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Compassion, Conversion, Commitment (September 3, 2025: Saint Gregory the Great)

On this day, we honor St. Gregory the Great, a pope who was known for his administrative genius and his profound holiness. He was a man of c...

On this day, we honor St. Gregory the Great, a pope who was known for his administrative genius and his profound holiness. He was a man of compassion, dedicating himself to the care of the poor and the suffering. This is a central theme in the Gospel reading, where Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law and many others who are brought to him. Jesus shows his immense compassion by laying his hands on each of them and curing them. This is a beautiful reminder that our faith is not just about abstract beliefs; it is about tangible acts of love and mercy. To be a follower of Christ is to have a heart that is moved by the needs of others.

The Gospel also highlights a moment of conversion. When Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law, she immediately gets up and serves them. Her healing leads to a change in her actions. This is a powerful symbol of our own spiritual journey. When we encounter Christ's healing power in our lives, whether it's the healing of a physical ailment, a broken spirit, or a sinful habit, our response should be a renewed desire to serve. Our conversion is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of turning away from sin and toward God.

Finally, the readings speak of commitment. After a long day of healing, Jesus goes to a "lonely place" to pray, and when the crowds seek him out, he tells them, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns too, because that is what I was sent to do." This is a clear statement of his unwavering commitment to his mission. As Christians, we are called to a similar commitment. Our lives should be a reflection of our dedication to the Gospel. This commitment means living out our faith with perseverance, even when it is difficult, and remembering that our mission is to share the good news with the world.


 

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