Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo

Today's Mass Readings

Today is the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo, who was the first bishop to implement the reforms of the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Many people don't realize that when the Protestant Reformation began in Europe, the Catholic Church was already in the middle of a very long process of reform. The Council of Trent was called to address the challenges of the Protestant Reformation. In addition to its doctrinal discussions, Trent addressed important measures of reform. St. Charles Borromeo fearlessly implemented Trent's reforms. Pope John XXIII, who launched the Second Vatican Council, was in the process of editing St. Charles Borromeo's papers when he was elected pope. Today's first reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians exhorts believers to be imitators of Christ, at least by having the same attitude Jesus had. We too are called upon to imitate Christ in this way. St. Paul points out that was in the very form of God, but did not act as though He was of equal status. He emptied Himself and took the form of a slave. He was human, and He died on the cross. Each of these instances shows Christ's great humility. The Almighty Creator of the universe became a lowly human, a creature, was a mere servant, and suffered death.

What a different attitude we see reflected in today's gospel passage where people reject God's invitation to the wedding feast. If we study the real reason why even today people reject God, we will realize that the main reason is pride or self-suficiency. Rather, as Christ teaching us - humility is our way to God and salvation.

This is a model for us. We ought to follow Christ's example, and become servants of all. Let's take some time today to think about ways in which we be humble, be servants today. Perhaps this service will take the form of simple things, like helping others clean up after a meal, or taking that extra effort to make others' jobs easier. Or, perhaps our service will look more like St. Charles Borromeo's and be at service to the parish community. Let us live out lives of humble service for the greater glory of God, and always be mindful that our serving love of neighbor is an act of loving God.

Jeff Morrow