Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Charles Borromeo, B., (04th November, 2017) on the Gospel
and the Memorial
(Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary
Time (I))
Ps 93:12-15.17-18. (R. v.14);
Lk 14:1.7-11.
Saint Charles Borromeo (2nd October, 1538 –
3rd November, 1584) dedicated himself to a life of service to the
Church at the age of 12. Life sped up for him after his uncle became Pope Pius
IV on 25th December, 1559. The new pope invited him to Rome and
appointed him a cardinal-deacon that came with the job of assisting and
advising the pope. He was made a cardinal a month later. His appointment as the
administrator of the Archdiocese of Milan in 1560 helped him decide that the
Lord was calling him to the priesthood. Against the urge to preserve the family
name after the death of his brother in 1562, he was ordained a priest on 4th
September, 1563, consecrated a bishop on 7th December, 1563, and
became the Archbishop of Milan on 12th May, 1564. He provided
education to many clergy he saw as ignorant as a way of reforming the church,
and also founded schools and seminaries, and stopped the selling of
indulgences. Charles Borromeo went deep into debt feeding the starving people when
famine struck Milan in 1576. Pope Paul V beatified him on 12th May,
1602, and also canonized him on 1st November, 1610. He is the patron
saint of bishops, catechists, Lombardy, Italy, Monterey, California, cardinals,
seminarians, spiritual leaders, and Sao Carlos in Brazil.[1]
Topic: Consider others.
Jesus went to a Pharisee’s house for a meal in today’s
gospel. He watched how the guests scrambled for places of honour. Jesus
therefore advised them not to take the place of honour when invited for a
wedding banquet to avoid being asked to vacate the place for someone more distinguished.
But why do people scramble for places of honour? They include
pride, fear of uncertainty, and so on. I would like us to consider only the
fear of uncertainty; not being sure that those at the lower places can get
anything.
Whenever people have the opportunity of taking directly from
anything common, many do either forget that it is qualified by common or the
meaning of common. At public functions for instance, it is not uncommon to see
people take food, meat, drinks, and so on as if they are for them alone. Those
who handle public coffers are even worse because they do not suppose to touch
it.
Today’s gospel challenges us to consider our brothers and
sisters always. Should everyone be conscious of the feelings of others, the rush
for places of honour among other things will drop.
Saint Charles Borromeo we celebrate today is a good manager. He
did not only use his own fortune but also went into debts to feed the hungry.
We must remember always that we shall give account to God.
Bible Reading: Phil 2:1-11.
Thought for today: Consider the common good.
Let us pray: God, give us a heart that will
understand the needs of others – Amen.
Saint Charles Borromeo – Pray for us.
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with others if you consider it worthy.
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