What is a Dominican? It seems that the charism is of authenticity operating in two modes: viz. exteriorly, and interiorly. If it is of great importance that a Christian’s exterior actions – whether being liturgical, communal, or servile – be of the utmost sincerity of intention, solemnity of action, and purity of heart, then an icon of this can be found in the daily living out of the Dominican motto: Laetare, Praedicare, et Benedicere.
Likewise, if it is of great importance that a Christian cultivate an interior cell of being for the Lord to dwell within – viz. a hylomorphic harmony of one’s intellectual, spiritual, and corporal faculties oriented and guided by faith in Jesus Christ – then it seems to be fulfilled, and guarded, in embracing the four Dominican pillars: Oratio, Studium, Communitas, et Apostolatus.
So then, it seems to me that the soul that responds positively to the Dominican charism, will find itself being transformed into an authentic kind of Catholic, whom may better dispose itself for cooperation with the Lord’s grace for the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.
For who can confess what one does not praise? Who can invite others to what one does not preach? Who can serve another to whom he does not bless?
Likewise, who can combat evil with a tongue that does not pray? Who can love the One whom he does not study? Who can hear His voice without a fraternity to transmit the message? And who can light up a dark world without an apostolic office by which to do so?
I think a Dominican can, and the question remains: “Lord, is this what you want me to be?”
EAR