Readings: Colossians 1:1-8, Ps. 52:10-11, Luke 4:38-44
“And demons also came out of many, crying, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them, and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.” (Luke 4:41)
Today’s Gospel passage is a direct manifestation of the manifesto of Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering sight to the blind, to set those who are oppressed at liberty.” (Luke 4:18). Indeed, when the Holy Spirit is upon a person, there will be divine manifestations. Some of these manifestations include:
*Healing.* Inflamed by the Holy Spirit, Jesus visited Simon’s house, where he healed Simon’s mother-in-law, and that same night, the whole community brought to Jesus their sick and possessed relatives. Jesus healed both physical and spiritual ailments. He remains for us a healer. Nevertheless, to be admitted into Dr. Jesus’ clinic, we must go with our card, which is faith (positive expectation).
*Prayerfulness.* Jesus rose very early the next morning and went to a quiet place to pray. When the Holy Spirit leads us, we are stirred to pray. Jesus went to a quiet place to pray, teaching us that prayer is intimacy with God: “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites… go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6).
In today’s first reading, St. Paul revealed that he did not cease to pray for the Colossians, having heard of how they accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us cultivate the habit of praying for neophytes in the faith and for those to whom we minister. St. Paul’s success came from the realisation that he is just like a farmer who plants; others may water it, but God is the one who makes the plants grow. (Cf. 1 Corinthians 3:6)
*Preaching.* When his disciples found Jesus, they said, “Everyone is looking for you,” but Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.” St. Paul would say: “Woe to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel.” (1st Cor. 9:16). Preaching is an activity of the Holy Spirit. “No one takes this honour upon himself unless he is called and chosen like Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5:4).
*Charity.* It is often said that charity begins at home. Luke tells us that just after his temptations, Jesus went to his home town, Nazareth. He wanted to start at home. However, his people failed to recognise Him as God; they almost killed him there. Jesus left them and continued his ministry in other towns and villages. Be kind to everyone – take your goodness everywhere. Let as many people as possible benefit from your gifts. Stop trying to be a local champion!
Pope Saint Gregory I, known as Gregory the Great, led the Catholic Church from 590 to 604 AD. Born around 540 into a distinguished Roman family. Gregory was well-educated in law and became Prefect of Rome at 33. After his father’s death, he transformed the family villa into the San Gregorio Magno al Celio monastery. As a monk, he was known for his strict discipline, once punishing a monk for theft but later offering Masses to pray for the monk’s soul. Appointed by Pope Pelagius II as an ambassador to Constantinople, Gregory sought military aid against the Lombards but was unsuccessful.
When Pelagius II died in 590, Gregory was elected pope. He accepted the role with humility, seeing himself as a servant of God. As pope, Gregory was a passionate supporter of missionary work. Gregory was dedicated to helping the poor, generously distributing Church wealth and managing Church lands to support those in need. During famines, Gregory ensured that the poor were fed. His compassionate leadership strengthened the Church’s role in society.
Gregory suffered from arthritis and passed away on 12 March, 604. He was quickly recognised as a saint by widespread acclaim. His relics are preserved in St. Peter’s Basilica. Gregory is the patron saint of musicians, singers, students, and teachers, and is venerated across various Christian denominations.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, fill us with the Holy Spirit. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Gregory the Great, Pope, Doctor. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Colossians 1:1-8, Ps. 52:10-11, Luke 4:38-44)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu