HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT DOMINIC (4)




HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF SAINT DOMINIC

THEME: THE CHURCH AND THE SOCIETY OBLIGATIONS

BY: Fr. Justin Nzekwe

HOMILY FOR MONDAY AUGUST 8 2022

 

In the gospel reading of today, Jesus and his disciples paid taxes to show good example and to avoid scandal, since during the time of Jesus, citizens do not pay tax. Jesus said to Peter, “go to the sea, throw the hook and catch the first fish that comes up, open its mouth and you will find a silver coin. Take it and give it to them for me and for you.” By asking Peter to go and remove the money from the fish, he was teaching his disciples how to pay taxes from their labour and income. Every true religion helps people to know God, understand what God requires of them, and remind them of their civic and social responsibilities. As Christians, we are called to be law-abiding citizens. Serving God must not take us away from our social responsibilities; rather our closeness to God should make us even more aware of our obligations to the church and the society in which we live.

The first reading introduces us to the call of Prophet Ezekiel. He received his calling through a vision at a time when the Israelites were in exile in Babylon, and are beginning to believe that God have abandoned them. Ezekiel’s vision reminded the people that God has not turned away from them. God can never abandon his people, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Domenic, who received his calling, and later founded the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominican Order. He dedicated himself and his followers to a new way of life, focusing on God and leading a more ascetic and holy way of life. And through his extensive travels and missionary works, Saint Dominic inspired many people to turn back towards the Lord in faith. He showed great example of faith and became a great inspiration for many people down the centuries. We pray in this holy mass that through the intercession of Saint Domenic, God will grant us the gift of faith and holiness, so that after our earthly life, we may inherit eternal happiness in heaven.

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