by Rev. Herbert Nichols

Today we recall the memory and the honor of two popes, John Paul I who died unexpectedly with a reign of only 33 days. It was 25 years ago today. 1400 years ago early Christians were morning the death of Pope Gregory who was elected as was the custom at that time people and clergy of Rome. His election was unanimous.

Pope Gregory wrote many treatises which earned him posthumously the title Gregory the Great. Subsequently only one other pontiff would be awarded this title: Leo the Great. There is much speculation that his voluminous writings will earn the same title for Pope John Paul II.

Gregory also composed an entire repertoire of chants which to this day continue to bear his name and honor. It is custom to honor the great but in the Letter to the Colossians Paul begins by honoring all of us. His letter is very much in the format of the Liturgy.

Like the familiar introductory greeting Paul says: I give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...

He goes on as if in the Liturgy of the Word: You have heard the message of truth, the gospel, which has come to you, borne fruit, and has continued to grow in your midst. I keep you in my prayers because I have heard of your faith in Jesus Christ.

But this commendation is not a cause for self-satisfaction. You must recognize the source of goodness that is within you. In the gospel we heard Jesus cure the mother-in-law or Peter; then he heals numerous people sick of various diseases. Jesus is in deed a healer, not only of the body, but of the whole person. He is our healer. Wounded and weakened by sin we are restored to health.

We must express reality in the sacrament of gratitude, that is why we say just before communion: "Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed."