The Memorial of St Charles Borromeo

Phil. 2:12-18, Lk. 14:25-33. Today's first reading presents us with the optimistic wishes of Paul for the Philippians. He illustrates how a vibrant community should function, if there is a shared spirit of service and goodwill. Paul enjoins that we must be different from those who are simply caught up in the world. Being a person of faith demands patience, kindness, and determination on the part of a believer in order to be a light shining in the darkness of the world. Those who seek to be children of God must follow the path of Jesus and be agreeable, to act without grumbling or arguing; and to be honest and open, as one family. He openly refers to the prospect of His death, which is imminent. However, on the bright side, he feels sure that he will not run the race in vain or work to no purpose.

In today's Gospel, Jesus warns that the task of following Him and being His disciples is not going to be easy. The disciples will meet opposition from their own family and from others. They will have to carry their cross and make conscious choice to act in a way which reflects the life of Christ. Being a “disciple” of Jesus, as the name implies, takes “discipline.” We must be willing to undergo trying times in order to reflect the image of the one whom we seek to follow. Jesus was very diligent in His ministry; He spent nights in prayer and thought, searching which way He could best do His Father’s will. St Charles Borromeo whose memorial we celebrate endured trying time and was fully conscious of what He said and did, showing the love of God to others. Charles Borromeo was born on October 2, 1538 at the castle of Arona on Lake Maggiore near Milan. His father was the Count of Arona and his mother a member of the House of Medici. At the age of 12, the young Count Charles Borromeo dedicated himself to a life of service to the Church.

May the Lord grant us the courage to be steadfast in faith so that we may receive the promises of God without obstacle! Amen!! Be safe, It is well with you!!!