Memorial of Saint Dominic

Losing the World, Gaining Christ: The Witness of Saint Dominic

In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks powerful and unsettling words: ‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.’ These words are not abstract. They demand a concrete response in each of our lives. They call us to a daily decision: to follow Christ not on our own terms, but on His.

Today we also celebrate the feast of Saint Dominic, perhaps a lesser-known saint to many of us, but a powerful witness for our time. Dominic lived in the 13th century, during a time of great confusion, error, and spiritual hunger. He was a man of study, prayer, and preaching. He devoted his entire life to spreading the truth of the Gospel and founded the Dominican Order—officially the Order of Preachers—to form others in this mission.

But more than just what he did, it’s how he lived that stands out for us today. He came from a noble background and could have lived a life of privilege and comfort. Instead, he chose poverty, prayer, and a radical dependence on God. He gave up every worldly attachment so that his heart could belong to God alone.

Few of us are called to the exact lifestyle of Saint Dominic, but all of us are called to embrace that same spirit—especially in the time we’re living in. Jesus’ question hangs in the air for us: ‘What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?’

So let me ask: what are we still trying to ‘gain’ from this world? What distracts our heart from God?

In our day and age, there are particular crosses we must pick up—specific things we must learn to deny in order to follow Christ fully.

First, we need to give up the constant pursuit of comfort. So much of our life is structured around convenience, entertainment, avoiding anything that feels like a burden. But the Gospel isn’t about constant ease. Sometimes, God calls us into discomfort for the sake of love. That might be waking up earlier for prayer. It might be visiting someone who is lonely when you’d rather stay home. It might be fasting from certain pleasures—not because they’re evil, but because your soul needs discipline.

Second, we need to reject the temptation to live for other people’s approval. Social media, self-image, constant comparison: these are modern traps. When our worth depends on likes or compliments or making sure we’re always seen in a good light, we live under pressure, not in grace. Saint Dominic preached the truth, even when it cost him dearly. He wasn’t trying to be popular. He wanted to be faithful.

Third, we need to turn away from the pursuit of control. Our culture preaches that we should shape our lives exactly how we want them—build our perfect career, perfect family, perfect retirement. And yet, life is rarely so tidy. Taking up the cross means surrendering control. It means saying with faith, ‘God, I trust that your plan is better than mine.’

Finally, we have to give up the lie that more money, more things, more experiences will bring peace. There is nothing wrong with having what you need—but we must live free from the grip of materialism. Saint Dominic owned nothing, yet was free. Many of us own much, yet are weighed down. How might God be calling us to simplify?

Saint Dominic’s life shows us that following Jesus with everything is not just for monks or priests or nuns. It is for every disciple. It means looking at the desires of our hearts and being honest enough to ask: are these leading me closer to God—or are they slowly taking His place in my life?

Jesus isn’t asking us to live miserable, joyless lives. He’s showing us the path to real joy—the kind that cannot be taken away. When we stop clinging to the things of this world, our hands are finally free to hold onto Him.

So today, let’s honor Saint Dominic not only by remembering him but by imitating him. Let’s ask ourselves: Where is Jesus calling me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow? What worldly attachments are tugging at my soul? What might I lay down this week in order to walk more closely with Him?

Because in the end, the goal is not to gain the world. The goal is to gain Christ. And the life we surrender out of love for Him? That’s the life we’ll truly find.