DESPITE THE convenience and instant results made possible by technology, Thomasians should not shy away from struggles as they form part of their journey to the truth, a Dominican priest said.
In his homily for the feast of St. Dominic de Guzman on Thursday, Aug. 7, Santisimo Rosario parish priest Fr. Glen Mar Gamboa, O.P. said trials are not signs of weakness, but are essential in finding truth and forming character.
“Struggles are not signs of weakness or the absence of God in our lives but struggles are part of our journey towards the truth, towards holiness and towards hope,” Gamboa said.
“There’s an assignment to do: ChatGPT. There’s a thesis to write: ChatGPT. Where’s the struggle? Where’s the trial? Where’s the hardship? It’s because you want things done quickly. You want things to be instant. We don’t want to go through difficulty. We don’t want to fail.”
Narrating the experiences of St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, Gamboa said the saint “lived in a time of confusion” where many people rejected the Church and its teachings. Despite such an environment, St. Dominic strived to search for the truth, good and just, Gamboa added.
He stressed that real learning and growth come through perseverance, listening and communal support.
“We go through a process and that process will dispel the darkness of ignorance and the Lord Himself will manifest Himself to you,” Gamboa said.
Gamboa reminded Thomasians that knowledge must lead to love, citing St. Dominic’s decision to sold his prized books to feed the hungry. He encouraged Thomasians to treat each person as “God’s altar,” especially those who feel alone in their pain.
“When we struggle, we form our hearts to love like Christ’s, a love that is self-denying, life-giving, and everlasting,” he said.
“Don’t be afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to love. As long as you’re in the right place, you know that love is headed somewhere. And that love will lead us to what is right and back to our Lord Jesus Christ.”
He welcomed members of the Thomasian community as they enter another academic year, saying they are back to a place where they would “experience struggle.”
St. Dominic de Guzman, the patron saint of astronomers and natural scientists, founded the Order of Preachers to propagate the faith and to combat heresy. His feast day is celebrated every Aug. 8. F
