Homily: September 3 - St. Gregory the Great - Servant of the Servants of God

Today is the feast St. Gregory is one of only two popes formally given the title “the Great”.  Pope St. Leo is the other, although many consider Pope John Paul II deserving of the same title.  Today, reflect on the work of the saintly Gregory, who reigned from 590-604.

Gregory was the son of a Roman senator, and because of his great administrative talents and moral integrity he served as Roman Prefect, the highest civil office in Rome when he was only 30 years old.  Yet, Gregory desired to devote his life more fully to the service of God, and became a Benedictine monk.

Though he desired a more contemplative life, he was sent by the Pope as papal representative to Constantinople.  After performing his duties, he was called back to Rome, and when the Pope Pelagius II died of the plague, Gregory was elected Pope. 

Among his accomplishments as pope, perhaps his three greatest are his sending missionaries to Britain, his administrative organization of the Church, and his contributions to music.  While all three continue to bear fruit today, the most notable may be his efforts on behalf of the form of chant that bears his name—Gregorian Chant.  He is also a doctor of the Church because of his great contributions to teaching Christian Doctrine.

Pope Gregory the Great was  the first Pope the refer to himself as the servus servorum Dei—the servant of the servants of God, a title which Pope John Paul II used for himself many times.  The Christian Life is one of service, and the Pope serves the Church, leading her, guiding her, shepherding her.

And that, in the end, is why Saint Gregory is known as the great, because he wasn’t just a competent administrator, but that he poured himself out in service to Christ.  He knew that true human greatness is found a total and surrender to Christ.  He put into practice all that he preached and became a living example of the Gospel he proclaimed.

Through the intercession of this great servant of the Gospel, may we be led to lay down our lives ever more deeply in humble service for the glory of God and salvation of souls.