Homily - Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time – Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great.

Readings

  • Colossians 1:1-8 – Paul gives thanks for the faith, hope, and love of the Colossians, fruits of the Gospel that continues to grow in the world.

  • Psalm 52:10-11 – I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. The just flourish like an olive tree in the house of God.

  • Luke 4:38-44 – Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law and many others, then insists that He must preach the Kingdom in other towns as well.



Introduction 

A little girl once told her mom: “When I grow up, I want to be a nurse — because nurses fix everyone!” The mom asked: “And what about doctors?” The little girl replied: “They only tell you what’s wrong, but nurses make it right!” 😅
In today’s Gospel, Jesus is not just diagnosing — He is healing, restoring, and making lives right.

The Word of God

  • Colossians 1: Paul begins his letter with gratitude. The Colossians are bearing the fruits of faith, hope, and love. The Gospel is alive and “growing” throughout the world. Growth in faith is a work of the Spirit, not just human effort.

  • Psalm 52: The righteous are like a flourishing olive tree. Unlike the wicked who fade, those who trust in God endure and bear fruit.

  • Luke 4: Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, then many others. His authority is both spiritual and physical. Yet He refuses to stay in one place—His mission is to all, not just to one household or town.

Connection of the Readings

Together, these readings highlight:

  • Growth: The Gospel is always spreading, bearing fruit.

  • Healing: Christ brings restoration and wholeness.

  • Mission: The Good News cannot be confined — it must reach all people.

St. Gregory the Great lived this out. He sent missionaries to distant lands, reformed the Church, wrote profound teaching, and served the poor in Rome. He embodied Paul’s gratitude, the Psalmist’s trust, and Christ’s mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I give thanks for the fruits of faith, hope, and love in my community, like Paul?

  2. In what areas of my life do I need Christ’s healing touch today?

  3. How am I called to share the Gospel beyond my “comfort zone”?

Implications for the Jubilee & Synod on Synodality

  • Jubilee Year: calls us to recognize the Gospel as a living seed — always growing, always renewing us.

  • Synodality: like the Colossians, we are called to walk together, each bringing our gifts so that the whole Church flourishes like an olive tree rooted in God’s mercy.

Inspiration / Motivation

The Gospel heals, restores, and grows. Just like Simon’s mother-in-law, once healed, she rose and served. Healing from Christ is never just for ourselves — it empowers us to serve others.

Quote

St. Gregory the Great:
“If the sacrament of unity is to be perfect, we must show ourselves to be what we proclaim.”

Final Thoughts

Faith is alive, hope is growing, and love is serving. When we allow Christ to heal us, like Simon’s mother-in-law, we too rise up to serve in our homes, parishes, and communities.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are the source of faith, hope, and love.
Heal our hearts as You healed the sick,
make us flourish like an olive tree in Your house,
and send us out like Saint Gregory the Great
to proclaim Your Kingdom everywhere.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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