The Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St Gregory the Great (540-604). He was the 64th Pope of the Catholic Church during a time when Rome was invaded by the Lombards and Franks. Few Catholics know of his life and contributions unless they are interested in Church History. Several things are known. Gregory was the first monk to become Pope. He saw the value of monastic system in the church and spared no effort to promote it. He reformed the Liturgy and Office. He sent missionaries to England and Gregorian chants were attributed to him. Readers interested in church history should not miss him.
Actions must be informed with knowledge. Without knowledge, actions are impulsive and most of the time, they will only lead to disasters. Though we call people who do not practise what they preach hypocrites, we should strike a balance between impulsive actions and inactions. True, action speaks louder than words and it is tempting to use this aphorism to justify actions which we would later regret. Therefore, it is essential to guide our actions with proper knowledge.
Secular ethicists treat knowledge as a means to reduce uncertainty. Knowledge helps people make informed rational decisions. Most of the time, such decisions are considered ethical. However, Christians take a different stance. They are more selective in the kind of knowledge that guide their actions.
And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10).
Seeking God's will is the Christian directive and God's will is to forgive our sins, to save us from evil. Therefore, we act so as to obtain forgiveness from God. The aim of our decisions is to obtain redemption which has been attained for us through Jesus Christ.
He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).
And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-10).
Seeking God's will is the Christian directive and God's will is to forgive our sins, to save us from evil. Therefore, we act so as to obtain forgiveness from God. The aim of our decisions is to obtain redemption which has been attained for us through Jesus Christ.
He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).
Dear Lord, may my passion in Biblical studies continue to burn and bring me closer to You. Amen.
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