Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop
Today we celebrate the Memorial of the St. Charles Borromeo. St. Charles lived in the 16th century. He started his religious formation at age twelve and finished his doctorate by age twenty-one. Charles spent his whole life in service of the Church and the people of God. When his father died, his family wanted to Charles to assume the titles of his family. Charles refused their request. He became a great writer and gave his time, talent, and treasure in the service of the poor in Milan during the time of the plague.
The readings today are fitting for such a committed servant such as St. Charles. Paul is challenging the community in Rome to “Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another.” For Paul, the whole law is fulfilled by loving one another. This is why it is called the greatest commandment. Radically loving all, including your enemies, calls for complete trust in God. Blessed is the one who not only fears the Lord but delights in his commandments.
Jesus states this demand for being a completely committed disciple more radically. “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children…he cannot be my disciple.” This stunning statement draws our attention directly to the word “hates”. Jesus uses this word to get people’s attention. Yet, if we look at this verse more deeply, the power of the first part “comes to me” draws this whole reading into clarity. As disciples, we are not being called to hate our family. We are being called to love the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength. Consequently, we must commit ourselves completely to God.
Only with complete commitment to our relationship with the Lord, can we have a proper foundation that is Christ. Perhaps today we can reflect on the primary goals of our life. What aspects of our lives could we identify as being Christ centered? Pray about a specific practice you could adopt to make Christ more central to your life.
“Almighty God, You made us for Yourself, help us give ourselves completely to Your service, so that our restless hearts will find rest in You. Amen!”
- Michael Montgomery