January 26 - Christ the Good Shepherd

I am the Good Shepherd; and I know my sheep (that is, I love them) and my sheep know me.  It is as if he said plainly: "Those who love me obey me." For those who do not love the truth do not yet know it.

Gregory the Great was born around 540 to a noble Christian family in Rome.  He used his skills as a talented administrator within church for the welfare of the Roman people, providing charitable relief for the poor and for refugees fleeing the barbarian incursions in Lombardy.  As bishop of Rome, Gregory re-energized the Church's missionary work among the pagan peoples of northern Europe in Anglia, Saxony and Germany.  He also wrote several biblical commentaries, various liturgical works and a practical rule for pastors.