The Feast of St Dominic | Monday 8 August 2022

Today is Monday the 8th August, the feast of Saint Dominic.

Maximillian sings, ‘Even So, Come.’ Place yourself into the song now, experiencing this image of the Lord and His presence…


You came to cast a fire on the earth
And how You wish it were already blazing
The one thing You require are hearts that thirst
And You’ll respond without hesitating
All creation groans to see the promise
Afflicted by anticipation
Dressed in righteous robes with lamps that are burning
The bride is waiting and stands to attention
Even so come
Even so come
One thing I desire, one thing I ask
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
Always to inquire in Your temple
Beholding Your beauty is my reward
One thing I desire, one thing I ask
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
Always to inquire in Your temple
Beholding Your beauty is my reward


Today’s reading is from the Prophet Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c

On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), the word of the LORD came to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was on him there.

As I looked, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud with brightness around it and fire flashing forth continually, and in the middle of the fire, something like gleaming amber. In the middle of it was something like four living creatures. This was their appearance: they were of human form. When they moved, I heard the sound of their wings like the sound of mighty waters, like the thunder of the Almighty, a sound of tumult like the sound of an army; when they stopped, they let down their wings. And there came a voice from above the dome over their heads; when they stopped, they let down their wings.
And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form. Upwards from what appeared like the loins I saw something like gleaming amber, something that looked like fire enclosed all round; and downwards from what looked like the loins I saw something that looked like fire, and there was a splendour all round. Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendour all round. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.

When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of someone speaking.

By anyone’s standards, including those of his day, Ezekiel was a strange man who had some very bizarre religious experiences. But I wonder if you or I would fare much better when trying to describe to someone what it’s like to be in the presence of God? Words are inadequate to describe God’s glory. What words or images would you choose?

St Dominic, whose feast we celebrate today, founded the Order of Preachers to spread the word of God. Can you remember a time when your words about God impacted on someone, or theirs did the same to you? Perhaps it was a sermon or something in a book, maybe it was just a passing comment or a personal conversation. Try to recall and savour those words.

Listening again to this prophetic vision, become aware of any words, images or memories that take hold of your mind and heart, your desires and longings.

You may not have had mystical visions, but you are also called by God to be a witness to God’s power at work in the world. How do you feel like responding to this challenge and invitation?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.