How often does duty get in the way of our desires? Need an example of how putting our wishes aside can make this world a better place? Examine the life of Gregory the Great.
Gregory lived from 540 to 604 and was a man for his turbulent times. The Roman Empire had fallen, Rome had been sacked several times and most of its grand buildings were in ruins. War, famine and the plague were prevalent throughout Rome and large sections of Europe. The world needed organized, disciplined and visionary leadership. Gregory responded, setting aside personal desires for a detached, secluded life and his impact is felt to this very day.
Gregory’s family lineage had produced two previous Popes. He was classically educated and won the admiration of Roman citizens for his administrative skills while serving as Prefect of Rome in his early thirties. When Gregory’s father passed in 575, Gregory left public service to pursue his true passion. He converted his home into a Monastery and used his inheritance to establish six more.
His monastic days were short-lived as Gregory’s skills were needed by the church and he was requested to leave the Monastery to serve in a number of important roles beginning in 579. The plague claimed Gregory’s predecessor, Pope Pelagius II in 590. Gregory reluctantly accepted his ultimate call to duty and became Pope.
Leaving the monastic life behind was a great sacrifice for Gregory. “I remember with sorrow what I once was in the monastery, how I rose in contemplation above all changeable and decaying things and thought of nothing but the things of heaven. I sigh as one who looks back and gazes on the shore he has left behind”.
Gregory’s contributions during his pastoral mission were deep, diverse and far reaching. He has been recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his many contributions. Among his more impactful actions, Gregory famously promoted the plainsong choral music now known as the Gregorian Chant.
One of Gregory’s major written works, the “Dialogues” did much to promote monasticism, it’s lifestyle and Benedictine structure as might be expected from the first monk to become Pope.
Perhaps Gregory’s greatest contribution to the world was commissioning a group of 40 monks under Augustine to bring Christianity to England. These efforts are widely believed to be a catalyst to the unification of the warring tribes of the British Isles as the spread of the gospel brought common ground to the factions. St. Bede wrote that Gregory had a very active hand in the active and ongoing conversion with frequent written communication and guidance throughout the process. Inspiring Augustine to forge ahead from trials at Gaul, Gregory wrote “It is better never to undertake any high enterprise than to abandon it when once begun. So with the help of God, you must carry out this Holy task… although my office prevents me from working at your side… I hope to share in your joyful reward”
St. Gregory’s feast day is September 3rd.
More on Gregory the Great can be found at http://w2.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2008/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20080604.html .
