The Feast of St Dominic, OP.

Feast of St Dominic, OP. Founder of the Order of Preachers. 

"Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds.

"After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.

"When it was evening he was there alone.

"Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 

"When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.

 “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

"Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

"He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

"Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”" After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

"After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. 

"People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed."

 (Matthew 14: 22 - 36).

Tuesday August 8th 2023 in the 18th Week of Ordinary Time. Today is the feast of St Dominic, OP. 

Born August 8th, 1170. Died August 6th 1221. Priest. Spanish. St Dominic founded the Order of Preachers, popularly known as Dominicans.

The Dominicans fought and marginalized the Albigensian heresy in France. The Blessed Virgin Mary gave Dominic the Holy Rosary as a potent weapon in the fight against all heresies.

The Holy Rosary with its mysteries is the Whole of the Gospel and it is considered a nuclear weapon against heresies.

Think about this: The Dominican order has served the Church for some 800 years. The Dominicans promote the study of Sacred Scripture and the Holy Rosary.

Have you ever faced a deep paralyzing fear in your life? For example: Being fired from a job, facing an ugly divorce, or doctor's life and death verdict? Have you ever lost a child for a couple of days as the Blessed Virgin Mary experienced? Or facing imminent death in a deadly weather disaster? All these are occasions for crippling fear.

In our key Scripture, we find the Apostles facing such a moment. Peter becomes the type for all of us in this drama.

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

So far so good. But things changed quickly.

"But when he [Peter] saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Why did Peter panic? He took his eyes off Jesus. We too will panic in any crisis if we take our eyes off Jesus. 

Fear entered Peter's mind through his eyes.  Fear, worry and doubt enter into us often through our physical senses.  The first order of business in combating fear, worry and doubt is to control our senses. The best defense in this case is offense. Make a habit of feeding your mind with God's word.  Learn to pray constantly.  Close your eyes and block your ears if necessary. Prepare for any emergency in your morning prayer.

As Christians, we are urged to be prepared always. The enemy of mankind who is also the Merchant of Fear and Death and Prince of liars does not sleep. He prowls everywhere seeking for the careless sheep to devour. Deny him every opportunity.

Fear is useless; what is needed is trust in Jesus our Good Shepherd. (Cf Luke 8:50). 

August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph." 

For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/06/immaculate-heart-of-mary-consecration.html?m=10

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com