A reflection for the feast of St. Dominic
We live in a time of deep division and polarization. Wealth wields power through weapons of war and economic policies. Famine and poverty deny fundamental human rights and dignity. Saint Dominic, whose feast we celebrate today, was no stranger to such realities. He chose the power of Gospel simplicity and charity to proclaim the truth of human dignity.
During a famine in Spain, the student Dominic sold his treasured books to provide food for the starving poor. He declared, “I will not study on dead skins while livingskins are dying of hunger.”
In his travels as an itinerant preacher, Dominic encountered an innkeeper who had lost his faith. Though disagreeing with the man’s ideas, Dominic recognized the kernel of truth in the man waiting to be nurtured. He spent the night in earnest dialogue with the man, not arguing but rather listening deeply to him as well as sharing his own faith. With the dawning light of morning, the innkeeper rediscovered his faith and, no doubt, Dominic found a new friend.
Perhaps today, with Dominic, we might take time to ponder:
- How do I respond to the indignity of famine and poverty?
- What do I see in persons with whom I disagree? How do I respond to them?
May your contemplation be fruitful and may you share the fruits of that contemplation with a needy world!
Happy St. Dominic’s Day!
Sister Kathlyn is a member of the Springfield Dominican Sisters' leadership team.
