Above: Stained glass window in St Dominic's church in Washington DC. Photo by Father Lawrence Lew, O.P.
Today’s Gospel, Mark 10:28-31, continues yesterday’s story of the rich young man who went away sad because he did not want to part with his possessions. The Gospel states, “Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you.’” Jesus’ response is not simply for the Apostles, rather He responds, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”
Upon hearing these words it is easy for one to think about those who have been called to the priesthood or religious life and who have thus left everything. What about those who because of persecution have had to leave all? What about all the persecuted Christians in the world who have had to flee their homes, their families for the sake of the Gospel? May our prayers turn to the needs of those who are being persecuted and may our prayers support them during this difficult time.
St. Dominic was a true imitator of Christ. Dominic indeed left all for the sake of the Gospel. This allowed him to travel about preaching the Word for the salvation of souls. May St. Dominic and all the saints intercede for us so that we may be faithful to the call each of us has received.
Pray for us, O holy father, St. Dominic, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
|
|
