Words And Works

Letter 3,57 - to the patrician Italica. August 593

"But let almighty God bring it about that, just as we have good feelings about you, so your mind may give a good response to us, and you may exhibit in your works the sweetness that you expend on your words.
For the most glorious health and beauty on the surface of a body is worth nothing if there is a wound deep within. And that discord is all the more to be avoided, for which external peace provides a cover up. But in the aforesaid letter, your excellency tried earnestly to recall to our memory that this had been written to you. That in cases concerning the poor, we wanted to make no decisions with you that cause offence, or that ring with the din of a public court. We remember writing this, and know that, with God's help, we restrain ourselves from quarrelsome cases with ecclesiastical moderation. And in accordance with apostolic good sense, we happily put up with the plundering of our goods. But we believe that you know this, that our silence and patience will not create a legal precedent for future popes after me in matters of the poor."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 277.

High Standards

Letter 2,41 - to Archbishop Januarius. August 592

"If we considered the priestly office administered by us with integrity of mind, the agreement of undivided love ought to so unite us with our sons, that as we are approved of affectionately as fathers in our name, so we are in our deeds.
Therefore, while we ought to be the sort of men as stated, we wonder why such a great mass of complaints has arisen against your Fraternity.
We in fact have hesitated to believe them so far. But so that we are able to find out the truth, we have sent John there, a notary of our see, supported by our recommendation, to force the parties to attend a court of chosen men, and to bring into effect whatever the court decides in its procedure.
For that reason we encourage your Fraternity with the present letter that you should examine the merits of the cases by yourself, beforehand. And if you find that you have taken something unjustly, or still have it, restore it before the trail, contemplating your priesthood."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 220.

Court Of Justice

Letter 2,34 - to John, bishop of Ravenna. July 592

"It is certainly right to terminate the controversies of those quarrelling with a swift judgement, and with both fairness and vigor. Since therefore Wiland, the bearer of this letter, is begging your Fraternity for recognition, let your see that Deacon Gavinian, against whom he tells us he has a case, is summoned to your court. And without delay, please examine the truth of their case with meticulous inquiry, and let both parties be compelled to observe and implement in every whatever the process of justice shall recommend, and whatever shall be defined by the sentence you give."

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 213.