Gregory became pope in 590 ce, about 120 years after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. During his papacy, Gregory put his faith into action and developed an expansive ministry of feeding the hungry and welcoming the needy into his home. He lived in such a way that brought dignity and respect to others.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches sought new ways to put faith into action. In my congregation, ministry leaders created a food pantry at an elementary school because children isolating at home were going hungry. The initiative began out of deep compassion and has grown and expanded. Other churches got involved, and a new, sustainable ministry continues today.

Jesus and his disciples gave the crowd an abundance of food, and their story lives on. With God’s help, may the stories from Jesus’s followers in our own time be retold and lived out.

MOVING FORWARD: Support a local food ministry with your time and financial gifts.