Quote in context
Gregory the Great on Scripture growing with us
Pope Gregory I (the Great) · Moralia in Job 20.1, paraphrase
“Scripture grows with its readers.”
Plain English
Gregory is describing the depth of biblical interpretation. Scripture does not change, but the reader's capacity to see its meaning deepens over time.
Why it matters
The line became a compact account of spiritual reading: the text keeps opening as the reader matures.
Who said it
Pope Gregory I (the Great)
c. 540 – 604 · Born in Rome · Roman West
Gregory was a Roman aristocrat who became a monk, then was drafted to be Pope, and during fourteen years in office (590–604) reorganised the Western church for the medieval world. He sent Augustine of Canterbury to convert the Anglo-Saxons, codified the chant that bears his name, wrote the Pastoral Care that every medieval bishop used as a manual, and held Italy together as the Roman state collapsed around him. The reason 'medieval' Christianity has the shape it does is largely his.
Book of the day
Confessions
Augustine of HippoA reading pick tied to today's figure, quote, era, or event. The most approachable major Latin Father: autobiography, prayer, memory, sin, grace, and desire.
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