One element of my Lenten discipline is to choose a book for study. Usually, I look for a book that offers some insight to my life and vocation. Despite my purpose, my Lenten book list through the years does not consist entirely of books on spirituality or meditation. Sometimes, I’ll find myself reading short stories or a novel. Last year, I enjoyed Toni Morrison’s only short story: “Recitatif.” A fascinating and deeply insightful story that Morrison intended to be “an experiment in the removal of all racial codes from a narrative about two characters of different races for whom racial identity is crucial.” The story really is a puzzle, and as the reader working the puzzle, you are the subject of Morrison’s experiment.
Anyway, this year, I am reading an oldie but a goodie: “The Book of Pastoral Care,” by Gregory the Great.
Gregory the Great, or St. Gregory the Great, as he is known these days by the Church, was the 64th Bishop of Rome (aka Pope) serving in the last decade of the 6th century. I will leave it to your own study to learn the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of Gregory. Of particular interest to me is his development of the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified, an order that allowed for Communion without the celebration of Holy Eucharist. Gregory also initiated a Christian mission to England sending Augustine of Canterbury–“Apostle to the English,” who became the first archbishop of Canterbury.
As Anglicans, our worship and spirituality bear the marks of Gregory the Great’s ministry. In fact, The Episcopal Church honors Gregory the Great on March 12.
Gregory the Great is often referred to by the title he adopted for himself: “Servant of the Servants of God.” It’s Gregory’s deep commitment to humble service and care that are the foundation of his “Book of Pastoral Care.”
Despite being over 1,400 years old, much of Gregory’s pastoral advice still holds today. Some of it even speaks directly to our current time. “Those who have responsibility for souls should vigilantly distinguish between virtues and vices, knowing that vice is often hidden under the appearance of virtue. Lack of generosity likes to clothe itself in the virtue of frugality, and careless prodigality hides itself under the appearance of generous liberality.” (“Book of Pastoral Care,” Gregory the Great. Kindle version, Part II, Chapter 9, pg.56).
Distinguishing between virtues and vices seems to be a worthy Lenten discipline. May your Lenten discipline be a blessing to you, and may it challenge you to be patient, kind, truthful, and honest with yourself and your relationships.
