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Belong to Christ Read: Luke 5:1 - 11

St. Gregory, born at Rome about the year 540, was the son of Gordianus, a wealthy senator, who later renounced the world and became one of the seven deacons of Rome. After he had acquired the usual thorough education, Emperor Justin the Younger appointed him, in 574, Chief Magistrate of Rome, though he was only thirty-four years of age.

After the death of his father, he built six monasteries in Sicily and founded a seventh in his own house in Rome, which became the Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew. Here, he himself assumed the monastic habit in 575, at the age of thirty-five.

After the death of Pelagius, St. Gregory was chosen Pope by the unanimous consent of priests and people. Now began those labors which merited for him the title of Great. His zeal extended over the entire known world, he was in contact with all the Churches of Christendom and, in spite of his bodily sufferings, and innumerable labors, he found time to compose a great number of works. He is known above all for his magnificent contributions to the Liturgy of the Mass and Office. He is one of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church. He died March 12, 604. He is the patron of teachers.

Paul seems annoyed when he writes to the Corinthian community: “The wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God.”

No doubt the Corinthians were arranging their lives around fulfilling worldly goals — personal well being, material prosperity, professional success, health, long life. Paul is exasperated: how could they be so foolish! Had they totally forgotten the message he preached to them!

But he softens his message by reminding them that “all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.” Paul doesn’t seem to be accusing the Corinthians of living sinful lives but rather of living disordered lives. Their lives were “off center, ” centered on worldly goals. They had not integrated these goals with living the Gospel so they must refocus their lives.

Why? Paul puts it bluntly: You belong to Christ!

In every age we Christians — yes, even conscientious Christians — experience the same temptation as the Corinthians. Our lives may not be sinful but they are frequently “off-center.” We too are often caught up in the foolishness of the wisdom of this world, forgetting to Whom we belong.

Paul’s words remain important reminders to us: We do not belong primarily to this world; we belong to Christ. Consequently we also must refocus our lives.

Jesus puts it succinctly: Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven!

Reflection:

How are you growing in faith?

Jesus, Increase my faith.

TODAYS SAINT: St. Gregory the Great Pope