The Memorial of St Gregory the Great

1 Thess. 5:1-6.9-11, Lk. 4:31-37. A reoccurring aspect of the theme in ministry of Jesus and that of Paul in today's first reading is the need for keeping alert, in order to stay close to God and live our life according to God’s will. Ironically, in today’s Gospel the one who was aware of the presence of Jesus is the demon. As Jesus approached the possessed man, the demon cried aloud, “I know who you are, the Holy One of God!” Though His teaching made a deep impression on the people, they did not recognise the Divine authority in Him. The authority of Jesus is an authority that is life-giving, life-renewing and creative. The authority of Jesus brings us life whenever we recognise the Divine in others.

Today, we are challenged to look at the example set by St Gregory the Great, whose memorial we celebrate. Gregory was a great and holy servant of God, dedicated and ever committed to the service of God. He is remembered for his many contributions to the Church, in the vigorous reforms he carried out, in his works of evangelisation, most prominently by sending St Augustine of Canterbury to re-establish the Church in England among many others. Gregory truly loved God and devoted himself to the many works to bring greater glory to His Name, in allowing the Church to grow even more and in stabilising the foundations of the Church, strengthening the leadership and rooting out corruption and heresies from within the Church. He was also credited with the reforms in the Church music for worship, which eventually led to the famous Gregorian chants being named after him.

May the Lord deepen in us our love for Him today, so that in all things we may find our good and the good of others! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!!