San Gregorio Magno esegeta della Bibbia

Abstract

After having recalled several bio-bibliographical notes on Gregory the Great, the author then points out the spiritual dimension of Gregoryʼs biblical exegesis. The key to all of Gregoryʼs exegetical works is the importance of the compunction of heart within the context of an imminent eschatology. The fruit of this compunction is the removal of the “veil” of reading the Scriptures that permits the contemplation or vision of God. It also opens a prophetic gift which enables the exegete to read history and to interpret it as “salvation history”. Both subjective and objective elements come into play in the dynamics of exegesis, always under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Exegesis has as its only goal the inclination to and formation of the love of God. All this, Gregory thought, comes under the common denominator of the Sacred Books whose reading produces a judgement which will bring either entry into or exclusion from the eternal beatitude.