Homily Feast of St. Gregory the Great (540-604) “A Renaissance Man”

Homily Feast of St. Gregory the Great (540-604) “A Renaissance Man”

St. Gregory the Great was one of two Popes who has acquired the title “Great.”  The other Pope to carry that title was Leo the Great who was Bishop of Rome 200 years earlier.

Gregory was the son of a Roman senator and entered the service of the state as a young man.  He was so talented that he became the prefect of Rome.  But in 573 he was moved to sell all his estates and he founded six monasteries in Sicily and one in Rome. 

His intention was to live as a monk.  He lived a very austere life and he became known for his piety and his talent at administration.  Although he was only a junior deacon, when Pope Pelagius died, he was unanimously elected Pope.  Gregory tried to get the emperor to overturn his election, but the emperor insisted.

Gregory ministered during plagues, famine and the threat of invasion.  He was such a good administrator.  The Roman empire was collapsing around him.  He eventually became just as much a civic administrator as he was a bishop.  He was the only functioning authority figure in Rome. 

Gregory was not completely distracted by his governmental duties. He also wrote works of Theology.  He penned an instruction for bishops, and he was very influential in developing the Roman liturgy.  We remember him for adding music to the Liturgy with what is known as Gregorian Chant.

Gregory was a real Renaissance man.  He responded when ask to serve the needs of his church community.  He wanted to be a contemplative, apart from worldly responsibilities, but circumstances did not allow him to do this.

Reflection Questions:

1. Have I ever been called out of my comfort zone to serve others?  How did I feel about it?
   1. Does God call us to do tasks that we don’t feel qualified for?  Do I feel like God has asked me to do something unreasonable?  What was it?

 

Dear Parishioners,

          We continue to have COVID infections and deaths in our community.  Our school districts are having to resort to remote learning once again. The young, the old and the sick are paying a heavy price.  They are all important.  We are called as Christians to serve these three groups.

          Tomorrow, we once again will have a day of penance as we have offer special prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  If you have not participated in our nine Fridays of prayer so far.  Please start tomorrow.

          May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.

          Fr. Mark