Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604)

When he was in his 30s, Gregory sold the many properties he owned, established seven monasteries in Italy, and distributed much of his considerable wealth to the poor. The next year he became a monk, and devoted himself to an austere life of contemplation and pastoral care of the plague-stricken in Rome. Because he was well known for his holiness, in 590 he was elected pope. Though he did not want the role, he accepted it. As pope he continued his care of the poor and hungry and challenged other leaders to attend to those in need rather than the worldly interests of the Church. Gregory also recognized the need for reform in the Church, and imposed important changes in its government. He promoted monasticism, and is credited with writing many of the prayers recited at Mass. Especially noteworthy among his writings is "Pastoral Care," which describes the ministry of bishops as the shepherding of souls. It became the textbook for medieval bishops. Gregory's way of referring to himself as pope was as "servant of the servants of God." He is the patron saint of England, musicians, singers, teachers, popes, and victims of plague. His feast day is September 3. (Taken from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.")

Reflection

It is a natural human desire to want to be powerful. Most of us hope to eventually become great leaders. But, as Saint Gregory the Great reminds us, Jesus does not want us to lead by power. He wants us to lead by example. And the example we are to set is one of servanthood. No matter what our position in life, as Christians we are called to serve others selflessly. How do you serve others? How could you better serve?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for serving me through your life. Help me to serve others as you have served me.

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

When Jesus goes to worship in the temple with His Jewish friends and family, He stands up and announces that the ancient scripture passage He just read is referring to Him. Naturally, the people who hear this are skeptical: but Jesus is telling the truth! Jesus is the Messiah, about whom was foretold in the Old Testament. Many of the claims that Jesus makes about being the Son of the God, the Anointed One, the Messiah, are hard for the people around Him to believe, largely because they had a totally different idea of what God should look and act like. It takes great faith to let go of our expectations and assumptions about who God is. Just like the ancient Jews, we have to be willing to let go of who we think God is in order to find out who God really is.