At ate age of 15, the holy youth Dominic moved to Palencia to continue his studies at the University, he remained there for ten years, of which he devoted the first six to the study of literature and philosophy, as they were then taught. “But,” says another historian, “the angelic youth, although easily mastering all human science, was not enchanted with it, because he found not there the Wisdom of God, which is Christ. No philosopher has ever revealed this wisdom to man; none of the princes of this world have known it; therefore, lest he should consume the flower and strength of youth in fruitless labors, and that he might quench his ardent thirst, he turned to the deep wells of theology, invoking and Praying Christ, the Wisdom of the Father, the he would open his heart to the true science, his ears to the teaching of Holy Scripture. So sweet was this Divine Word to him, with such avidity and desire did he receive it, that he passed his nights almost without sleep, Giving to study the time he took from rest, and that he might drink the more worthily and with chaste lips from the fount of wisdom, he abstained for nearly ten years from the use of wine. It was a wondrous and pleasant sight to behold this man, with the outward marks of extreme youth, but with the mature conversation and strength of character belonging to advanced years. Superior to the pleasures of youth, he sought but for righteousness, and anxious to lose no time in aimless studies, he turned to his mother the Church, preferring the breasts of her consolation and repose of her tabernacles, and passing his time in diligent work and prayer.
God rewarded him for the fervent love with which he kept the commandments, by inspiring him with a spirit of wisdom and intelligence which rendered the more difficult questions easy for him to solve.
St. Dominic began his life’s journey just like any other person. He endeavored zealously to master the philosophies of this world but all that worldly knowledge couldn’t fill the void which was in his heart. Which could only be filled by the Wisdom of Jesus Christ.
“ The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to Himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for: ……He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his creator… ” – Catechism of the Catholic Church, 27 ( CCC 27).
This realization made St. Augustine exclaim “ Our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
God has revealed himself in the Holy Scriptures,St. Dominic, realising this, did everything he did to gain the wisdom “hidden” in the Holy Bible. Let’s has a closer analysis his path to gain the Wisdom of God:
- He entered into ardent prayer for Wisdom for God to open his heart to the Word of God. For without his grace we cannot fathom the wisdom hidden in it
“Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.”-Wisdom 7:7
“May he open your heart to his law and his commandments, and may he bring peace.”- 2 Maccabees 1:4
- He gave himself to zealous study and meditation of the Word of God.
“Therefore set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be (gain wisdom).” -Wisdom 6:11 - He rejected sin, the pleasures and vanities of this world.
“Because wisdom will not enter a deceitful soul, or dwell in a body enslaved to sin.”-Wisdom 1:4
Let us too follow St. Dominic’s example and work zealously to gain divine wisdom.
Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, fill me with the same thrist for wisdom with which you did fill St. Dominic, inspire me Lord to pray unceasingly for the gift of wisdom which makes me a friend of God, grant me the grace, sweet Jesus, to immerse my self in serious study and meditation of the Holy Scriptures which is the source of Divine Wisdom , send upon me O Lord the Holy Spirit, the sanctifier, which strengthens rme to to purify myself of my sins, all that is unpleasing to You. Confirm your promise Lord that what we ask of you would be granted. We make this prayer in your Holy Name. Amen.
St. Dominic,
Pray that we may be filled with Wisdom
Pray in honor of the saint:-
1 Our Father. 1 Hail Mary. 1 Glory be.
Sources: LIFE OF SAINT DOMINIC. BY THE REV. PÈRE H. D. LACORDAIRE, OF THE ORDER OF ST. DOMINIC, AND MEMBER OF THE FRENCH ACADEMY. TRANSLATED BY MRS. EDWARD HAZELAND.
PDM – Ruha Mount Attappadi
