Pope Saint Gregory VII (c.1020-1085)
for May 25
When Saint Gregory VII became pope, the corruption of the clergy had become a serious scandal to the faithful of the Church. Pope Gregory VII saw the need for reform, so he dismissed the members of the clergy who had purchased their positions in the Church--a practice called simony. Then these corrupt clergy members rebelled against Pope Saint Gregory VII and, after he received no support from Emperor Henry IV, he was exiled. Gregory was eventually reinstated, through the support of the Normans. However, the Normans were so sporadic in their actions that the Romans exiled both them and Pope Saint Gregory VII as well. Pope Saint Gregory VII settled in Salerno, Italy, where he finished his papacy.
Read more about Pope Saint Gregory VII (c.1020-1085)
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Reflection
"Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD GOD you have an everlasting rock" (Isaiah 26:4). In this verse from Isaiah, God is compared to a strong rock. This is a fitting image at a time when we are experiencing so much change. Technology is developing at such a high speed that it boggles the mind. People are losing their lives in conflicts that they didn't start or that are beyond their control. Corruption is found in many global institutions that were once thought trustworthy. You may wonder what you can contribute to a world that seems to be ever-changing. Amid those many changes, it is a blessing to know that the one thing we can count on is God, who is our anchor, our rock. (Taken from “Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Prayer
God, give me the gift of fortitude in facing corruption and evil in the world. (Taken from “Day by Day with People of the Bible: Reflections for Teens.”)
