St Gregory the Great had a huge influence in shaping the early Church. Born to a wealth Roman family around the year 540, he had a prominent role in Roman government, but then felt called to the monastic life. However, Pope Pelagius II called him to serve as one of the 7 deacons of Rome. At the time Rome was threatened with invasion and was ravaged by different plagues. The pope sent Gregory to Constantinople, the seat of the Byzantine empire, as ambassador. He returned to Rome to his monastery in 585, but just 5 years later, he himself was elected Pope. Gregory is known as one of the last of the Early Church Fathers. He was an outstanding pastor, dedicating his ministry to the good of the people. Under his papacy, the Bishop of Rome would become a prominent figure both spiritually and politically. He was the author of hundreds of commentaries, letters, and sermons. He also had a zeal for missionary work and evangelization. He died in 604, having served as pope for 13 years.
In today’s Gospel, we hear of Jesus’ ministry and proclamation of God’s kingdom as he bring healing to Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, as the people bring the sick to him, with Jesus expelling demons and curing their illnesses, with Jesus addressing the crowds that seek him out. Jesus responded to the needs of the people. Pope Gregory the Great responded to the needs of the people and the needs of the Church as he lived his life as a deacon, monk, priest, and then pope. May we hear God call us in the reality of life. May we respond to that reality.
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