The Memorial of St Gregory the Great

1 Cor. 3:18-23, Lk. 5:1-11. Most of us would have experienced failure in one shape or form. We may have failed to live up to the values and the goals we set; some enterprise or initiative that we invested in may have come to nothing; some relationship that was important to us may have slipped away from us. All such experiences can leave us feeling disheartened. Such a move from failure to success is told in today's Gospel. We can hear Peter’s discouragement when he mutters: "We worked all night and caught nothing." Then after the miraculous haul of fish he shouts out: "Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man." Jesus changed their fruitless labour into a marvellous catch; and He draws the reluctant Peter into His work of gathering people into the Kingdom of God.

God is constantly at work in all kinds of unlikely people and situations, changing failure into success. For this to happen in our lives, we must put our trust in God. He wants us to keeping launching out into deep water in response and let down the net of His saving grace. Pope St Gregory the Great whose memorial we celebrate 'net down' his net of grace and gave his life and ministry for the greater glory of God and His Church. Gregory the Great reigned as Pope at a time when the Church was encountering difficulties from religious spectre and the secular world. Gregory was an experienced administrator for his days before being a Priest, Monk and Pope. He made effort to reform the Church and the administration of the faithful community as well as the secular governance over the region of Rome and beyond. He improved the livelihood of the people and the governance, improved various aspects of Church life and discipline.

May the Lord fill us with His wisdom and motivate us to seek the will of God through life! Amen!! Stay safe and peace be with you!!!