee, may we walk together in Your light,
speaking truth with love and listening with compassion.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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