Thursday, May 24, The Transfer of St. Dominic’s Remains
(John 17)
The Lord has blessed the Dominican Order with unity. Where several other large orders have fractured, the Dominicans have stayed united. The Dominican Constitutions detailing the dynamics of communal life has, no doubt, contributed to this unity. Perhaps also Dominicans have resisted the impulse to divide over disagreements out of love for St. Dominic.
St. Dominic enjoyed talking with the brothers and sisters. This inclination to socialize was exceeded only by his desire to pray for the Order and its mission. Jordan of Saxony, St. Dominic’s successor, said of him, “During the day, none was more affable, none more pleasant to his brethren or associates. At night none was more instant in prayer or watching.” Today the Dominican Order celebrates the Transfer of St. Dominic’s Remains from their original burial place to a special tomb. It was Dominic’s desire to be buried under the choir stalls where the friars prayed. Obviously, he wished to perpetually remain part of their unity.
In the gospel Jesus prays to the Father that his disciples remain one. The source of the unity of Christians is to be love of him. He asks the Father that “the love with which you loved me may be in them.” He is praying for the same kind of unity that has blessed the Dominican Order for almost 800 years.
Showing posts with label John 17. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John 17. Show all posts
Homilette for Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Tuesday, VII Easter
(John 17)
Early this month the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, visited the United States. She came as a successor to the monarch who originally sent colonists to Virginia 400 years ago. But Elizabeth II is recognized as an accomplished leader in her own right. Much more than occupying the throne for over fifty years, she has shown herself to be a model of wisdom and justice. People will say that she lives in glory.
In Queen Elizabeth we see a glimpse of the glory that Jesus seeks in today’s gospel passage. The hour has come for his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. When this takes place, he will enjoy the glory of God the Father. All the words he preached will be fulfilled. All the suffering he will have endured will be vindicated. Evidence of his glory will be the eternal life that his disciples will receive. They will know God the Father and the Son by keeping their commands and enjoying their protection.
We likewise are beneficiaries of eternal life. We no longer need to have any anxieties about life or death. Remaining close to him by constant prayer, we will find no more appeal in the world’s seductions – Internet porn, talk of easy money, flattery of the people – than raincoats in the sun. Neither will we find death threatening. It will not mean leaving behind old associates but being introduced into the company of even dearer friends.
(John 17)
Early this month the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, visited the United States. She came as a successor to the monarch who originally sent colonists to Virginia 400 years ago. But Elizabeth II is recognized as an accomplished leader in her own right. Much more than occupying the throne for over fifty years, she has shown herself to be a model of wisdom and justice. People will say that she lives in glory.
In Queen Elizabeth we see a glimpse of the glory that Jesus seeks in today’s gospel passage. The hour has come for his death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. When this takes place, he will enjoy the glory of God the Father. All the words he preached will be fulfilled. All the suffering he will have endured will be vindicated. Evidence of his glory will be the eternal life that his disciples will receive. They will know God the Father and the Son by keeping their commands and enjoying their protection.
We likewise are beneficiaries of eternal life. We no longer need to have any anxieties about life or death. Remaining close to him by constant prayer, we will find no more appeal in the world’s seductions – Internet porn, talk of easy money, flattery of the people – than raincoats in the sun. Neither will we find death threatening. It will not mean leaving behind old associates but being introduced into the company of even dearer friends.
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