Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo
Scripture:
Philippians 2:1-4
Luke 14:12-14
Reflection:
Called to Serve the Least, the Last, the Lost…
We continue the journey of our annual November commemoration of saintly people; today we thank God for the person of Charles Borromeo — a zealous man of the 16th Century Church, credited for helping reform and build up the Church in a variety of ways.
As a bishop and Cardinal, Charles was one to encourage the intellectual and moral growth of clergy and religious, especially in forming new seminaries. He also helped author the catechism that was called for during the Council of Trent and started the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for children’s growth in their faith. He held many special meetings in his home diocese of Milan, seeking to incorporate the message and teachings of the Council of Trent. In all this, he reached out to the poor and needy of his day, sacrificing wealth, honor and influence to serve them – even in the challenges of the plagues and famines of his day, ministering to the sick, the hungry, and the dying. Truly a zealous man during his relatively short 46 years of life!
We have the same opportunity to grow and serve as God’s People, the Church. We must change our old ways, and like St. Paul in today’s first reading to the Philippians, we are to be selfless and look to serve the needs of others. Jesus in today’s Gospel highlights a foundational attitude of openness and service, especially of the poor and crippled, the blind and the lame – a true change of attitude from that of the Pharisees of His day! Today’s readings highlight a change of heart and service of others –part-and-parcel in following Jesus, and a rule of life for St. Charles Borromeo!
May the creative and zealous example of St. Charles Borromeo help motivate us as 21st Century Christians: called to be women and men of prayer and action, building up the Church in our day with the example and encouragement of our Papal Pastor, Pope Francis.
Fr. John Schork, C.P. serves as the Province Vocation Director and also as Local Superior of the Passionist Community of Holy Name in Houston, Texas.