Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church
(I Corinthians 3:18-23; Luke 5:1-11)
St. Gregory the Great ranks high on any list of great
popes. After saving Rome from devastation
by the Lombards, he was considered the city’s civil as well as spiritual leader. He took keen interest in providing for the
poor with the revenue received from the lands the Church owned. He also had a hand in modifying the liturgy
and in forming “Gregorian chant.” He preached
extremely well and wrote important books on morality and pastoral care. Most remarkably, with all these
accomplishments Gregory maintained a humble demeanor. His manner is reminiscent of his predecessor
in today’s gospel.
Witnessing the great catch of fish catalyzed by Jesus’
holiness, Simon falls before him. He
must admit to Jesus his unworthiness. “’…
I am a sinful man,’” he says openly, hoping that his confession would mitigate
the Lord’s judgment. But Jesus has no
intention of punishing Simon. In fact,
he means to convert the sinner’s strengths into resources for
evangelization.
St. Gregory confessed openly that he did not always fulfill
his responsibilities with due diligence.
But he still led the Church faithfully.
He saw himself how each of us should see herself or himself, “The servant
of the servants of the Lord.”
