The Word of God had indeed borne fruit in the community of the Colossians. They believed the promise of the Gospel, and Paul noted that they were endowed with faith, hope, and love. Thes e three gifts of the Gospel are missing in so many believers, as individuals and community today, for the Gospel has not always taken deep root in human hearts.

Today's feast is Saint Gregory the Great, who was pope during a difficult time in the city of Rome. It seemed that the whole world was collapsing around him. But as prefect or mayor of Rome, he worked ceaselessly for the poor and desperate, and was a great educator. He chose the vulnerable to demonstrate that the prows of knowledge and authority are means to benefit the needy and thus transform community life. He was able to gift many with hope - and that is also our calling today.

Jesus worked to the point of exhaustion, for there were many desperate and needy people. He even expelled demons from tormented souls. In other words, He displayed love in action and planted the seeds of hope. But He could not stay there, for His mission called Him elsewhere too. He had to be on the move, scattering the seed of God's Word and kindling the flames of faith and hope. The mission of the Lord Jesus is also our mission, and the world needs this more than ever today.