God himself is my help. — Psalm 54:6

Mass readings: Colossians 1:21-23 / Luke 6:1-5 

Past and Present 

This is the feast day of Gregory the Great, pope from 590 to 604. He loved monastic life and liturgy, especially the liturgical style of music we call Gregorian chant. People throughout the world still chant as part of the Liturgy of the Hours. 

Years ago, my husband and I participated in the Liturgy of the Hours in the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. Lighting was low; murals surrounded us; monks chanted the evening psalms. As worship continued, an awareness came to me: Gregorian chanting had been sung here for almost 800 years! Awe and gratitude flowed over me. The Church’s past and present became one within me. The Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, liturgical music: You and I belong to a 2,000-year-old Church with 2,000-year-old traditions. What a gift. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the Church. Thank You for its traditions and its people.