Tension

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Dominic, priest
Readings: Jer 31:31-34; Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19; Mt 16:13-23

Saint Dominic – My Hero

Dominic sensed the need for the Church to combat this heresy, and was commissioned to be part of the preaching crusade against it. He saw immediately why the preaching crusade was not succeeding: the ordinary people admired and followed the ascetical heroes of the Albigenses. Understandably, they were not impressed by the Catholic preachers who traveled with horse and retinues, stayed at the best inns and had servants. Dominic therefore, with three Cistercians, began itinerant preaching according to the gospel ideal. He continued this work for 10 years, being successful with the ordinary people but not with the leaders.

Source: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-dominic/

Summary

There is always a tension in the teachings of the Church. Nuanced perspectives are necessary.

A novice went to the Abbot and asked, “Is it ok to eat as you pray?” The Abbot, quite upset, replied, “No!”. Later that week, the novice approached the Abbot again and asked, “Is it ok pray as you eat?” The Abbot, quite happy, replied, “Yes!”.

Reflection

The keys of the Kingdom are for unlocking it. The Kingdom of Heaven does not need our help in protecting it. The Kingdom of Heaven needs our help in saving people.

Hence the actual meaning is clear.

Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

• Bind is to help heal a wound.
• Loose is to help free someone from oppression.

Bind and loose as many as possible!

The Abbot is happier now.

Personal Reflection

I remember the day they removed the cataract’s from my eyes. what a wonderful surprise to see so clearly again and to see colors as bright and vibrant as they are meant to be seen. I am happy to have the help of a surgeon to fix my poor eyesight.

A little help is a-ok in theological education. But you don’t need help to be honest with God, talk with God and to seek his face. This is a one-on-one. Start from the heart and grow from there.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080824.cfm

First Reading

I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the LORD. All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

Responsorial

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

Gospel Acclamation

You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Gospel

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry