Commemoration Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome

Commemoration March 12

Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, d. 604

Reflection

“Because I love him, I do not spare myself in speaking of him.” Pope Gregory the Great was referring to God, who called him from a life of immense wealth and political influence, to the secluded life of a monk, then to the priesthood, and finally as Bishop of Rome. Considered the greatest person of the sixth century, Gregory used his position and influence to reform the liturgy, foster liturgical music, emphasize the importance of preaching, rally the citizens of Rome to defend against the invading Lombards, minister to the sick and dying in the face of the plague, embodying the notion of the Pope as “servant of the servants of God,” leaving a model for his successors. Perhaps his most significant contribution to the history of Christianity was his use of monks as missionaries to evangelize Britain. The early Church historian Bede tells that Gregory saw some fair-haired slaves in Rome and, being told that they were Angles, is said to have replied, “Not Angles but angels.” In a sermon on Ezekiel, in which the preacher is assigned the role of sentinel, Gregory wrote, “So who am I to be a sentinel, for I do not stand on the  mountain of action but lie down in the valley of weakness?” God has used this self-effacing man who longed to return to monastic seclusion as an example of servant leadership.

Prayer

Gracious God, Inspire us by the example Gregory to be humble servants in your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.