Part 2: contemplation and study in Dominican Spirituality

Dear brothers, relationship is key to all of us. Relationship with God is the most important of all as it helps us seek His divine guidance in matters that we would otherwise not have a clear path. While highlighting the key aspect of the ignatian spirituality, we said, it was build on finding God in all things and discernment. We spoke about the imaginative nature that is practiced by those who follow it. 

In Dominican spirituality, Contemplation is important aspect which involves with individuals deepening their relationship with God. In so doing, the Dominicans, experience God’s presence and love and are able to respond to the needs of others.

St. Dominic, like st. Augustine of Hippo before him, believed that through contemplation was essential for fully being centred in God. In his writings St. Augustine of Hippo, Bishop, believed that contemplation allows individuals to seek and understand divine truth hence fostering a deeper connection of God.

St. Augustine believed in intellectual inquiry and spiritual growth as key factors that integrate faith and reason. He believed that longing for God can only be through contemplation. In one of his writings, st. Augustine says , ‘our hearts are restless until they rest in you.’ 

In the introductory part we said that during the time of saint Dominic, there were a lot of heresies that were in one way or another diluting or otherwise distorting the truth passed down through the unbroken succession chain. St. Dominic required his friars to study the scripture, to deepen their understanding of God and humanity. Through study, they pursue knowledge and wisdom to better comprehend what people need and what it is indeed the God’s plan.

Through studying, Dominicans were able to devise ways to effectively share good news and to serve others. One of the most vivid example is the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saint Dominic is often credited with promoting the Rosary as a way to deepen devotion to Mary and Christ. 

The meditative nature of the Rosary aligns with Dominican values of contemplation, prayer, and seeking truth. By praying the Rosary, one can cultivate a deeper spiritual life and connection to God through the scripture.

Through the Rosary, is a structured way to pray and reflect on the life of Our lord Jesus Christ and his mother Blessed Virgin Mary, and in that we foster personal intimacy with God.

St. Augustine’s emphasis on contemplation has greatly been of influence to Dominican Spirituality. It helps the Dominicans to live out their faith authentically through finding the truth in study and contemplation. With the foundation set, dear brothers and sisters, we will next, tackle in summary,  the ministry of st. Dominic in part 3 tomorrow. Remember to pray for me. I am not feeling well. Let us continue asking for the intercession of st. Dominic Guzman in our petitions to our Lord Jesus Christ.

By Felix Kilonzo

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