Where does one begin to recite the glories of a man who excelled at many things in so many ways? His greatness is emphasized by contrast with the time in which he lived, when everything was in decline. He was prefect of Rome when he wrote: "Everything is at the mercy of the barbarians, the cities are undermined, the citadels are destroyed, the provinces are depopulated, there are no more farmers in the country. And every day the idolaters exert their power and gratify their rage by assassinating the faithful. We see what has become of her who once appeared as mistress of the world. She is broken by all she has suffered from immense and manifold misfortunes. . . . We, the few who are left, are menaced every day by the sword and innumerable trials. . . ."

Saint Bede described Gregory as the man England "may and ought to call our Apostle, because he made our nation, till then given up to idols, the Church of Christ," and Gregory's tomb in Rome bears the inscription: "He taught the Christian truth to English Saxons."

READING from St. Gregory the Great

"Perhaps it is not after all so difficult for a man to part with his possessions, but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. To renounce what one has is a minor thing; but to renounce what one is, that is asking a lot" (St. Gregory, Homilies on the Gospels).

"When our hearts are reluctant we often have to compel ourselves to pray for our enemies, to pour out prayer for those who are against us. Would that our hearts were filled with love! How frequently we offer a prayer for our enemies, but do it because we are commanded to, not out of love for them. We ask the gift of life for them even while we are afraid that our prayer may be heard. The judge of our soul considers our hearts rather than our words. Those who do not pray for their enemies out of love are not asking anything for their benefit.

Jesus, our advocate, has composed a prayer for our case. And our advocate is also our judge. He has inserted a condition in the prayer that reads: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Sometimes we say these words without carrying them out. Thus our words bind us more tightly.

What are we to do then, my friends? We must bestow our love on our brothers and sisters. We must not allow any malice at all to remain in our hearts. May almighty God have regard for our love of our neighbour, so that He may pardon our iniquities! Remember what He taught us: Forgive, and you will be forgiven. People are in debt to us, and us to them. Let us forgive them their debts, so that what we owe may be forgiven."

READING Gospel Luke 5:33-39

They asked him, "John's disciples are well-known for keeping fasts and saying prayers. Also the Pharisees. But you seem to spend most of your time at parties. Why?"

Jesus said, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but this isn't the time. As long as the bride and groom are with you, you have a good time. When the groom is gone, the fasting can begin. No one throws cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!  "No one cuts up a fine silk scarf to patch old work clothes; you want fabrics that match. And you don't put wine in old, cracked bottles; you get strong, clean bottles for your fresh vintage wine. And no one who has ever tasted fine aged wine prefers unaged wine."

Jesus Christ is the good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. Through the intercession of Saint Gregory, we pray:        R/ Loving Shepherd, hear us.

You have called wise and holy servants to lead your people:

    - strengthen in wisdom and holiness our Pope.

You came not to be served but to serve, and to give your life for many:

    - strengthen in charity and courage all those whom you have called to live a life of pastoral service.

You showed us the way to humble service in Saint Gregory:

    - teach us to prefer the way of love to the way of power.

O Wisdom of God, you inspire us to good works:

    - lead us in faithful service as we labour in your name.