Pope St. Gregory the Great

Born in Rome in 540, the son of a senator, Gregory was chosen to be chief magistrate of the city at the age of 35, an indication of his leadership skills.  He later renounced all his wealth and power and became a Benedictine monk, but was later elected Pope, now known as one of the four great Doctors of the Western Church and one of the two Popes referred to as "Great".  He focused on reforming the clergy, especially the bishops and is remembered for his contributions to the liturgy, notably, Gregorian chant.
The Entrance antiphon for his Mass today reads"  "Blessed Gregory, raised upon the throne of Peter,/ sought always the beauty of the Lord/ and lived in celebration of that love."  Not many of us will sit on the throne of Peter, but we can all seek the beauty of the Lord, not only in buildings or landscapes, but in the faces of the people who are part of or come into our lives.  Living in joyful celebration of this beauty and the LOVE which created it, should reflect on our own faces and behavior.  It is sad to hear someone say that after being away from the Church, when tried to come back, he was met with dour faces and unwelcoming indifference.  Not the way Pope St. Gregory would be at the doorway of the Church.  May we put a smile on our faces today and a spark of joy in our interactions with others.
Bro. Rene