Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

Today we celebrate the memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, two bishops and doctors of the Church who dedicated their lives to spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the Gospel reading from John 1:19-28, we are reminded of the call to be witnesses to the light of Christ. John the Baptist bears witness to Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." And just as John the Baptist was called to bear witness to Jesus, so too are we called to be witnesses to the light of Christ in our own lives.

Saints Basil and Gregory were powerful witnesses to the light of Christ in their own time. Basil, also known as the "Doctor of Hospitality," was known for his care for the poor and his tireless work for social justice. Gregory, also known as the "Theologian," was known for his eloquent preaching and his defense of the Orthodox faith.

In the words of Saint Basil, "The bread which you use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked; the shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot; the acts of charity that you do not perform are so many injustices that you commit."

May the examples of Saints Basil and Gregory inspire us to be faithful witnesses to the light of Christ in our own lives, and to follow in their footsteps by showing love and compassion to those in need.